mitchell
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Post by mitchell on Mar 31, 2015 10:52:53 GMT -8
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Post by bigbill on Mar 31, 2015 17:27:06 GMT -8
That frame is very weak it is only supported by the lip on what appears to be a fairly light angle iron. My guess is it gathered it's strength from the trailer body, if you notice they just bent the lips down for a bolt flange and the box areas aren't welded. of course this trailer was built in a time when there was no expressways and most trailers were towed around 40 to 45 mph with a 60 to 85 horse tow vehicle. A lot of things have changed in the last 65 years.
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Post by vintagebruce on Mar 31, 2015 18:12:19 GMT -8
Here is a thread to an 11 minute You Tube photo video of a 1953 Little Caesar rebuild you might enjoy if you have not already seen it. Looks like the frame is kind of disjointed because of the drop center floor and forward and aft different floor levels. Bolting does not seem as desirable as a professionally welded frame imo. Enjoy! www.youtube.com/watch?v=l41OX5CcA3g |
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John Palmer
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Post by John Palmer on Mar 31, 2015 19:29:25 GMT -8
Mitchell, You have a Hadco Coupler, it was a very common brand on late 40's, and 50's trailers. I have seen two sizes, likely intended for different hitch weight ratings. You are missing what I call the "bird latch", it's the locking handle and cast in pot metal, and was made in two different sizes.
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mitchell
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Post by mitchell on Apr 1, 2015 3:48:52 GMT -8
Are these ( bird latch) safe to use with this type of pin lock?
Are there other alternatives?
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John Palmer
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Post by John Palmer on Apr 1, 2015 7:21:32 GMT -8
Are these ( bird latch) safe to use with this type of pin lock? Are there other alternatives? They were original to the coupler, and have worked for the past sixty years safely. It looks like just a small piece of it remains on your coupler, the rest has broken away. Just make sure you get the correct size, there's two sizes, they look alike, but do not interchange. |
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Post by vikx on Apr 1, 2015 21:05:11 GMT -8
Hadco Coupler:  Up in the air:  Underneath:  |
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mitchell
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Post by mitchell on Apr 2, 2015 11:14:17 GMT -8
Thanks for the replies and reference pictures. Very helpful. Starting on the trailer floor, is this typical of trailer floor construction?  |
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Post by vikx on Apr 2, 2015 21:03:24 GMT -8
The floor is hard to tell. Normally, everything is level and the wood runners extend from front to rear. Here is my Cardinal framing on top of the belly:  |
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Post by vintagebruce on Apr 3, 2015 6:08:43 GMT -8
The difference with the Little Caesar is the center drop down "well" that prohibits the runners extending from front to back in the center, but the videos I have seen show flooring like vikx has with the well inset and supported by the strapping under the inset, so I see no reason why the two full length runners just to the inside of the tires/wheel wells should not go from front to back on top of a belly platform as vikx illustrated and the insert put in the appropriate cutout. Were you able to get any insight from the video thread I provided?
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mitchell
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Post by mitchell on Apr 3, 2015 6:33:29 GMT -8
So I am assuming if I use let's say a marine grade plywood attached over the frame, then attach therunnners over the sub flooring(this for insulation purposes) iif so then with this method I could install 1-1/2" insulation board, then a subfloor for the vinyl, etc?
I like this approach ,because I was going to install the foil faced insulation board between the trailer metal framing, but this method is much easier.
Thanks
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mitchell
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Post by mitchell on Apr 8, 2015 10:54:57 GMT -8
Hadco latch ( the bird) I had heard that their were different sizes .
I am in desperate need of one that the pin and latch hole is 1" center to center.
Any one aware of any possible source?
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Apr 8, 2015 12:29:48 GMT -8
Hadco latch ( the bird) I had heard that their were different sizes . I am in desperate need of one that the pin and latch hole is 1" center to center. Any one aware of any possible source? Did you order windows from Chris?
Maybe check with him for the coupler/parts?
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John Palmer
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Post by John Palmer on Apr 8, 2015 12:32:23 GMT -8
Have you considered welding that frame together? Maybe adding some additional bracing? |
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mitchell
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Post by mitchell on Apr 9, 2015 7:23:55 GMT -8
Yes, the frame has been welded and some additional supports added as well as an aluminum bumper.
I checked with Chris regarding the Hadco latch, he has a 2" but I need a 1".
If i can not locate one , i guess i could have a temporary one made?
Or just thinking , Would the 2" work if i welded a new eye attachment to the front?
Any suggestions???
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