Simon's M416 Build

[sgv209]

I have been lurking here for a little bit, and I bought an M416 from one of the members here to tow behind my TJ for camping and such. At first the trailer seemed to be in decent shape, but upon closer inspection, the bed was in pretty rough shape. Here it is the day I got it.





The floor had pinholes all over it and was wavy. The front and rear had significant rust holes as well. However, the frame and axle assembly are in good shape. I decided to fabricate my own bed from 12 Ga steel. I found a local sheetmetal shop that was willing to help me out with the project. They sourced the material and cut it to shape. Their cuts were perfect and it was well worth the extra money spent on waterjetting and bending.

I just got done tacking the bed together and I couldn't be more pleased.







Here is my trusty little Hobart Handler 140 on its home built cart


I plan to paint the trailer using rustoleum's flat sand color, and add a hinged lid with a rack of some sort on it. Eventually I'd like to put a RTT on it for longer trips.

Also, does anyone know where I can find the keyed washer that goes in-between the two nuts holding the hub assembly on?

Any comments or tips would be greatly appreciated.

-Simon

[telwyn]

That's a really nice looking tub you built! Like many on ExPo I looked at the pictures first, then the text and I was wondering how the heck you got that rusty tub that cleaned up!

Will enjoy following this build.

[sgv209]

Thanks! Your trailer is looks really good, and I like the color a lot.

[OverlandZJ]

Very nice..

On the keyed washer give George an email, sales@armyjeepparts.com. I'm sure he'll have it in stock. Or if your close to Burlington he's not far from the bridge on Pa side.

[elmo_4_vt]

Very nice... That shop did a great job on the cutting an bending of the tub. Where abouts in Jersey are you? I might need the use of a good metal shop in the near future.

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[sgv209]

Very nice... That shop did a great job on the cutting an bending of the tub. Where abouts in Jersey are you? I might need the use of a good metal shop in the near future.

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I am in central Jersey between Princeton and Trenton. The place that did the sheet metal work is called Diversatech. http://diversatech.com/

I was able to get the seams completely welded this weekend. Next step is the 1"x2" tubes that will surround the top rim. I am undecided on if/how I want to do a tailgate on it. I am a little concerned that if I do a full tailgate, the rear won't be as sturdy as I want it, and if I make one within the rear panel, it won't be that useful.

Should have some new pictures up next weekend

[elmo_4_vt]

Thanks for the Company info... Not too far from me if I need it.

As far as the tail gate, I think as long as you make the site have 6" or so of width before you start the tailgate, you should have plenty of strength. You could even put some braces behind those 6" sides that would stiffen the back end even more.

The better access you have, the easier it will be getting at stuff when your on the trail (or any time I guess). I think you'll be glad you put as large a tailgate as possible.

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[sgv209]

I have been trying to figure out how I want to do the tailgate, and this is what I have come up with so far.




The opening and tailgate are reinforced with 1" square tube. I am thinking of adding a lip around the inside for sealing purposes

Any ideas on the latch mechanism? What about those handles that are used to lock the rear window on a pickup truck cap?

[loki646]

Just did my frame-in for the tailgate yesterday. It looks like there are three of us that are actively working on M416s and posting about it...should be a great build.looks great so far!...

[sgv209]

This weekend I was able to get the rim cut and tacked on. I still haven't been able to come up with a tailgate design that I really like, so I am going to hold off on putting one in for now.




It's been awfully cold in my garage, so progress has been slow. Hopefully this melts so I can work more on the frame...