Dawson's M-416 Build

Look what I found!









The guy I bought it from had a new tub fabricated to the same specs as the original, just made out of 1/8" steel this time around. The sides and bottom are made of a single sheet of steel with the front and rear welded on. The front and rear sheets need to be cut, as you can see in the pics. The tub isn't bolted to the frame yet either. I'm going to need to weld some angle iron onto the bottom in order to bolt the tub to the frame.

I'm live in the DFW Metroplex so if any of you guys live here and can help i need it!:

Step 1: Cutting. I need to find someone with a cutting torch or plasma cutter. I'll bring beer and reimburse for any costs incurred. Disclaimer: The author of this thread is not responsible for any accidents caused by anyone drunkenly wielding a cutting torch/plasma cutter.

Step 2: Welding. I need to find Someone with a MIG or TIG welder and welding skills. Again, I'll provide beer and reimbursement for any cost incurred. Disclaimer: The author of this thread is not responsible for any accidents caused by anyone drunkenly wielding a MIG/TIG welding instrument.

Step 3: Sand Blasting. I used ICA to sandblast and powdercoat my PSC Rocker Knockers so I'll probably use them again for this sandblasting. That is unless anyone knows of a shop that'll sandblast for cheap. Please let me know!

Step 4. Paint. I'll probably buy a pneumatic paint gun and do this on my own.

Thanks in advance for comments/suggestions. I really need help from those of you who have welders/cutting equipment.

Thanks,

Dawson

Great find!

dawsonc61 said:

Step 1: Cutting. I need to find someone with a cutting torch or plasma cutter. I'll bring beer and reimburse for any costs incurred. Disclaimer: The author of this thread is not responsible for any accidents caused by anyone drunkenly wielding a cutting torch/plasma cutter.

Click to expand...

Return flight from australia included?? sure ill come and cut stuff for ya:friday:
but seriously.. nice find

I'm over in West Fort Worth and have a good MIG + skills and a cutting torch. Depending on the thickness of that metal you might want to research some other cutting methods. I have a couple of trailers I can show you and I would like to look at your M416 to share ideas.

system-f said:

I'm over in West Fort Worth and have a good MIG + skills and a cutting torch. Depending on the thickness of that metal you might want to research some other cutting methods. I have a couple of trailers I can show you and I would like to look at your M416 to share ideas.

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That's great! I'd definitely like to meet up and do some work on it. e-mail me your contact info and maybe we can meet up sometime next week. whatever works for you.

dawsonc61@gmail.com

I re-read your post. 3/16" steel can easily be torch cut... I bet that thing is heavy!

I'm curious to know what that thing weighs. I'd like to see some pictures of the frame when you have the box off.

I saw that same trailer on CL and had been considering buyiing it. For what he wanted it was a good deal.

system-f said:

I re-read your post. 3/16" steel can easily be torch cut... I bet that thing is heavy!

Click to expand...

I "mis-underestimated" the thickness of the steel. It's 1/8" thick. I'll edit the original post.

Roktoys84 said:

I'm curious to know what that thing weighs. I'd like to see some pictures of the frame when you have the box off.

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I'll take some pics when i get that hulk off of there. I'll def need help though. it's pretty heavy. If I run across a weigh station here in Dallas I'll try and get a weight on it.

Update

Well my new buddy Keith and I did a little work on the trailer yesterday evening. We mounted the tub to the frame with some 3/16" tabs and 1/2" grade 8 bolts.





Then we mounted the old trailer lights and and wired it up so I could drive home safely! This is temporary. I think we will build a bumper and put lights directly in the bumper.



When I got home, I took a cutting wheel and removed the excess metal from the front and rear of the tub.

Before:


After:


Anyway, just keeping everyone updated. A BIG thanks to Keith Maddox for his help and expertise.

cool looks like a great find!

Well I've been messin' around with Google "SketchUp" and here's what I've come up with:






I'll be designing the interior of the tub next, including a water tank, deep cycle batteries, sliding runner with kitchen components and propane setup.

My M416 got new shoes!

These came in the mail yesterday from adaptitusa.com they are the 5 on 5.5 to 5 on 4.5 hub pattern adapters.



Before:


After:


To contrast:


and some more for good measure!




These tires are Goodyear MT/R 285/75/16 on Jeep Moab wheels.

I think they give a whole new look to the trailer. Just down right mean looking! I cant wait to get the fenders and tailgate fabricated.

The UPS just delivered my Jeep CJ tailgate:




I need to figure out a good way to get this thing mounted. Luckily for me, several other people have done such a thing on their M416's so i have lots of examples to follow.

I'm also battling whether or not to fabricate a lid to the trailer or to have a open top and a rack above that. Kind of like boctor has going on here:



I'll figure it out sooner or later. Looks like i need to revise the sketch-up file!