help on rebuilding old trailer
thegoaltender
Reg. Dec 2006
Posted 2006-12-20 11:13 AM (#52682)
Subject: help on rebuilding old trailer


New User


Posts: 2

Location: Lunenburg, MA
I just purchased an old 2 horse trailer that needs some help on the sheet metal. There are rust holes in places. I was thinking of replacing the sheet metal with galvanized/galvanealed? I am a novice at welding and have a MIG and a oxy-acetylene setups. My main issue at this point is where to get the sheet metal as a reasonable price. Also, are there any pitfalls I should look out for?
share Top of the page Bottom of the page
robdnorm
Reg. Jan 2005
Posted 2006-12-20 7:00 PM (#52702 - in reply to #52682)
Subject: RE: help on rebuilding old trailer


Extreme Veteran


Posts: 500
500
Location: West TN
We have worked a few older trailers in the Ag Mech. shop classes.  The first thing we look at is the frame and the integrity of the welds and how well it is holding up to the elements. The hardest part of the sheet metal to replace for us was the front part or the "cone" as I call it.  We took all the measurements and had this made for us.  Most of the older trailers we get calls on will have rust at the bottom of the walls where they join the floor.  In many cases we will see this area have alot of rust there.  In most cases, we go ahead and replace the floors on these older trailers.  I would make sure that you also check the springs and axles while you are working on it.  It never hurts to look over all the frame and welds while you have the welder out and ready to work.  Best of luck! 
share Top of the page Bottom of the page
thegoaltender
Reg. Dec 2006
Posted 2006-12-21 7:49 AM (#52713 - in reply to #52702)
Subject: RE: help on rebuilding old trailer


New User


Posts: 2

Location: Lunenburg, MA
Thanks for the reply. The majority of the rust is on the lower half of the body. I was thinking of just replacing those sections with holes starting, but if I can find the sheet metal at a decent price I would like to redo it all.
share Top of the page Bottom of the page