Restoration of Aussie jeep trailer

Ganmain Tony · #1 01-07-12, 10:56

For John under his strict supervision

Photo's of progress on the Jeep trailer...with some questions

It appears that this trailer never had lights only reflectors (originally). You can see a light has been fitted post war.

Can anyone comment or confirm jeep trailers existed in wartime service with out any lights?

Ganmain Tony · #2 01-07-12, 11:05

When Draw bar was removed a lot of rust was found around where it joined to the body.

The towing eye was bolted to the underside of the draw bar by four half inch bolts.

John has done a very good repair to this section.

Is it possible that the Draw bar was reinforced with wood?

Whats the small rectangular piece welded to the bar?

Ganmain Tony · #3 01-07-12, 11:41

A few more...

The trailer has been mounted on a improved version of the rotisserie.

A bit of rust has been cut out of the side as well.

Ganmain Tony · #4 01-07-12, 11:45

Some more of rusty metal removal..

Also serial number on the square axle

Ganmain Tony · #5 01-07-12, 11:51

What has been welded to the apex of the Draw bar?

The bracket with the two holes in it is in line with the above, surely it was not for a hand brake??

Ian Fawbert · #6 01-07-12, 13:10

Hi John and Tony,

Good to see an Aussie trailer getting restored! Thanks for taking and posting the pictures for all to see these wonderful trailers!

I would agree John, it is a #3. I cant remember if 3 or 3a had the square axle- i`ll check if no one gets back before me. The backing plate for the reflectors being round indicates it is a ford trailer (GMH trailers had the reflectors on a flat strap)- the tie down hook style support the ford manufacture. The aussie jeep trailers didnt have lights from the factory, only reflectors. Lights on aussie trailers were added after the factory- whether in service (various concoctions of lights were added in some interesting forms- alot of #4 trailers have lights added!), or civilian hands.

I havent seen a number on the chassis before- i`ll check it out (check my trailer).

The small rectangle in the first of the 2nd set of pictures is/was a retaining tab for the 2 cast halves used to reduce the lunette eye size so it doesnt slop around in a smaller pintle hook (eg a jeep one).

The 2 angled off rectangular tabs on the drawbar in the last picture (welded to the pipe) are part of the set up to retain the landing leg- which is a 2 piece pole type leg. If needed, i can take some measurements off mine and send them along- i'll need an email address again though (best to PM me). I dont have the bottom half of the leg, but have some good pictures of one.

I am not sure what was welded to the top (actually the bottom) of the drawbar. Will check. The drawbars have ben turne upside down to help level the trailer- if you look at the #4 trailer, it has the lunette mounted in the drawbar after testing done to #3/3a's to relocate the lunette. I guess your trailer was swapped to achieve the same purpose (as otherwise, the trailer sits down at the front on the lunette more).

John- havent forgotten about the numbers either mate, i just have not had a chance to get back to it sorry. Its not off the card, i will get to it (sooner rather than later!). A lot going on at home at the moment.

Hope this helps and please keep the pictures coming!!!
Cheers,
Ian.

Mike Cecil · #7 02-07-12, 18:52

Gents,

The Aust No.3 and 3A by Ford was only produced in a much smaller quantity than '1334' - less than 500 were built, all with production numbers in the form 'JT-1 to JT-XXX'.

Unless you have the original nomenclature plate which has the 'JT-XXX' number stamped onto it, or the remains of the original registration number painted on in white, usually across the lower rear, and/or on the lower side towards the front, then there is no way I know of to identify the actual trailer. As far as I'm aware, the production number was not stamped onto the body/frame anywhere - only on the plate.

Regards

Mike C