Restore or modify old off road trailer?

[ben10]

Looking for some information on a trailer I bought. It's a 78 title just says off road for manufacturer. The old timer I bought it from says it was made by dick cepek but I cant find any info on it. Has some cool coil spring j arm suspension, slide out tailgate that turns into a table, 2 Jerry can mounts on the fenders, propane tank holder and a hilift mount. He said it's probably been through the baja about 20 times behind his commando. Hadn't moved in 10 years until today when I took it home.

 

[Captain Chaos]

That’s pretty cool. @Jhop567 isn’t your trailer similar?

 

[Jhop567]

Yep...it looks like a Helder Welding trailer out of Marysville, CA. Built in the 70's and 80's. Helder built them for the Rubicon. I had to add springs and a new tongue to mine. Great, solid, well built trailer. Jim

 

[Jhop567]

Also, mine has a lid that was built for it. It's hinged in the front angd locks down with the rear panel. I'll photo and post mine.

 

[ben10]

Yeah I would love to see some pictures.

When I started digging into it I found a bunch of cracked sheet metal, a little more rust and the axle needed to be redone. Decided to take it all down to metal, strip the axle off and rebuilt it better.

So far I have about half of the rust and paint stripped off the top and bottom, tried a DA with 60 grit but it was taking forever so I went to the wire wheels. Making slow progress and a huge mess. Ripped the axle out and couldn't find parts for it so I decided to get a new 3500 lb axle and new leaf springs. That should be here in a week or 2. The new axle is about 2.25 inches wider and the leaf springs should add a few inches of lift so I can fit 33-35 inch tires. Also got all new wiring and led tail lights. Bought a bedliner kit as well.

Once I finish stripping it and painting, I'm going to get a set of no weld rtt rack mounts from compact camping Concepts. Mount up the tent and go camping! As I have time and money I plan on adding a removable rack ahead and behind the rtt to set kayaks on, and eventually extend the tongue so I can put a small tongue box on and add a battery and solar.

 

[Jhop567]

Ben10, tried to post pic's but couldn't . Sent you a PM. I can email them to you if you want. Jim

 

[ben10]

Thanks even making some progress on mine. Got rid of all the rust and have been sanding it down and painting it. Have a buddy welding up the cracks this week.

 

[old_man]

looking good!