My 1946 Bantam T3-C (1 Viewer)

[MtnClimber]

Here's my newest addition to the addiction. It's a 1946 Bantam T3C trailer. It's all original, no rust through, original paint, and comes with all the original optional hardware for that time. It also comes with a lid that the PO had fabricated( It's like a steel tonneau cover), and it also came with a (supposedly) super rare original taillight that people will spend hundreds for if in prime condition. $500 and it was all mine.
Overall, it needs little work. Wiring, new lights and that's it. Pulled smoothly and quietly up the turnpike at 70 and the hubs were still cold.


It's fitting, AND sits perfectly level!

It needs a little work. I'm going to take it apart and have it blasted, then seal and paint it. It also needs new wiring and lights...

I can't wait to start using it! ;D

 

[american psycho]

very nice score. rides nice and level with your lift.

 

[titanpat57]

Terrific find...good luck with it!

 

[MtnClimber]

I want to restore it, but I'm not sure how I should do it. My main concern is re-sale value. I want to blast it and re-paint, install all new wiring and lights. Would it be better to keep it original as much as possible or would it be better to just up-date it that does include welding and drilling?

If I update it, I was thinking of putting military style tires on it, rhino lining the inside, installing a steel tonneau lid, bolting some racks on it to haul more stuff for expeditions, and possibly changing it to Lunette/Pintle set-up.

Would doing the above be kill the worth of the trailer or would it yield a better re-sale? I'm thinking that updating it would peak the interest of more buyers that would be more interested in using it than collecting it... I dunno. What do you think?

 

[prado t]

That is a Nice Score! If you are worried about re-sale value then re-store it to original condition. Collectors always like original. If you are going to use it then resto-mod it to fit . I just picked up a modified MB-T yesterday.

 

[titanpat57]

I want to restore it, but I'm not sure how I should do it. My main concern is re-sale value. I want to blast it and re-paint, install all new wiring and lights. Would it be better to keep it original as much as possible or would it be better to just up-date it that does include welding and drilling?

If I update it, I was thinking of putting military style tires on it, rhino lining the inside, installing a steel tonneau lid, bolting some racks on it to haul more stuff for expeditions, and possibly changing it to Lunette/Pintle set-up.

Would doing the above be kill the worth of the trailer or would it yield a better re-sale? I'm thinking that updating it would peak the interest of more buyers that would be more interested in using it than collecting it... I dunno. What do you think?

Well Brian or Johnny may be suited to answer it, but I'll give you my 2 cents.

If your worried about hacking the trailer up and affecting the resale...then why not sell it and turn over a profit if possible?

Or...just make it what you want to make it, enjoy it, and don't worry about the resale. It looks like it's pretty clean, and would make a nice slate for a fresh build, especially with the tailgate.

Pat

 

[pkbirdog]

Ya I agree with Titan, I would costumize it to fit my needs and keep it if I could.

 

[MtnClimber]

Yeah, that's where I was going with this. I wanted to make it MINE and 'improve' on it for the expedition trailer I originally bought it for. But I wasn't sure if I would be that guy that ruined a classic by altering it. You know, that guy that buys that good condition rare FJ and ends up 'ruining' it by lifting it, and swapping the engine.... know what I mean? I don't know if it's on THAT scale though...