ZZ's M416 style trailer build (2 Viewers)

[Zane]

Knocked several little projects of my list today. Finished up the extension of the trailer tongue leg so the trailer now sits level. I will need to pull it all apart and paint the extension but the hard work is now done with that.

 

[Zane]

I finally cleaned up the fenders and rounded off the sharp edges. Got everything aligned how I wanted it and drilled mounting holes and then bolted them up for a test fitting. I’m happy with the result.

 

[Zane]

Last project for the evening was making the lid handle. A bit of a challenge getting it all lined up when making the handle but after quite a bit of grinding and adjusting I just burned it in.

 

[Voodoocruisers]

Great work as always Zane!

 

[Zane]

Great work as always Zane!

Hey!! Good hearing from you. I need your help painting the tub. Wish you lived closer.

 

[Zane]

Installed the latches purchased from McMaster Carr. I took off the massive red handle ends. Didn’t like the plastic, plus they fade over time.

 

[Voodoocruisers]

I finally got around to adding an 80 front to the wall. That’s the original grill from our rig, and the same color. Bring that trailer when you’re done and we’ll color match SEM liner on it .

 

[Zane]

Received my 150 lb gas struts today. Welded in mounting points and installed. Temporarily strapped the RTT on to test out the struts. Works very well but I think it would be even better if I drop the mounting point that is attached to the inside of the tub a little lower. Simply drill new holes lower on the bracket to make the adjustment. I believe that will add more upward force a bit sooner but happy with it even how it is.

 

[Zane]

tailgate needed cables so I ordered some from Amazon HERE.

 

[Zane]

Laid down epoxy primer this morning over everything. Did 3 solid coats. Next up will be final paint and bed liner for inside of tub, fenders, and top. Perfect day, no wind and not a bug or dust in the paint.

 

[Zane]

Alright. I'm needing some guidance. For those of you who have prepped aluminum for paint what is the absolute best method? I would like to prep the aluminum tread plate to shoot bed liner on top of it. There are several methods I have read but most is for prepping for base coat/clear coat. I'm simply wanting to get it prepped to accept bed liner. Would love to hear what others on this forum have done with success.

 

[fjdiesel]

From my homework sandblasting etches the aluminum the best. From what I have read and had experience with. Project is looking good!

 

[gnob]

I worked at an aluminum boat builder years ago. After sanding id wash with acid wash

 

[Zane]

While I’m doing paint work on the tub it was a good time to weld in some cross bracing to bolt up and test fit the leveling jacks.

 

[Zane]

Painted the outside of the tub and rack with single stage urethane paint in Sting-Gray. Next up will be to bedline the fenders, inside and lip of tub, and lid.

 

[Zane]

tub has officially been mounted on frame!

 

[Zane]

Painted original 1960s military blackout lights the same color as the tub. Retrofitted with clear lenses and super bright red LEDs.

 

[Zane]

Got the trailer back from having the inside of tub, top & underside of lid and fenders shot with bedliner. Got all back together over the weekend.

 

[clrussell]

Any update on this? Very nicely done

 

[mookamatook]

Any update on this? Very nicely done

I also would love to see what the finished product turned out like. Would also love to pick your brain for 20mins on the phone about how to do this... about to embark on the exact same mission next week and need some product recommendations, tube sizing, and some general brain power.