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Bantam 1946 (elk do not fit in jeeps well) trailer build

7K views 31 replies 13 participants last post by  Ziptie 
#1 ·
Not my jeep but an example of one of my jeeping issues….


I just picked up this Bantam 1946 for $175! It needs some work, but is a great start. I will be rebuilding/ restoring it. I do not think it will be restored as "period correct", sorry. I will be making it work as best I can for my needs and budget.
 
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#2 ·
Got the rusty old floor out and discovered one more floor, and it was more rusty than the first. Jr worked hard and earned his dinner today. The boy loves this old thing.




There is a decal covered in paint on the side it looks like it has a bell in the center with a round border. How can I get the paint off without destroying the decal?
 
#3 ·
Re-welded the broken front top rail corners.






Cut out the rear cross member and replaced it. The rest of the frame has surface rust but is still good.


I will be looking to replace the springs.


I need to rework this.
 
#9 ·
depending on what the decal is made out of you could try acetone or mineral spirits.
 
#13 ·
not a 1946

I have a 1946 T3c trailer, paid a bit more that you, but mine needed next to nothing. you got what I call a screeming deal. Yours is newer than a 1946, I cant tell you how much newer but they didn't use that rear style for the taillights in 46. The people on the T3c website can tell you EVERYTHING. This is what the rear of a 46 t3c looks like.

You can check out more of my trailer and my jeep
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f22/my-digital-camo-flatfendered-tj-616304/

FYI standard CJ2A springs are a direct fit. that was how the original WWII trailers were set up.
 

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#14 ·
Thanks I will check the year again. your rig looks great :cheers2:

It will be nice to pull behind my TJ-6. I am wondering if I should paint it to match or not….
 
#15 ·
Thanks I will check the year again. your rig looks great :cheers2:

It will be nice to pull behind my TJ-6. I am wondering if I should paint it to match or not….
Go ahead paint it to match.

Hey could you sketch up the landing leg in the 11th picture? I need to make one. I can get close just looking a photos but it would be nice to have some dimensions. It looks like ¼ X 2" stock but I don't even know that for sure.
 
#19 ·
PM sent.

I would love to make the trailer a exact restoration but it’s just not in the cards. I don’t got the time or money too. I will make it very usable and strong so it will be around for another 50 years. It might also be getting a set of longer CJ springs because I am getting some for free.
 
#24 ·
Craigslist, Ebay.......
Basically everywhere you mentioned. Just have to keep your eyes open!Government Surplus Auctions at Government Liquidation is a good DRMO site. You can search for a base that close to you. But you wont find a trailer this old from DRMO!
She's coming along nicely. I wish I had the time for mine. Mine is in as bad of shape as yours was. My frame is good. I have rust at the bottom of the side panels and a bit on the floor. Considering how old these trailers are and what they have been through, they are in pretty good shape. Who would think that some old utility trailer they bought back in the late 40's would still be around in 2010! Imagine what all that trailer has hauled! The stories it could tell!
 
#26 ·
The trailer is still working well I have had it in the woods and on the highway lots. I really like how much more stuff I can now pack. It also really adds utility to the jobs of my jeep. I do have some more plans for it… I think I will be doing some frame extending to it this winter…
 
#28 ·
The trailer is still working well I have had it in the woods and on the highway lots. I really like how much more stuff I can now pack. It also really adds utility to the jobs of my jeep. I do have some more plans for it…
SOA with 33's ?? Just kidding nice trailer well done :thumbsup:
 
#29 ·
Is that the original tailgate for your Bantam trailer?? Only reason why I ask is I have a Bantam as well and my tailgate is the complete opposite of that. Maybe they adjusted throughout the years but I have a 46 as well
 
#30 ·
The tail gate might not be original it was welded on at the hinges when I got the trailer…. It got some use this year took my oldest elk hunting for the late cow season. I did not take any shots of the trailer loaded with elk and stuff. My group got 8 animals this year. And the trailer is very nice fit for me and the jeep, it is just so handy to have.



 
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