Bent Bantam Rail

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Dukes
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Bent Bantam Rail

Post by Dukes » Mon Sep 24, 2018 3:54 pm

1st post here but you have to start somewhere....

I just recovered 2 Willy’s MB’s (we think) and a Bantam trailer (I think) from my fathers farm.

Lots to do but my first hurdle is this bent rail. Any ideas on how or if I can straighten the rail?
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Dukes
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Re: Bent Bantam Rail

Post by Dukes » Mon Sep 24, 2018 3:56 pm

BTW, the plate says it’s a T-3 Oct 2 1945, I’ll post that later but it’s been modified with a tailgate. I’ll shrink the photos and answer the ID questions but I’m happy with the condition!

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Chuck Lutz
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Re: Bent Bantam Rail

Post by Chuck Lutz » Tue Sep 25, 2018 9:29 am

I am very interested In a GOOD pic of the data plate and would appreciate knowing the ACM number found stamped on the left front spring hanger gusset plate on the frame. Remove paint with a wire wheel, gently of course....after you have unbolted the spring hanger. If you can give me that info I can give you an estimate of the USA number....you should CAREFULLY try to remove paint on the rear panel to see if it was painted over or sandblasted into dust at some point in time.

I have seen guys fix the problem you have by sectioning out the bent part and welding in a donor section. Not too difficult but it will always be a weak point I think as getting it welded all around the tube at both ends and then fashioning a section of the sidewall in with the metal as thin as it is requires a steady hand with your welding rig.
Chuck Lutz

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

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Re: Bent Bantam Rail

Post by Joe Gopan » Tue Sep 25, 2018 9:45 am

No problem, the original spec 1" Tubing is availible at your local steel supplier and the damaged can be removed by grinding out the spot welds. I did that to my MBT.
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Dukes
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Re: Bent Bantam Rail

Post by Dukes » Thu Sep 27, 2018 3:02 am

Chuck,

Yes. I'll get the photo and data up asap.

Ben,

Thanks, I hate to cut things but I agree, looks like the only way...

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Re: Bent Bantam Rail

Post by Dukes » Wed Oct 10, 2018 4:52 pm

Had a chance to drop by and look for clues and wanted to verify the ACM number is under this hanger "gusset plate". I won't pull this until I get the trailer back to the garage for disassembly.

I will include the photos and one of the data plate.

I looked everywhere else and found no prominent markings but there are several layers of paint so I'll mark off the areas that may have numbers and wet sand them just in case.
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Dukes Bantam Trailer Plate
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Last edited by Dukes on Wed Oct 10, 2018 4:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Dukes
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Re: Bent Bantam Rail

Post by Dukes » Wed Oct 10, 2018 4:53 pm

Apparently I need to study up on inserting photos.....

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Re: Bent Bantam Rail

Post by Dukes » Wed Oct 10, 2018 5:07 pm

One more with some of the paint colors.... Also a good shot of the "tail gate" mod. Not a bad job but certainly not a factory gate.
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Chuck Lutz
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Re: Bent Bantam Rail

Post by Chuck Lutz » Thu Oct 11, 2018 10:04 am

Data plate looks to me to say "2 - 10 - 45" and not October 2, 1945. So it is Feb. 10, 1945 I don't think the serial number is 60220, can you confirm that please? I think it is "60822".

Here is the gusset plate with the ACM number on it. You will need to remove the bolts holding the left front spring hanger from this gusset plate and wire wheel it for the number. Look for it to probably be 128xxx or 129xxx if the data plate is original to this trailer.
ACM #17151 W.jpg
ACM #17151 W.jpg (94.06 KiB) Viewed 2530 times
If you can send me this info with a better data plate pic and the answers to the questions in my "How To ID..." sticky at the top of the trailer forum, I can check the ACM and see if the data plate is original to that trailer. You can see that it isn't riveted to the tub so it may not be original. The ACM number is STAMPED lightly into the gusset plate and that's where we have to start to correctly ID this trailer.
Chuck Lutz

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

Dukes
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Re: Bent Bantam Rail

Post by Dukes » Thu Oct 18, 2018 4:12 am

Thanks Chuck!

Yes, the screws vice rivets on the data plate are questionable.

Yes 60822, I'll pull the plate this weekend and also see if I can get the ACM number but may have to wait until I get my other projects completed. I do have your sticky and will try and answer all those questions. I'm trying to figure out if its worth repairing the rail and leaving the tail gate mod as is or just swapping out the tub altogether. I suspect the ACM number will answer that question. The only part that really needs to be replaced is the floor, it looks like strips but not the original.

SF
Mike

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Re: Bent Bantam Rail

Post by Dukes » Thu Oct 18, 2018 4:15 am

60820 not 22

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Chuck Lutz
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Re: Bent Bantam Rail

Post by Chuck Lutz » Fri Oct 19, 2018 9:57 am

If the floor is just wavy like every G529 I have ever seen...and not rusted through and definitely needing replacement....you might consider restoring this one with the tailgate intact...that modification is really helpful for us FOGs who want to put heavy stuff into the trailer and not destroy our backs! I sold mine and bought a Bantam T3-C civilian with a tailgate that will enable me to do much more with it. Dump runs, moving lumber or just being able to load up a couple footlockers, a cooler and some camp chairs with the tailgate DOWN is much easier on me now.

I know....its heresy....but you wouldn't be the only guy with a tailgate and since you aren't contemplating cutting up a good trailer and the tailgate is already there...it remains an option.

Just sayin'...it depends on what you want to do with it and what your goal is with it.
Chuck Lutz

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

Dukes
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Re: Bent Bantam Rail

Post by Dukes » Sat Dec 08, 2018 6:59 pm

Chuck,

Thanks! The bed of the trailer definitely needs to be replaced, this one is not the original, its totally flat so I suspect it was replaced at least once.

I'll see if I can reduce the size of some of the photos.

Yes, I hear you about the tailgate. Since someone went through the effort to mod it I'll do my best to keep it as is, buying a new tub is just super easy!

SF
Mike

Dukes
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Re: Bent Bantam Rail

Post by Dukes » Sun Dec 09, 2018 5:37 am

Trying to get the photos small enough to post...
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Dukes
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Re: Bent Bantam Rail

Post by Dukes » Sun Dec 09, 2018 5:56 am

Floor does not appear original and the hinge is continuous.
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