Spitfire Trailer

[turbospitfire]

Well folks, here are photos of the work I've done on the floor. It was rusted out so replaced everythng but the hump over the rear axle. You will notice that I added to the front some framework and flooring. I still have some small filler peices to weld in, but its mostly done. I'm hoping to work on the deck lid this weekend. I 'm not going to use the old trunk (boot) lid. Instead, I'm making a hatch that will cover most of the trailed. The center sheet metal will be removed. The lid  will be almost 5 feet long. This will make access much ealier. I could have used the existing lid and added a second one for the front, but I think one big hatch is cleaner.

Hope this may give someone some ideas, good or bad, on this kind of project.

Cheers
Max Brewster
1979 Spitfire 2.3 turbo Ford

[turbospitfire]

One more...

[turbospitfire]

One thing I forgot to mention. I removed the drive line hump that is normally located behind the seats. Its not necessary anymore. Makes a nice flat floor.

Max

[BlownMGB-V8]

Max,  if you use a drop axle (not hard to make for someone with your skills) you can remove the axle hump as well.  It's looking real good. I may even consider doing one. I once had an air compressor cart I made out of an MGB rear section, butt ugly but it worked well enough. If you do fab up a pair of axle drops just be sure to gusset them real good (about 200% more than you think you need) as that is the most stressed part and they will bend if overloaded. I speak from experience. My tandem will carry 3 tons with an acceptable safety margin but I had to straighten and strengthen the drops. They are 1/2" or thicker plate with fairly heavy gussets. I can probably get a photo if you want. They carry about 1500 lbs each but momentary overloads can be almost 3 times that.

Jim

[turbospitfire]

Jim, as usual I'm on a limited budget and I have a deadline of June 1st to get it in a usable state. I'm going to the MG rallye in Glenwood Springs, CO June 6th. My tandem also has drop axles. It sure helps with ride height. The hump adds strength that I will need to support the quarter panels when I cut out the upper sheet metal to open it up for the hatch. It has reinforcement plates with holes for body mounting bolts to the Spitfire frame.  Also, it will act as a divider and keep things from sliding around. Most of time I won't use the back half anyway. Even my wife doesn't have that much luggage!! Its a good idea though, I can always change it later if it becomes an issue.

Thanks for the input,
Max

[dwtr6v8]

For someone with a ripped up knee, you get around to a lot of work! I hope it's healing well.

Nice work, but I was a little off orientation with the first picture until I realized it's upside down! (dah)

I found another TR6 with a trailer, but I think the contact link is dead. (from 2004)


A little different approach than the first one.

I have even looked at maybe using a mfg unit that I could modify with TR6 tail lights.
http://www.american-legend.com/models/models_bandit.asp

[jblanchard@hcpg.net]

Max,

Your trailer is looking good.  We need trailers for our British cars because of the lack of luggage space.  Last year my brother in law and I traveled to the Ohio meet (from the Memphis area) and had to pack lightly.

Here are some photos of my work in progress.  I bought a basket case 1961 MGA to turn into a trailer.  My plans are to paint the trailer the same color as my MGA but make it look original rather than modified.

[turbospitfire]

Thanks Jeb, we have stirred up quite an interest on the forum about trailers. I think this topic is appropriate for this forum. Since we increase the overall performance of our cars, its only logical to think about traveling longer distances. Trailers provide capability to bring luggage, folding chairs, coolers, tools. etc. I guess we could categorize a neat trailer as an accessory for our cars. Like you, I'm tired of cramming stuff in my car every I want to take a trip. Your tailer is awsome!

Cheers,
Max

[dwtr6v8]

Jeb,

WOW! You're going to have 3/4 of an MGA behind you! Very Deep. You might even be able to throw a sleeper sofa in there.

Nice work on blending the front to rear sections, but we should expect nothing less from the guy with suicide doors on an MGA.

[turbospitfire]

Hi folks, I worked on the front sheet metal for the trailer this weekend and tonight. This is my first try at using the English wheel that me and my neighbor built. This started out as a flat piece of sheet metal. Photos below:




I will be welding it to the frame and fabricating upper framework next. Then I will start on the side peices, more English wheel fun!!

Cheers,
Max

[turbospitfire]

Well, here it is folks. I finally got it finished. I went to a British car event in Chama, New Mexico last weekend and was actually able to pack some luggage. The trailer tracked very well behind the car. I will attach a few more photos soon. One more project completed. I need a rest!!

Cheers,
Max

[turbospitfire]

One more.

[turbospitfire]

Forgot to include some photos of the trailer prior to body work and paint.

Cheers,

Max

[MrT0mJones]

Max I wish you lived closer, i'd buy you a beer and pick your brain.

Looks awesome.