llanger
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Post by llanger on Jul 1, 2022 11:48:59 GMT -8
1966 Aristocrat Lo Liner restoration: We’ve noticed some concerning damage to the frame and would like to get some opinions on whether it’s worth continuing to restore, or if it’s structurally unsafe and beyond repair! I'm a total newbie so any support would be hugely appreciated. Main concerns: -bowing of the axles causing a raise/slope on the floor of the trailer -lack of space between the trailer and axle (so the springs don’t seem to be doing anything) If you have 3 minutes to spare, I’ve included a link to a video that shows the frame. Thank you all so much for your help! vimeo.com/726155038
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Post by vikx on Jul 1, 2022 20:22:17 GMT -8
This is a case of fix what's there and don't take it apart. I think you should hire an experienced trailer frame shop to take a look at what you have. It's hard to tell what is original and what is added. You probably will have to replace the springs.
I believe this trailer needs to go down to the frame to fix it. Remove the skins and the rest of the wood framing and make the frame sound before trying to fix anything else.
Yes, it can be fixed, but needs to be done in the correct order to be road worthy. Good luck!
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Post by Teachndad on Jul 3, 2022 6:07:51 GMT -8
Hello and welcome.
I concur with Vikx about finding an expert to assess the frame. This is not a simple fix. It looks like this trailer sat so long the springs collapsed and then someone towed it around. The repetitive bouncing of the weight of the frame and body pushed down on the axle and that caused the bend. That energy had to go somewhere. They tried to stop the tongue uplift by adding gussets. The arch in the floor is very odd. I wonder if someone lifted the trailer using that crossmember.
Its a mess. How much time/money are you willing to put into this? See if the frame can even be corrected. To do this safely, you will need to take the trailer apart to expose the frame to get at it for repairs. Springs and axle will need to be replaced. Then there is welding costs. Add to that, new wood to replace old spotted wood. This model always has rot in the bottom of the walls.
I would like to be more optimistc, but this will be a major project.
Rod
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jul 3, 2022 10:21:42 GMT -8
Welcome!
I agree with the above assessment. Do things in the right order, step by step, to make it road worthy.
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