How To Identify a WWII MBT or Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer

[Chuck Lutz]

The little bubble under my name over to the right of the page, click on it and choose the email icon.

Again....there is no way that WILLYS (cotter pinned upper and lower shock mounts) could have been producing trailers in June or July 1945 which is when ACM was shipping assemblies to Bantam. The last Willys MBTs were in March of 1944.

This is why I asked you to send me a pic of the Upper Shock Mount PIN....Bantam shock mount pins (and other 1945 contract G-529s) were often drilled for a cotter pin like the Willys MBTs used.

The only other explanation is that during the rebuild in Japan in the early 1950s, a pair of Willys-style Upper Shock Mounts that used cotter pins replaced the original Upper Shock Mounts that were threaded and had a nut on them to secure the shock.

Send photos, my friend!

[Dave86]

Hi Chuck

I emailed you last night the 229th plate and upper shock mount picture..

today I bought another trailer, as soon as I see number I will write, because it is without data plate

Many thanks

Dave

[rob1]

Hello Chuck. There are few year. You said me that my Bantam is an early november 42 but not the day. After lot of research I finded this Day on offcial document of French Domaines. It's 28-11-42,. The ACM number is 16249 B. I don't know the serial number and the USA number ? Is it possible to receive those informations.
Best regard

[philante]

Hello Chuck,

Glad to contact you, my name is Philippe and i'm writing you from France. I bought a 1/4 ton trailer few years ago and due to covid quarantine, I decided in march to start a restoration with the support of my son and a very good friend...it 's the only positive aspect of this period of crazyness !!
I tried below to provide you the maximum of information in order to help you in the identification:
1/ no data plate only a bantam reproduction without marking
2/No USA Number on the body
3/ACM number is 154270 stamped on the frame under the left forward fitting
4/Shockmount axle attach is threaded and the fiting are bolted on the frame.Lower shockmount axle is also threaded
5/ Axel is a straight tube without welding
6/10 leaves on spring with flatenned "U" shape. closure on the top of the spring clip.
7/No information on light reflector (french army changed it)
8/ the "L" support is bolted on frame
9/No additional number stamped on the frame
10/ head bolts stamped with BC are EC (depending on the diameter) bur the majority is BC
11/ I didn't find any units marking or registration number at the rear.

i hope you could provide me information about the date of manufacturing and registration number to be painted at the rear!
Waiting for your answer, I wish you a healthy continuation and many thanks for your support;
have a nice day
Best regards

Philippe and Johan

[Chuck Lutz]

Robert.....
With an ACM of 16249B, your Bantam would be in the serial number range of 11/5/42. An estimate of the USA would be 0253957.

[rob1]

Hello Chuck,
Thanks for your information. I search the number as the photo

[rob1]

Sorry. The number of this photo: serial number

[Chuck Lutz]

Sorry Robert...

I forgot to post the estimated Serial Number....it would be "5122" with that 11/5/42 DOD (November 5) and the USA 023957.

Hope that is of help!

[Dave86]

Ho Chuck

Again ...I bought another trailer he too without data plate

1 Data Plate: Missing
2. USA Number:
3. ACM Number: 87866
4. Shock Mount: Upper cotter-pin type
5. Is the axle: Straight tube, no seam.
6. Springs: Eight. Beveled willys style
7. Taillights & Reflectors: missing.
8. Taillight Mounts: Missing, bolt patern.
9. Numbers: none
10. Bolts: A , AA , flat
11. Unit Numbers none

Did you get the previous email?

thanks friend for any help

Best regards
Dave

[Chuck Lutz]

Philippe...

Can you send me a pic of the ACM number you found please? it is a VERY high number and many produced in the 154xxx range were sold by Bantam in late 1945/early 1946. Willys stopped production around ACM 103xxx in March 1944. Bantam stopped production for the G529 trailers around ACM 150xxx in August 1945.

Email the pic and any others you have handy as an attachment.

[rob1]

Thanks Chuck, I can finish my Bantam with your information.

[philante]

hello chuck

i have emailed you using the contact with some additionnal information
see the ACM number picture enclosed

[Dave86]

All right, Chuck ? Did you get any information on the trailers?
I’d like to make plates

Many tanks

Dave

[can maker]

An update, almost there, only the fenders, took her out for a ride today






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DWesol]

Hello,
Here's some info for the Data Base on my recently acquired trailer.

1-If your trailer has a data plate please list the following:
A-Make & Model Bantam T3
B-Serial Number. 21392
C-Date of delivery 6-21-43


2-Original registration number painted on the trailer. 0270225


3-Registration number currently displayed on the trailer. Same
4-ACM number found frame gusset under left front spring hanger. 51748


5-List all markings found on the trailer. No additional
6-Identify axle as cast center, or welded middle seam on solid tube, or smooth solid tube. Welded Middle Seam


7-Identify shock mount type threaded shaft for nut or drilled shaft for cotter pin and upper riveted or bolted to frame. Threaded


8-Identify springs by leaf count (usually 8 or 10), and clip/strap width (usually 1" or 1 1/4"), and shape of leaf. 8 Leaf


9-Identify lunette by diameter of shaft just behind the ring and the diameter of the ring stock and the ID of the ring opening. List any numbers on the lunette. Shaft Circ. about 4 Inches Ring Circ. a little over 5 Inches Numbers Ground Off



10-Identify the draw bar casting by any numbers found on it. None Noted
11-How is the draw bar crossmember attached? Castellated Nuts



13-Identify landing leg (swivel) casting by stop pin hole count and any numbers on it.


14-Identify BO light switch by make and weather you have one or two. Missing
15-Identify reflectors by frame manufacturer and lens manufacturer. Also if lead washers are installed. Appear to be Post Military Service



16-Identify tail lights by make and if different make on door. Identify mount bracket as bolted or welded. Missing. Bolt Holes
17-Identify wheels as solid or combat. Combat
18-Please list any bolt head markings found. Some EC. Many unable to note markings
19-Please list any modifications found which appear to have been done while in military service. None Noted