Posted 2009-04-25 4:55 AM (#103931 - in reply to #103928) Subject: RE: Replacement parts for trailer
Expert
Posts: 3802
Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Sounds like you need to take it to a local auto body shop/metal fabrication company. Have them cut out the old tin, shape and install the new stuff. Count your money before you start doing alot of refurbishing to an old trailer.... Most of the time it's alot cheaper and easier to go out and buy a clean used unit..... Replacing the nose and roof is going to run the bill way up. What make trailer is it?
Posted 2009-04-25 6:32 AM (#103932 - in reply to #103928) Subject: RE: Replacement parts for trailer
Member
Posts: 5
Location: pacific northwest
Not the advice I am looking for reto. Money is not an issue. I am training the horse myself, I want to overhaul the trailer myself. I just built a 30 x 40 shop that my trailer is dying to get re-done in.
Can anyone else point me in the direction of replacement parts for a horse trailer? And a helpful website?
I am looking to replace the nose, I want t o replace the roof, ass diamond plating and possibly go to a ramp as well as a step up (as it is now)
Posted 2009-04-25 3:17 PM (#103937 - in reply to #103928) Subject: RE: Replacement parts for trailer
Regular
Posts: 54
Do you know what brand the trailer is? Is the trailer roof or nose cap fiberglass? We have been selling trailers since 1975. Probaly have some of the parts here in a storage shed.
Posted 2009-04-26 9:34 PM (#103991 - in reply to #103928) Subject: RE: Replacement parts for trailer
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont
Sorry camicam...I agree with retento...a refurbed 1972 trailer is just a going to be an almost 40 year old trailer...if you have problems with your axles you may have to totally replace them becasue of the lack of parts...If you want to refub something...how about a nice F-100... Because you'll get your money back when you decide to sell that...
Posted 2009-04-27 4:14 AM (#104002 - in reply to #103928) Subject: RE: Replacement parts for trailer
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
I assume that the reason you are willing to spend more time and money on this project than its worth, is personal reasons due to your inheritance. I'm sure you're aware of your trailer's value now and when it's completed.
To replace a roof is a major undertaking, because few of the pieces are continuously flat. The nose cap is the most difficult to replicate because of the involved compound curves. Few manufacturers had the funds to purchase the stamping equipment, that could form the part from one piece of metal. Most were built of several pie shaped pieces, individually bent over a form and welded together. Many manufacturers had a different radius or shape for the front of a trailer, and different profiles for the height.
I might suggest against a complete roof replacement, and instead, recommend repairing just the damaged areas. Cutting out the poor areas and welding in new steel will be more manageable. You will need some good welding and cutting equipment and skills to effect these repairs. To replace and replicate curved panels, you will have need of a commercial fabrication shop with heavy sheet metal tooling. This will include a brake, shear, roller , plasma cutter, and probably an English Wheel.
"Panels" can be a piece of metal a foot square or the whole side of a trailer. I have not suggested that there is a source of ready made parts available for trailer repairs. I have often said that panels can be fabricated as needed.
We are not arguing against your wish to renovate your trailer. We just want you to be aware that it is not cost effective. Once you have made the decision to press on regardless, I admire you for your dedication to preservation values. Your time is not free, it is the most expensive commodity you have and it's finite. To exchange many hours of work for a finished restoration, is very rewarding. I wish you the best.