1943 1/4 ton WWII Bantam Trailer

Quarter-ton trailer series, Wanted, USED PARTS FOR SALE NO EBAY or COMMERCIAL SALES., and Knowledge Base
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Bill H.
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Re: 1943 1/4 ton WWII Bantam Trailer

Post by Bill H. » Sat May 23, 2020 10:35 am

Robert, evidently this one was or the buyer at least thought it was. I think we all know buying and selling is based on a number of factors but it really boils down to; sellers will always ask more than they are willing to accept and buyers will always offer less than they are willing to give.

This trailer might be worth $1500.00 next week or it might be worth $4000.00. Really, it's not often a complete (original data plate included) becomes available. I, for one, am pleased the seller was able to sell it regardless of the price, which we really don't know what the price was. That is between the seller and the buyer.
Bill H.

"Each shall seek his own kind, in other words, a bird may love a fish but where would they build a home together?" Tevye, Fiddler on the Roof

1952 Dunbar Kapple M100
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Re: 1943 1/4 ton WWII Bantam Trailer

Post by signsup » Sun May 24, 2020 6:33 am

I am also happy that the military trailer will, hopefully, remain a military trailer, but that it appears that it will also not get put into a container and shipped to another country as many of our military vehicles do.

Keep'em rolling and keep 'em here. Just my opinion, not a MVPA position.
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Re: 1943 1/4 ton WWII Bantam Trailer

Post by Chuck Lutz » Sun May 24, 2020 11:37 am

Art, on the CIVILIAN Bantam T3-C site suggests that those who show up and mention using a G529 as a camping trailer or utility trailer and plan on cutting out a tailgate and other humiliating chop-jobs go to G503 and do exactly what has happened here.

The mere fact that the G529s go for more than the T3-C trailers in the same condition does make it a financially smart as well...
Chuck Lutz

GPW 17963 4/24/42 Chester, PA. USA 20113473 (USA est./Tom W.)
Bantam T3-C 1947

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Re: 1943 1/4 ton WWII Bantam Trailer

Post by signsup » Sun May 24, 2020 12:34 pm

Chuck,
Oddly enough one of the guys that traded me his M100 trailer for a CJ5 era trailer is getting a Bantam T3C that I had in stock. He wants the lunette casting and eye instead of the original fulton coupler, so it's all working out. All I have to do to the body for him is drill another 4" hole in the passenger gusset for another tail light. I was surprised the the C trailers are not worth as much as I hope they would be. I'll make the original casting and coupler to someone that can use it for a C restoration.

It's kinda fun working on trailers as I don't have to mess with motors.
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Re: 1943 1/4 ton WWII Bantam Trailer

Post by Chuck Lutz » Sun May 24, 2020 5:04 pm

Robert, I used to use my G529 to haul stuff to camping and jeep meets and found it harder each year to lift T84s and T/Cs and all kinds of parts UP and then down into the bed and then UP and out of the bed.

Frank and I won the original first "Trailer Races" in the river at Tower Park in my trailer but I eventually sold it and bought a decent Bantam T3-C. It has a tailgate of course which makes loading/unloading easy. It came with some non-original top bows so simple throwing a tarp over it keeps it dry in winter and in case of jeep meet showers.

Practically speaking, I can see how Bantam knew right away that top bows and a tailgate would be a vast improvement over the older brother, the G529. I don't go forging raging rivers and I like the top bows on her. I could go nuts and restore the modifications some PO made but right now, with new tires and lights that work....she's going to stay that way.

For guys who are not ready to sink a lot of beer money into an original G529 or to buy a beater and restore it to factory specs, I see no problem AT ALL in buying one and doing the basics (tires, lights, maybe bearings) and shooting a few cans of 33070 on it and adding a few stars and a USA number. As long as it is presented as a "clone", that's cool, because the owner who camps will enjoy that trailer a bunch and save wear and tear on their back and their piggy-bank.
Chuck Lutz

GPW 17963 4/24/42 Chester, PA. USA 20113473 (USA est./Tom W.)
Bantam T3-C 1947

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Re: 1943 1/4 ton WWII Bantam Trailer

Post by DWesol » Mon May 25, 2020 6:44 pm

Gentlemen,
When I saw the original post for this trailer, I was not in the market for a trailer, as I have a 1945 Bantam T3.
But the overall original condition, along with the restoration that it needs are a good match for my tools, skills, and garage space. My knowledge about the history of these trailers, was almost all learned here on the G503. From all of you. I found this an opportunity to upgrade.

Antonio was a great negotiator, and we came to an acceptable selling price for both of us. Being quite a distance away, I would have never considered this purchase. But another opportunity appeared, as a good friend was stationed about 90 minutes drive from the seller. My friend was able to inspect the trailer in person. This helped greatly with my decision to make the offer to purchase. The friend also generously offered to bring it to me via enclosed trailer, after he heads back here in 3 weeks.

