Hey guys, finally got some time to start on my trailer. I am using 1/2" aluminum channel for the main rails. Tamiya 1/14 Semi truck leaf springs and mounts, 13mm aluminum axle housings with stainless steel axles. 1/10 touring car rims with Tamiya 1/14 truck tires (85mm diameter). I am also using old printer parts for the roller setup on the trailer. I am going to attempt to weld the frame with low temp alumiweld 700 degree Fahrenheit melting point.( first time trying this stuff so we will see....) I will update soon. Thanks, Dave RR
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Hey guys, finally got some time to start on my trailer. I am using 1/2" aluminum channel for the main rails. Tamiya 1/14 Semi truck leaf springs and mounts, 13mm aluminum axle housings with stainless steel axles. 1/10 touring car rims with Tamiya 1/14 truck tires (85mm diameter). I am also using old printer parts for the roller setup on the trailer. I am going to attempt to weld the frame with low temp alumiweld 700 degree Fahrenheit melting point.( first time trying this stuff so we will see....) I will update soon. Thanks, Dave RR
Update on the trailer. Added all my cross members. I used screws and nuts to attach everything. The low melting point alumiweld did not work out on my tests. I couldn't get a good bond. It might be me... I'm not sure. Working on bow bumper, tail lights, trailer jack and tongue, safety chains, fenders and details before I paint. Dave RR
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Update on the trailer. Added all my cross members. I used screws and nuts to attach everything. The low melting point alumiweld did not work out on my tests. I couldn't get a good bond. It might be me... I'm not sure. Working on bow bumper, tail lights, trailer jack and tongue, safety chains, fenders and details before I paint. Dave RR
Working in a functional trailer jack. I am using an old telescoping mirror that was broken. (2 sections) were cut out. Brass sheet for the wheel mount. Wheel is from scrap box. Brass wire and a rivet body for the crank handle. If all goes well I will have this done today. Will update soon, RR
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Working in a functional trailer jack. I am using an old telescoping mirror that was broken. (2 sections) were cut out. Brass sheet for the wheel mount. Wheel is from scrap box. Brass wire and a rivet body for the crank handle. If all goes well I will have this done today. Will update soon, RR
I used this long screw. I ground and filed the nuts to press fit into the end of the cylinders. The double D shape keeps the ram from spinning. It works perfect. Crank handle is brass wire with a rivet for the handle. Retracted length is 3.5 inches and fully extended is 5.5 inches. Working on the mount today. Also working out other bits like lighting, safety chains, end caps, etc. I will update again soon, Dave RR
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I used this long screw. I ground and filed the nuts to press fit into the end of the cylinders. The double D shape keeps the ram from spinning. It works perfect. Crank handle is brass wire with a rivet for the handle. Retracted length is 3.5 inches and fully extended is 5.5 inches. Working on the mount today. Also working out other bits like lighting, safety chains, end caps, etc. I will update again soon, Dave RR
I always havé thé impression that there are more engeneers than modelboat enthousiast builders. I m a bit jalous of their craftmanship and knowledge👍👍👍😍
I have the mount made up and jack installed. I think I will redesign the crank handle. Works like the real thing (not that really matters). Also got the fender mounts finished, nice and solid. I'm happy with the result. Thanks, Dave RR
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I have the mount made up and jack installed. I think I will redesign the crank handle. Works like the real thing (not that really matters). Also got the fender mounts finished, nice and solid. I'm happy with the result. Thanks, Dave RR
Nice job Dave, your guards are nicer than mine,- was looking at trying to find ready made ones, but you don't know what things are like till they arrive (usually a month from China and over the top shipping from US,- plus a lot of US companies won't ship down here). Quicker to make my own.
I was thinking of using springs or torsion bars, but I've found the Chinese leaf springs rust like crazy- even if oiled (have them on my Jeep) so I'm just using solid axles. My Hartley model trailer has a swim in fresh water after being used in salt, and axles re greased. I have poured cyano in all the joins/laps, so hopefully it will keep water out, and I'll be doing the same with the runabout trailer.
Like your dolly wheel jack, quite tidy,- did mine with a spring underneath on the thread and a nut on the handle,- not quite as pretty. Was going to try and thread the inside of the tube which would have been nicer.
Thanks for the kind words JB, The white trailer you built was my inspiration. You have done a grand job on it. It looks so real! I did get the steel fenders from Ali express in China (took about 3 weeks to arrive) the price was good at $20, so I took a chance. They are very nice, I spent a total of $100 including shipping on the tongue, safety chains, fenders, led tail lights, rims, wheel adapters, 2 leaf spring kits and 4 85mm tires. You can't beat the price. I admire the fact that you made your own guards and other parts. I am going to attempt to make some for my next project a trailer for my Chris craft runabout. (maybe some teardrop fenders 🤔)
Thanks, Dave RR
This is the last update before I take it apart and paint. Now my question is what is a good paint for aluminum? I tried Rust-Oleum etching primer and black paint but it peals right off. Can you acid etch and then paint? Any help is much appreciated Thanks RR
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This is the last update before I take it apart and paint. Now my question is what is a good paint for aluminum? I tried Rust-Oleum etching primer and black paint but it peals right off. Can you acid etch and then paint? Any help is much appreciated Thanks RR
I agree with JB, clean the Aluminum with thinner and I would add a bit of steel wool with some elbow grease.
I would use an automotive/industrial lacquer etch primer which to work as an etch MUST be applied quite lightly.
Hi River Rat
In the U.K we have a company called Frost, they are a online vehicle restorer supplier, they do an etching solution called Pro 15 Metal Prep and they say "POR-15 Metal Prep provides the best adhesion for any metal surface, including aluminum" this may be what you are after.
Thank you all for the tips, it is always helpful and informative at model boats. Here is a couple pics before I disassemble for painting. Will update soon. Thanks again to all who have helped along the way. Dave RR
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Thank you all for the tips, it is always helpful and informative at model boats. Here is a couple pics before I disassemble for painting. Will update soon. Thanks again to all who have helped along the way. Dave RR
Hey guys, got the trailer painted. Primed with aluminum primer and a basic black. I tried for the first time applying car wrap vinyl on the fenders (guards). You apply it with a heat gun and stretching the vinyl over the compound curves. Looks close to chrome but not quite...good enough for who it's for 😁. Thanks, Dave RR
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Hey guys, got the trailer painted. Primed with aluminum primer and a basic black. I tried for the first time applying car wrap vinyl on the fenders (guards). You apply it with a heat gun and stretching the vinyl over the compound curves. Looks close to chrome but not quite...good enough for who it's for 😁. Thanks, Dave RR
Finished the SK trailer up for the most part. I lost the 4 o-rings that go on the gold rollers. And I am waiting for my winch hook. I used rubber neoprene strips for the rails and bow rest. Now I am working on my tow vehicle. 28" long to match 1/6 scale. The captain and first mate fit the car too. Wifey thinks I might be a little crazy 🤪 but I'm having fun with it. On to the next project...another trailer/stand for the CC. Just want to say thanks for all the help and suggestions! Dave RR
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Finished the SK trailer up for the most part. I lost the 4 o-rings that go on the gold rollers. And I am waiting for my winch hook. I used rubber neoprene strips for the rails and bow rest. Now I am working on my tow vehicle. 28" long to match 1/6 scale. The captain and first mate fit the car too. Wifey thinks I might be a little crazy 🤪 but I'm having fun with it. On to the next project...another trailer/stand for the CC. Just want to say thanks for all the help and suggestions! Dave RR
Doug, you are very funny.