Clifford, the Big Red Hauler........the Re-Build

[willinno]

Will, I would swear you own stock in that crap!

And Paul, yes, I knew the reason when I saw it.......laziness!

Just messing with you, although it's up 1/8 today. I make my jokes where I can find them. You have gotten into the job on the trailer full force. I know you're going to have it in A-1 shape when you're done.

 

[Bang Bang]

Very nice Mike.
You have very quickly evolved from driving to events, to tow behind the FJ, to tow truck and small trailer, to full size trailer with a cabin

You officially have "The" setup. I like how Paul used one of those pop up tents on his to have a little sitting area in the shade.

Thanks Layton. And the canopy on the deck is part of Stage 2 when I move the door to the rear of the living quarters.

Just messing with you, although it's up 1/8 today. I make my jokes where I can find them. You have gotten into the job on the trailer full force. I know you're going to have it in A-1 shape when you're done.

I know you like to joke about Rustoleum.......

 

[Bang Bang]

Mike ya might try this eternabond

That is some pretty interesting stuff. I think I got the leaks fixed except for the windows. They need new gaskets apparently. But if the roof doesn't cooperate, I will probably order some of this. Thanks Paul.

 

[lostinafog]

Just messing with you, although it's up 1/8 today. I make my jokes where I can find them. You have gotten into the job on the trailer full force. I know you're going to have it in A-1 shape when you're done.

that or he prefers the aroma or hi from sniffing "it`s all good in the wood"

 

[Trab]

I know you've probably thought of this, but just throwing it out there. Have you made sure that you will have enough room for the door to open when a rig is on the back?

 

[Bang Bang]

A few have asked that question and I will answer like this: my rig will be the last thing loaded on the trailer and the first thing taken off so I am not sure why that is so important. With only 4 straps around the tires, I can have the rig off the back in less than 10 minutes if necesary. Having said that, there should be plenty of room to open the door. I won't be re-using the same door that is on it now (at least that's the plan). Plus the door will be recessed into the trailer deck. You have to see it to understand. I may take some pictures to start mocking it up this weekend when I get done putting it back together.

 

[Trab]

ok, as long as you have thought it out.

 

[Layonnn]

One thing to keep in mind mike is where the 40 needs to be positioned on the trailer so that the weight is balanced out well onto the tow rig. Its not near as important since you are towing with a 5th wheel rather than the ball, but still importante.

 

[Bang Bang]

You are correct sir. It's hard to see in the pictures above due to the angle of the pictures but the axles seem to be perfectly placed for weight distribution. I have not put the 40 on it yet as Hachi has been at my buddy's since July 3rd getting all the front axle work done. The rain and life has hampered him from getting finished. I am hoping he will be done this weekend so I can put her on the trailer to know exactly where to put the D rings for strapping her down.

 

[lostinafog]

sooooo what ya gona call it after the color change?

 

[Bang Bang]

Don't think I'll be painting it any time soon. Maybe after the re-skin but I will probably just stick with red.

 

[Bang Bang]

Didn't get anywhere near what I would have liked to done. I did manage to clean up the mildew from the leaks and get the FRP panels measured and cut. The only problem is they are so flimsy by themselves it's almost impossible to hang them on the ceiling without help. So, I think the wife is coming with me tomorrow and Deryl said he would give me a hand for a little bit.

On the list for tomorrow:
*Hang ceiling
*Remove A/C cover and repair whatever looks like it could be a leak
*Paint over all the rubber spray

 

[Frey]

I'm there tomorrow, too. What time are you getting started? Let me know if you need me to bring anything.

 

[Bang Bang]

I will be getting there around 9:30. I think I have everything we need. I will be stopping at Lowes before heading to the shop for a few more things. Thanks.

 

[osagecruiser]

looking good mike...sorry i was not able to participate in the work...it will be cool when finished
marc

 

[Bang Bang]

Thanks to Frey, Deryl and the wife for helping out today. We got a lot accomplished.....unfortunately, no pics this time. We managed to get the ceiling hung, most of the bead board cut and hung (damn cordless tools run of juice right when you need them), the a/c sealed at the roof and all the black leak seal sprayed red. Feel much better about Clifford now. Still have some finishing touches to work on but now I've got to turn my attention back to Hachi for a moment. Front axle, locker, shafts and birfs are all done but found out I have a broken motor mount on the driver side.

 

[Bang Bang]

looking good mike...sorry i was not able to participate in the work...it will be cool when finished
marc

Thanks Marc. Completely understandable bud. No worries. I just hope the next guy to buy it from me isn't saying the same things that I am saying about the guy I bought it from.

 

[Bang Bang]

Well, the wife just informed me she took some pics........

 

[LouisianaFJ]

Looking good mike!

Batteries are exarly why all my tools are corded, it's a bit annoying some times, but at least I can keep working

 

[Bang Bang]

Yeah, I brought the corded drill and circular saw but I had forgotten the jig saw.