I paid a bit more than I wanted, but in the long run, I don’t mind. I will enjoy this project. And I will tow it with my GPW, and take it to shows and events. And preserve a small piece of history. When the time comes for me to retire from this hobby, I will sell it, for whatever price the market will bear. Hopefully to a MV enthusiast. I don’t mind if that price is lower than “what I got into it”. Because i will have enjoyed the journey. :D

So, the wheel bearings have already been purchased from RFJP. A wiring harness, and other parts are on a RFJP wish list. Ready to order this week.
Dan :D
1942 GPW 55791 DOD 8-12-42 USA # 20144366 (Original)
1943 Bantam T 3 21392 DOD 6-21-43 USA # 0270225 (Original)
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Re: 1943 1/4 ton WWII Bantam Trailer

Post by signsup » Tue May 26, 2020 6:01 am

Dan,
You are looking at this the right way. It's the right trailer for you and the price is immaterial if if fits your current needs. Sounds like a good freshening is what it needs. Don't Roget to get some of those hub gaskets if you are doing wheel bearings as the original ones will be torn or damaged when you remove the hub plates.

But, we gotta ask . . . what are you going to do with your other Bantam? Inquiring minds want to know.
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Re: 1943 1/4 ton WWII Bantam Trailer

Post by DWesol » Wed May 27, 2020 12:56 pm

Signsup,
My 1945 Bantam T3 will be listed for sale here, eventually. Probably later this Summer, after I get this new one up and running.
Asking price TBD.
I will let you all know here first.
Dan
1942 GPW 55791 DOD 8-12-42 USA # 20144366 (Original)
1943 Bantam T 3 21392 DOD 6-21-43 USA # 0270225 (Original)
Midwest Military Vehicle Association - www.MMVA.us
MVPA 28115
www.MVPA.org/Oshkosh

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Re: 1943 1/4 ton WWII Bantam Trailer

Post by DWesol » Tue Jul 21, 2020 11:54 am

Hello,
Just an update. I have been working on this trailer as time allows. The Combat Wheels have been removed and sent to the local acid dipper. They were pitted but not rusted through. I have primed and painted them. Two new Goodyear tires/tubes/flaps are standing by for reassembly. Replacement bearings and the attaching hardware obtained from Ron. But I ran into my first bump in the road. My Hub nut wrench does not fit the nut on the driver's side hub. I tried to tap it in place with a rubber mallet. It appears the nut is to large for the hub wrench. This hub wrench worked on all of my 42 GPW hubs.

Image

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I took one of the Joe's Motor Pool replacement nuts out of the package. It seems to fit the hub wrench just fine?

Image

Image

Image

What am I doing wrong?
1942 GPW 55791 DOD 8-12-42 USA # 20144366 (Original)
1943 Bantam T 3 21392 DOD 6-21-43 USA # 0270225 (Original)
Midwest Military Vehicle Association - www.MMVA.us
MVPA 28115
www.MVPA.org/Oshkosh

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Re: 1943 1/4 ton WWII Bantam Trailer

Post by sjalbert » Tue Jul 21, 2020 12:20 pm

Not sure that you're doing anything wrong, but since you've got a replacement nut you could carefully cut the old one with a Dremal (or other rotary tool)
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Re: 1943 1/4 ton WWII Bantam Trailer

Post by parker007 » Tue Jul 21, 2020 12:34 pm

just use chisel to remove then use correct nut it what all old times did.

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Re: 1943 1/4 ton WWII Bantam Trailer

Post by Bill H. » Tue Jul 21, 2020 12:40 pm

parker007 wrote:
Tue Jul 21, 2020 12:34 pm
just use chisel to remove then use correct nut it what all old times did.
This right here^^^^^^

This is all that was used by most and beat up, chiseled up and tore up bearing nuts confirm this.
Bill H.

"Each shall seek his own kind, in other words, a bird may love a fish but where would they build a home together?" Tevye, Fiddler on the Roof

1952 Dunbar Kapple M100
1953 Willys M38A1
1962 AMC M422A1
1965 Stevens M416B1 X 2
1967 Kaiser M715

2 Timothy 3:1-5

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Re: 1943 1/4 ton WWII Bantam Trailer

Post by DWesol » Tue Jul 21, 2020 1:49 pm

I used your tips about the chisel. The drivers side outer WB Nut Lockwasher was completely wrapped around one edge of the WB Nut.
Finally got the driver's side hub off. Very rusty under that hub!
Thanks!
1942 GPW 55791 DOD 8-12-42 USA # 20144366 (Original)
1943 Bantam T 3 21392 DOD 6-21-43 USA # 0270225 (Original)
Midwest Military Vehicle Association - www.MMVA.us
MVPA 28115
www.MVPA.org/Oshkosh

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Re: 1943 1/4 ton WWII Bantam Trailer

Post by Chuck Lutz » Wed Jul 22, 2020 10:18 am

You do NOT have to use a chisel like every Bubba out there has done before you.
Simply spray some BRAKEKLEEN on the perimeter of the nut and you will see the TABS or the remainder of the TABS that fold outward to secure the nut from coming loose.

THIS is why the hub wrench will not fit on the nut! Bend them back flat with a screwdriver and a few hammer taps and then try that Ford hub wrench AGAIN.

Simple, ain't it!
Chuck Lutz

GPW 17963 4/24/42 Chester, PA. USA 20113473 (USA est./Tom W.)
Bantam T3-C 1947

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Re: 1943 1/4 ton WWII Bantam Trailer

Post by DWesol » Wed Jul 22, 2020 10:24 am

Got it!
1942 GPW 55791 DOD 8-12-42 USA # 20144366 (Original)
1943 Bantam T 3 21392 DOD 6-21-43 USA # 0270225 (Original)
Midwest Military Vehicle Association - www.MMVA.us
MVPA 28115
www.MVPA.org/Oshkosh


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