deconstruction of 46 kit

[maud'Dib]

I was able to complete the deconstruction of my 46 kit this weekend. As you can see not much salvagable, but I have great patterns, and improved knowledge of how to put it back together.

Hatch removed


Left side kind of just fell off


Roof removed


Left with just the floor and some of the galley


Bare frame


Looks like it had some issues with clearance at one point.


I believe the tire rubbing problem was a result of the ply wood side walls
expanding and saging as they rotted over the years and pushing the aluminum outwards. It actually looks like someone at some point attempted to correct this by welding a steel plate to the axle arm and have that push up against a steel bar that was bolted to the side wall in an attempt to keep the wall away form the tire.

steel plate welded to axle


steel bar that was bolted to teardrop side wall, forgot to take a pic when it was installed



Now its time to work on the frame.

[George G.]

Did you see Gage's 46 KIT rebuild? You can find it at http://www.gages-56.com/Kitproj.html. He's still working on it.

[48Rob]

Great pictures.

Thanks for sharing them!

Rob

[kennyrayandersen]

WOW! That’ll be a ground up restoration! Good luck with the build.

[maud'Dib]

George, I have been to Gages 46 kit site quite a bit. It provides a lot of motivation for me and will through this whole process. The calming music is reason alone to visit the site.

eric

[toypusher]

I'd like to see more pics of the frame to show all of the details, etc of how it is made. Just think that we tend to way overbuilt our frames these days.

[prohandyman]

I resemble that re-build!

[maud'Dib]

Kerry
Here's a couple more pics of the frame

The majority of the frame is constructed of 2/1 c channel steel. 13 L brackets are used to bolt floor down to the frame, 12 on perimeter and 1 in the middle.


The tongue is 1.5 inch tube steel that is bolted into the c channel


Bends in the tubing allow for the coupler to be 5 inches above the rest of the frame. The trailer stand is in the back ground, unsure if its original or an add on.


The axles are something I think are really cool. Its two individual axels what are welded together and then bolted to the trailer frame. This setup results in the right side wheel being 2 inches further back then the left.

bottom view


one more view

[maud'Dib]

Dan
It looks like your kit was also in rough shape in the begining. You did a great job rebuilding. Looks like you replaced the axle. I'm thinking about keeping the original. They seem to have plenty of spring still in them, I can stand on them and bounce around. Did you replace the coupler or keep the original? I'd like to keep the original due to the mfg tag, but I have no idea how safe that setup is.

thanks
eric

[Danny]

Greetings from Lincoln,Ne. Looks like we will have to get together one of these days and discuss trailers I just completed a tear build and have a canned ham up for sale. The kit will look great when you get done..

[toypusher]

Hey, Eric! thanks for the pics and info on the frame!!

[prohandyman]

Eric
My axle was completely frozen, and the spindles had too much rust on them, so I did replace it, but I really wish I could have salvaged it. As for the tongue, someone had welded a newer coupler over the top of the original one. It still has the ID plate in the same location though. I replaced the bolts that fasten the tube tongue to the frame and I am very confident that the design is strong and reliable. I would tow it anywhere.
I would love to rebuild another one if given the chance. Good luck on yours. They are a wonderful part of camping history!

[SATEAR]

I am just starting my rebuild on my '47 Kitt. My frame is sitting on the floor of my garage and I trying to get about 40 years of rust off with a wire brush. I am going to get my plywood tomorrow and hopefully begin the actual re-build next week.

Did you find a plate on the tongue? I can't seem to find mine.

Gabe

[maud'Dib]

Gabe
My frame does have a serial number plate on the tongue. Its about 3 by 2 inch. It lists the number, date, and model of kit. I did a little of the wire brush, but decided to have the frame sand blasted instead. Good luck with the rebuild, and make sure you post some pics.


thanks
eric