Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Hello,

Just wondering - Does anyone know what color red the original Benroy's were? I'm quite a ways off from this stage but I'm eventually going to need to know. I'm not going for a concurs restoration, so I guess it's not a critical detail. My trailer should be headed to sandblasting in a few weeks. I was kind of hoping to find out so I could get the right color, or as close to it as possible.

I looked around the web a bit and all I have found is "Fire Engine Red".

Just thought I'd ask,
Ted

http://www.tincantourists.com/wiki/doku.php?id=benroy

Looks more of a wine red to me.

Here is Marge's 53 and it also appears a deeper red.

http://rvs.oodle.com/detail/1953-benroy-tear-drop/2869896690-oceanside-ca/

Hey - thanks for the reply.

Those two examples you've listed sure are nice. I think those are the two I've seen which were 'custom painted' to match the owners hot rod. The Benroy paint scheme was rather simple, and (from what I have found), was limited to the bottom 1/3 of the trailer. Extending no higher than the tops of the fenders.

I guess at this point, it's not uber critical to get it 'just right'. I may simply go with the classic Coca Cola Red.

Thanks again,
Ted

Here are some examples of what I understand to be the 'original' scheme:

























Hell, looking at 'em all stacked up like this, I guess no two are the same after 50+ years.

Guess it doesn't much matter what color I go with. Maybe I'm over thinking it?

Ted

I've helped others restore antique vehicles several times and one way that I know of is to use a fine sandpaper (600 grit wet/dry) and work a spot to reveal all of the colors (they will show up as a "bullseye") that have been painted on since it was last stripped to bare metal. An experienced eye can tell the difference from primer and paint and can even color match original paint. Once when restoring a 1951 Jeep we were able to see 12 distinct colors and two primers. It's interesting to have that kind of history on an old vehicle.

Good luck on your project.

I delivered the trailer frame and a pile of crusty parts to the sandblaster today. We decided on "Torch Red". Most commonly seen on Ford's in the mid 50's.

http://paintref.com/cgi-bin/paintdetail ... 20Red|4521

Should be spectacular. (I'm trying to convince myself I chose the right red out of the millions of shades of red I saw today.)

The shop said I would have the blasted and painted frame, fenders, wheels, license plate bracket and original propane tank back by next Wednesday. The tank will be silver (per the original) and everything else - torch red. May have the license plate bracket painted black, not sure yet.

Once I get the parts back I will take some photos and officially start a 'build thread'.

We'll see... *gulp* It's almost like it's really going to happen.

I hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew. How to you eat an elephant? One bite at a time...

Boy, those trailer tongues are really short. That must have made backing it up rather interesting.

Corwin:
Thanks for the tip. I started out really worrying about what color it *should* be, then lightened up and just said "what could could it be". I'm sure the Torch Red will be fine. I doubt I'll ever park next to an 'original' anyway. So nobody should complain.

Becky:
Yeah, it's a real treat. I'm still trying to figure that out. Yesterday I tried three times to back that sucker into the shop with 2 fully restored Chevrolet sedans flanking me as I backed it in. After the third time, I put the truck in park, unhooked the trailer and just pushed it backwards by hand! I'm sure the owners of the 57 and the 56 were all very thankful! These cars were BEAUTIFUL. Lime green metallic 56 (lowrider / hot rod style), and a 57 Rust Oxide satin (old 'gasser' style hot rod).

I hope to one day figure out how to keep the thing straight as I back it up. For now, because it's just the trailer frame, it's really easy to push it.

T

T, we keep our trailer in the garage but work on it outside so we are constantly moving it. I bought the Harbor Freight trailer dolly. Got it on sale at some point for about $40-50. (can't remember exactly.) It was definitely one worthwhile purchase. We use it for our very heavy utility trailer also, and it makes putting them exactly where you want them a breeze.

Oh!? Look at that little gem!

I think I'm going to keep my eye out for that one. That will be really helpful.

Thanks!,
Ted