|
Post by schweetcruisers on Dec 5, 2013 7:36:37 GMT -8
Flipping the axle changes the center of gravity and could become unstable in wind or highway speeds. Also those axles were never intended to flip, because it changes the stress load on it. Besides IMHO flipped axle trailers look ridiculous.
Couple of ideas that might help out-
1) What side of the leaf springs is the axle mount to? Meaning is the axle under the springs or does it run through them? You can move the axle to the bottom of the springs and that is perfectly safe.
2) You can get new taller set of leaf springs and shackles, you'll probably need to move the rear perch so the geometry is correct.
Ok I do have to ask this, I noticed this when you first posted the picture, is your axle bent? The picture makes it appear that there is a lot of camber to the wheels.
|
|
pathfinder3081
Active Member
Posts: 457
Likes: 138
1971 Shasta Loflyte
Currently Offline
|
Post by pathfinder3081 on Dec 5, 2013 8:24:50 GMT -8
Jody B, I am in agreement with these two guys.... There was a bit on the old site about it.. Clearance issue and all that jazz. I don't know why others would do it. I personally would not. I like the low profile on my series and its height is perfect for us. "no step required".
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Dec 5, 2013 8:57:03 GMT -8
In the picture it appears the axle is mounted above the springs and if you must have more road clearance you can re mount it below the springs but do not invert it. Also that picture (as stated above) makes it look like it is bent, if so now is the time to straighten or replace it. Also check all mounting points on your springs and axle for cracks or rust severe enough to weaken any thing. While you are that far apart I would probably replace all the bolts and bushings at the least. It also appears that you don't have brakes many states now require brakes when your total weight exceeds a certain weight some states as low as 1500 pounds. Brakes will allow you to tow safer also, they might make the difference between a hit and a miss or put it another way a spoiled vacation. just my thoughts.
|
|
jodybitzz
Active Member
Posts: 238
Likes: 87
1968 Shasta 1500
Currently Offline
|
Post by jodybitzz on Dec 5, 2013 19:44:21 GMT -8
To my knowledge the axle is not bent. It may just be the angle of the camera. We will inspect closely this weekend as we are working on the rust issue. Thank you for mentioning about the brakes. I will definitely look into that. Can brakes be installed? I am loving this board and all of the very helpful and friendly people. Thank you!
|
|
kirkadie
1K Member
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 556
'69 Serro Scotty Hilander
Currently Offline
|
Post by kirkadie on Dec 5, 2013 21:02:33 GMT -8
I agree with most of the responses. Although there was probably SOME engineering attention to safety when our hams were designed, I doubt if any of the mass producers gave much thought to 30-40-50 years down the road. The springs have no doubt lost vigor (as have some of us who were alive when these wonderful carriages were built), are not expensive to replace, and will get your road height back to original specs. No doubt, the axles had no more designed life expectency then the boxes they carried, so I would certainly not try to straighten one that had experienced enough trauma to bend it. When you add up the pennies (ya, ya) that you'll invest in your restore, your running gear won't amount to too much. New springs and a new axle will cost no more than a new birch interior or powder coating the stove and refridg, and which would be more important half way through a cross country trip?
Remember, we all, doing what we're doing, with our bits of rotted wood and dented metal skin, are not only restoring an important historical part of our culture, but also, maybe, some genetic memory ( I say that because I'm probably one of a few of us here that are older than most of our rigs)that we ham fans can't deny.
Because cost will always be a factor, you will find comfort in all the ways this board's members have found in inventiveness to do things inexpensively, but better than the original builders, and never sacrificing safety. You are at the ideal stage to guarantee you'll have the right platform to carry the sweat and tears (or hopefully, smiles) you'll be spending to get you and potential future owners down the road carefree.
Besides, isn't that the whole point of all this madness, when, on some perfect early Spring evening, in front of the fire pit, on the rim of the world, with a nice bottle of Claret (Ok maybe that's just me), never wondering if our rig will make it back home...
Sorry, it's been a long day. Shut up Kirk.
