WWII Ben Hur side rack hardware repro project

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TopKick
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Re: WWII Ben Hur side rack hardware repro project

Post by TopKick » Thu Oct 17, 2013 3:46 am

Once finished with my 1/4 ton trailer project, I will see if I can make these parts as I described. I own a Ben Hur trailer with all of the correct top bows, side racks, and components. 8)
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Re: WWII Ben Hur side rack hardware repro project

Post by Hammerhead » Mon Oct 28, 2013 5:01 pm

Top,
That would be great if you can fabricate those last two parts. I'm sure there are others needing them beside me. Thanks for jumping in to help! MIke
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Re: WWII Ben Hur side rack hardware repro project

Post by Tinwoodsman » Mon Oct 28, 2013 7:33 pm

I in for a set if it can be done.

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Re: WWII Ben Hur side rack hardware repro project

Post by Tinwoodsman » Wed Oct 30, 2013 1:05 pm

I found this gate latch set today and some of the parts may work for the latch part you cannot duplicate. How many are used on the side boards?

Image

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Re: WWII Ben Hur side rack hardware repro project

Post by SteveG » Wed Oct 30, 2013 1:16 pm

Four latches are used per trailer. The round stock handles on those looks to be too small of a diameter. They need to be 1/2" round stock.

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Re: WWII Ben Hur side rack hardware repro project

Post by Tinwoodsman » Wed Oct 30, 2013 1:59 pm

Looks that way in the photo but they appear to be 1/2". Four packages would cost approximately $50

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Re: WWII Ben Hur side rack hardware repro project

Post by Tinwoodsman » Wed Oct 30, 2013 2:04 pm

"I'm waiting on a quote for one part of the latch that holds the end panels to the side racks. These would be made by another company that can stamp them out. I should have that Friday. Those pieces have already been figured into the quote for $360. Hopefully, I figured their approx cost right..."

Steve, What is the estimated purchase cost of the pieces your fellow can make?

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Re: WWII Ben Hur side rack hardware repro project

Post by SteveG » Wed Oct 30, 2013 2:52 pm

I left my guy a message just now to get back to me.

The handles in the photo are probably 3/8 round stock. 1/2" round stock would be a bit of overkill for a gate latch, except for the military.

A little searching on the net may provide the specs for their products. That latch plate has four screw holes. Ben Hur latch plates have two.
Last edited by SteveG on Wed Oct 30, 2013 3:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: WWII Ben Hur side rack hardware repro project

Post by Tinwoodsman » Wed Oct 30, 2013 3:05 pm

As for the holes, I would fill the existing holes with a mig welder and copper backing plate and then re-drill new holes. Not a perfect scenario but better than nothing.

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Re: WWII Ben Hur side rack hardware repro project

Post by SteveG » Mon Nov 11, 2013 1:14 pm

Thanks to Leonard Nettles, we almost have the side rack sockets done. He needs to have the machine work done for the bevels and threads and he'll have some for sale. Beautiful work, Leonard! He's also working on the latch assemblies. If I can light a fire under my guy, we'll have all the parts done soon.....
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Re: WWII Ben Hur side rack hardware repro project

Post by Tinwoodsman » Mon Nov 11, 2013 1:44 pm

That is great news. Can't wait to get a final number and leadtime.

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Re: WWII Ben Hur side rack hardware repro project

Post by zepher11 » Sat Nov 16, 2013 6:52 am

Regarding the side sockets in the photo below, does anyone have a photo they could post of how they are used on the trailer? I was looking at the rack plans on the CCKW site, but didn't see them specifically shown there. I have looked around the net and couldn't find an example either. Thanks in advance! :)

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Re: WWII Ben Hur side rack hardware repro project

Post by Joe Gopan » Sat Nov 16, 2013 7:54 am

Here's the hardware on my Ben Hur.
Attachments
Ben_Hur_Brackets_004.JPG
Ben_Hur_Brackets_004.JPG (143.48 KiB) Viewed 2269 times
Ben_Hur_Brackets_003.JPG
Ben_Hur_Brackets_003.JPG (155.86 KiB) Viewed 2269 times
Ben_Hur_Brackets_002.JPG
Ben_Hur_Brackets_002.JPG (157.62 KiB) Viewed 2269 times
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Re: WWII Ben Hur side rack hardware repro project

Post by Joe Gopan » Sat Nov 16, 2013 7:59 am

The OEM latches used on the G-518 trailers are from 1/2" round stock.
The configuration of the plate for the "pins at the bottom of the front and rear racks can differ between manufacturers. there were around 25 manufacturers of the "Ben Hur" I have NOS examples that have a difference in bolt hole spacing. There are two styles of Pin Brackets that secure the pins on the lower corners of the end gates, some are machined and threaded as the ones illustrated, the other is a simple bent L-shape with a drilled hole made from flat stock as in the two pics below.
Attachments
Ben_Hur_Brackets_007.JPG
Ben_Hur_Brackets_007.JPG (127.02 KiB) Viewed 2269 times
Ben_Hur_Brackets_006.JPG
Ben_Hur_Brackets_006.JPG (143.71 KiB) Viewed 2269 times
Ben_Hur_Brackets_005.JPG
Ben_Hur_Brackets_005.JPG (62.67 KiB) Viewed 2269 times
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
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Re: WWII Ben Hur side rack hardware repro project

Post by zepher11 » Sat Nov 16, 2013 5:47 pm

Thanks Joel, those are all great photos and that makes sense that not all of the hardware for the cargo racks were 100% indentical between the 25 manufacturers. I think that answers my questions and I'm good to go!

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