Trailer skins - reuse? or buy new?

[TRP]

Hello Gang,

I've started the process to rebuild my 1955 Benroy. I purchased the trailer in it's already dissembled state. I had planned on restoring/rebuilding the trailer with as many original parts as possible, however the skins were something I wasn't sure I could reuse. The sides are in decent shape, and could be made useable again. Over the past 57 years, they have acquired many 'warts' along the way. I'd need to figure out a way to patch some holes here and there (see below). The top has a rather unfortunate hold in the front of the trailer, about the size of a large camper window. The top has a hole cut for an old aluminum hatch/vent with an odd series of screw holes leading diagonally away from the vent. Not sure what that's about. I may be better off replacing the top piece that wraps around to the front. The hatch is in serviceable shape.

So the topic - Better to use old skins or get some new stuff? The new panels in .040 from Cardo are pretty affordable. Cardo is in Sacramento, CA so that's 2 hours each way. THe source in Holster (about 20 miles from me) doesn't have .040 in 48" widths. Only 49" and they want 37.00 a linear foot for that stuff. (Clearly they are drunk)















Any ideas on patching the screw holes in the top? what about the random 'warts' on the sides? Obviously I'd need to replace everything forward and down from that unfortunate gaping hole in the front panel.

I'm open to all ideas. Would using the original skins add any 'value' the trailer?

Let's discuss...

Ted

[wagondude]

If it were me, I would salvage the sides and put a new top on. The holes could be TIG welded shut then ground and polished out. You would probably still be able to see them, but not too badly. If you decide to replace it all, don't forget to recycle all of that aluminum to help offset the cost of the new stuff.

Bill

[TRP]

Hey Bill

Hey Gang,

Thanks for the reply. I'm kind of torn on skins. I had planned on putting new skins on it, but the first place I called took the wind of of my sails.

So, I asked around a bit and found out that I was quoted 1200.00 for the skins was because of a few things:
1) They didn't have any .040 in 48", they only had it on 49" and could run it out to any length necessary. (I guess that's a 'special' size which @ $37.00 a linear foot)
2) They specialize in wholesaling parts for major repair facilities (Trucks and RV's)
3) They really operate to MAKE replacement parts, not sell skins.

Hence the Kings ransom for what should be a pretty generic set of skins. Obviously we won't be using those guys.

I called around a few other places here in California and it turns out, they deal in 040 and they have prices which are more in touch with reality. The Teardrop clan up in Reding, CA pointed me to a place in Sacramento, CA, They can get me the new .040 skins a whole hell of a lot cheaper, but I'm going to have to drive two hours each way. That's my fall back plan. If I can get the stuff in Sacramento, why not locally? We're better than "Sacramento"! Unfortunately I got a late start on making the local calls today, and all of these places close at like 4:15?! I did get a hold of one place locally who can get me what i need (.040) for $88.00 for a 48" x 96", and 112 for a 48" x 144". I'm going to poke around a bit more and see if I can source the skins a bit cheaper.

So, what's the point of this story?
Always get a second opinion (and call someone you can trust)

I will be selling a bunch of stuff that came with the trailer to offset the cost of the new parts.

Thanks again!

Sincerely,
Ted Pierson

[real550A]

Hi Ted, I heartily concur with your desire to use as much of the original skin as possible. It seems your "picture window" front and torn roof might have to be
replaced, as hard to hide big patch panels. Have you tried local "seamless gutter" guys, and other fab shops in the area? Seems like smooth .040 stock shouldn't
be that difficult to find at a reasonable price. Maybe best to get away from the "trailer/RV world" for this. Just a thought. Mike

[doug hodder]

For smooth (no crease in it) aluminum...call around to some semi-truck repair shops. You can pick up .040 from places like Fruehauf in Sac. in 103" wide off a coil. I'm thinking I paid like 13$ a running foot on 103". It cuts easily with a circular saw.
By the time you have someone TIG up the tears and holes in 50 year old original stuff, haul them around to a shop, etc....you're gonna have the price of new skins in them. Just my opinion.

[TRP]

Yeah, I think I'll get new ones for sure. Especially now that I've found them at a reasonable price! 040 seems to be the right stuff.

I'll just keep the original skins for templates. Once I get to that stage... One step at a time. I should be able to pick up the trailer frame, wheels, and fenders sometime this week. Possibly tonight. Once I get that back I'll be able to actual START building.

Thanks for the help gang!
T

[2bits]

On my standy build, the sides were in really nice shape and the top front and back were beat up, and patched up, so I am going to do what has been suggested here and keep the sides and replace the roof, if it's good keep it, if it's not replace it, don't be afraid to mix it up!