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Dec 6, 2013 3:33:14 GMT -8
Kirkadie I couldn't have stated it better myself. Our most important thing should be our safety and the safety of others and nothing makes a better camping experience than no worries, just relaxing fun.
|
|
jodybitzz
Active Member
Posts: 238
Likes: 87
1968 Shasta 1500
Currently Offline
|
Post by jodybitzz on Dec 6, 2013 9:47:19 GMT -8
|
|
jodybitzz
Active Member
Posts: 238
Likes: 87
1968 Shasta 1500
Currently Offline
|
Post by jodybitzz on Dec 6, 2013 9:47:56 GMT -8
Guess who just figured out how to post a picture to the board?! Yay
|
|
soup
1K Member
"I hate cold Soup"
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 204
Currently Offline
|
Post by soup on Dec 6, 2013 9:51:40 GMT -8
HA HA!! YOU DID!!! Brings a tear to my eye LOL.
|
|
jodybitzz
Active Member
Posts: 238
Likes: 87
1968 Shasta 1500
Currently Offline
|
Post by jodybitzz on Dec 6, 2013 11:06:42 GMT -8
Ok, so I know I'm ahead of myself with thinking about the interior. What are the thoughts on lauan as opposed to birch? The lauan is about 1/3 the price and I found some with a really nice wood grain pattern.
|
|
soup
1K Member
"I hate cold Soup"
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 204
Currently Offline
|
Post by soup on Dec 6, 2013 11:37:11 GMT -8
IMHO I've used lauan in almost all the campers I've done due to them usually having ugly late 60's/70's paneling so the lauan was an upgrade. Plus it's usually all that is available in our area. No problem if you are painting but you will never achieve the golden birch look of the early 60's and older. The stuff in above pic looks pretty cool, I like it too and the price, but is always inconsistent from lot to lot and sheet to sheet in the same lot. (Be prepaired to sort through 30 sheets to get 15) So if you want to stain or clear then make sure you buy all you'll need for the project with extra due to not being able to match 2 weeks from now. Also be advised it will sometimes have unexpected results with stain. Be sure to test a sheet first before installing and if you don't like it you can take it back and get something different.
|
|
jodybitzz
Active Member
Posts: 238
Likes: 87
1968 Shasta 1500
Currently Offline
|
Post by jodybitzz on Dec 7, 2013 10:17:08 GMT -8
In the picture it appears the axle is mounted above the springs and if you must have more road clearance you can re mount it below the springs but do not invert it. Also that picture (as stated above) makes it look like it is bent, if so now is the time to straighten or replace it. Also check all mounting points on your springs and axle for cracks or rust severe enough to weaken any thing. While you are that far apart I would probably replace all the bolts and bushings at the least. It also appears that you don't have brakes many states now require brakes when your total weight exceeds a certain weight some states as low as 1500 pounds. Brakes will allow you to tow safer also, they might make the difference between a hit and a miss or put it another way a spoiled vacation. just my thoughts. After closer inspection of the axle, it does appear to have a slight bow in the middle. I think the decision has been made to replace the axle and in doing so, will get brakes and new leaf springs. We are working on removing the rust with the grinding wheels today... Slow going.
|
|
kirkadie
1K Member
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 556
'69 Serro Scotty Hilander
Currently Offline
|
Post by kirkadie on Dec 7, 2013 21:45:40 GMT -8
Please think twice about the lauan. In the wood shop it's called fake mahogany and it's really stringy stuff, sort of a soft hard wood, and only meant for places that won't be seen. In it's plywood form, we would only use it for drawer bottoms, cabinet backs, or floor underlayment. Compare the price with birch ply, (which isn't all that special in the fine wood world either) and that should hint to you that it won't live up to the quality of the restore that it appears to me you all are going to achieve. Even painted, it's long stringy grain will show cracks eventually. If you're going to paint the interior use maple ply, only about $5 more a sheet, but if you want that golden look, bite the bullet and get some good American made birch. I'm sorry if I sound like I just want you to spend, spend, spend... but compared to the time and effort you'll invest, and since it's a one time cost for a long term use, you might be happier in the end.
"Walk away from low cost big box ply", says them who have gone before you. You'll be glad you did.
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Dec 7, 2013 22:21:13 GMT -8
jodybitzz I would try a wire cup brush on that grinder instead of that hard wheel I think it will do most areas easier, with less effort and less noise plus it might go faster and better. Just a thought I think might be worth trying. When using that hard wheel make sure you don't cut grooves in the steel because they can cause stress cracks down the road.
|
|
|
Post by bigbill on Dec 7, 2013 22:24:54 GMT -8
Also if you want the trailer to sit higher you can install a straight axle instead of a dropped one.
|
|