1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

M416 Restoration Project

Discussion in 'Jeep Trailer Tech' started by GillaFunk, Jul 15, 2021.

  1. Jul 15, 2021
    GillaFunk

    GillaFunk I'm the Dude, so thats what you call me. 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Graeagle Calif...
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2019
    Messages:
    278
    Last year I picked up an M416 to restore and then tow with my CJ for camping and yard projects. I figured now that its all done, I should post up a restoration thread. This was my first vehicle restoration, but I have lots of experience with 12v, and basic mechanical repair and replacement. As this trailer was in pretty good shape, I chose not to go all out with body work and the like. Just tear down, repair, replace, upgrade where applicable, resurface and reassemble. I'm pretty proud of what I was able to accomplish with basic tools and the use of my garage. I got a lot of good advice and tips from the M416 group on the FaceBook.

    So, here we go. I found a fella on CL selling these for $600, which I thought was a steal.

    Purchase day and tow home.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    The electrical harness was shot
    [​IMG]

    Looks pretty goofy behind my dad's loaner truck since my rig was in for repairs.
    [​IMG]

    The bed was a little corroded, and stressed, but it was solid.
    [​IMG]

    Tear down was easy, but stripping off the years of paint and corrosion was outside the abilities of my power tools, so I found a fella in Reno who was able to blast everything in a day.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    And done
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I had Line-X line the bed and undercarriage for durability.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Some parts were sent to my small bits sand blaster and powder coating.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Found another fella in Susanville with some OEM CJ 16" wheels. Those got blasted and coated too.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Now to re-assembly, painting and Electrical.....
     
  2. Jul 15, 2021
    GillaFunk

    GillaFunk I'm the Dude, so thats what you call me. 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Graeagle Calif...
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2019
    Messages:
    278
    Lets begin

    Weld in a rear reciever for whatever.
    [​IMG]

    Weld in a surface plate for spare tire carrier.
    [​IMG]

    Raptor epoxy the frame, axle, bed & tool-box
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Paint the frame & axle satin black. Springs were replaced with OEM CJ3-B front springs as they are the same dimensions.
    [​IMG]

    Paint the bed battleship grey
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2021
  3. Jul 15, 2021
    GillaFunk

    GillaFunk I'm the Dude, so thats what you call me. 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Graeagle Calif...
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2019
    Messages:
    278
    Re-assembly, electrical & finishing touches

    Crosswind M/T LT 245/75-16 tires on OEM CJ5 16" wheels
    [​IMG]

    Assembled rolling chassis with lunette and safety chains. Bearings and races replaced with Timken. New shocks from Napa.
    [​IMG]

    Installation of spare tire carrier by use of Nissan X-Terra spare tire crank
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Welded rod with 3/8" socket head to allow for easy cranking of spare up and down.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Entire wire loom replaced with my own design using a 7 pin harness and electrical panel.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    HMMWV tail lights and LED marker lights
    [​IMG]

    New reflectors and lights mounted
    [​IMG]

    Installation of Harbor Freight trailer box
    [​IMG]

    Horse bed rubber mat from Tractor Supply to soften impacts into the bed.
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2021
    Fireball likes this.
  4. Jul 15, 2021
    GillaFunk

    GillaFunk I'm the Dude, so thats what you call me. 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Graeagle Calif...
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2019
    Messages:
    278
    And done

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2021
  5. Jul 15, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,102
    Very nicely done :)
     
    GillaFunk likes this.
  6. Jul 16, 2021
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
    Messages:
    5,622
    X2
     
  7. Jul 16, 2021
    GillaFunk

    GillaFunk I'm the Dude, so thats what you call me. 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Graeagle Calif...
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2019
    Messages:
    278
    Thanks. It’s a fun little hauler
     
  8. Jul 16, 2021
    Dave Deyton

    Dave Deyton Member

    Fuquay-Varina, NC
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2003
    Messages:
    847
    Well engineered, cool setup.


    Dave
     
    GillaFunk likes this.
  9. Jul 16, 2021
    OzFin

    OzFin Vintage Jeep Guy

    Michigan
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2007
    Messages:
    936
    Very nice, great attention to detail :drool;
     
    GillaFunk likes this.
  10. Jul 16, 2021
    Mr Vaughan

    Mr Vaughan

    i lke it!

    do you really need mud tires on a trailer though?
     
  11. Jul 16, 2021
    Mr Vaughan

    Mr Vaughan

    i guess you could have a spare for it or the cj under there. makes sense.
     
  12. Jul 17, 2021
    Downs

    Downs Rattlecan All The Things!

    Hunt County Texas
    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2020
    Messages:
    579
    Very nice. I'm still int he paint striping phase of my M416.
     
  13. Jul 18, 2021
    GillaFunk

    GillaFunk I'm the Dude, so thats what you call me. 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Graeagle Calif...
    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2019
    Messages:
    278
    I didn’t, but I wanted spares for the CJ. Plus, it just looos cooler. They were inexpensive.
     
    CleCeeJay and Puddle Jumper like this.
  14. Aug 24, 2021
    Buster1

    Buster1 New Member

    Ft Worth
    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2021
    Messages:
    49
    Great write up, super cool.
     
    GillaFunk likes this.
New Posts