Bent axle?

[frank_a]

Could my '79 Sunspot axle be bent, or are they built with a slight curve for the load they carry? Please see the pics and advise. It is a 4" drop axle with 5 X 4.5 hubs on 1 1/16" spindles.





I just rebuilt the hubs, then wanted to drop the axle to move the spring seats so the springs would ride below the axle in the stock position as opposed to the above the axle position a previous owner did. You can see in the second pic my framing angle up against the brake bracket showing as it sits that the tires would be angled in on the bottom to a small degree. It doesn't seem right to me, but I am no expert!

Thank you for any help.

Frank

[madjack]

Frank, it is correct...many axles have a slight upwards bow in them...this bow(and the camber on the wheels/tires) will flatten out somewhat as a load is placed on the axle...it is engineered thisaway to compensate for the load.....................
madjack

[frank_a]

Boy Jack, thanks man! Once I got your post, I got back to my shop, ground off the welds on the old spring seats and called Tractor Supply about 5:10 to see if they were still open and they were. I knew they had new spring seats there for $7/pr. The old ones were NOT worth saving. Since then I got back, tacked the new spring seats on, got the axle installed and wheels and tires back on and had dinner. Whadya think?



Sorry no hub caps. They're on my shop bench waiting on a good shining. I still need to play with the axle some, but I just wanted to get the spring swap done. I'll probably get new u-bolts and lock nuts, at least. At some point I may get a new axle (and springs), and if not, will take this one apart and clean and paint it.

Frank

[jeprovo]

Nice looking Sunspot!

[frank_a]

Thanks!

With that done, I cleaned the interior to get ready for some dis-assembly and future construction. The floor is only 73" long, so initially we'll get a 6' air mattress or sleeping bag pad, and if that's not possible we'll buy some high density foam. Good thing I'm just under 6'!

I've yet to really wash or clean the exterior either. Maybe this weekend. I've ordered all new wiring, a new junction box, new levels, and 4 scissor jacks. Yesterday I got new stop/turn/tail lights (along with white plastic angle brackets) in the mail to replace the old utility trailer style ones. All existing wiring is coming out, new 12V wiring being installed, along with auxiliary power for back up lights (I have yet to purchase). New 110V wiring will be added as well. We're still hashing over plans for the new built interior, but as long as there's room on the floor to sleep, all is good for now!

I have to do a bit of research on trailer doors. This one is falling apart, and needs to be rebuilt.

More to come...

Frank

[madjack]

...looks good Frank...glad I could help, I always did like those little Sunspots...if you don't want to tackle the door yourself, check with outfits that sell/build cargo trailers...you might also wanna checkout what might be available on ebay..................
madjack

[frank_a]

Thanks Jack! I was kinda bummed, thought I would need a new axle...

Pretty cool little trailer. Only owned it since a week ago Saturday! I have to remove the door and take a look. When you say check trailer builders/sales, or ebay, are some of these doors standardized? guess I could check ebay and see what I come up with. As you may know, these doors are pretty short!

Frank

[madjack]

..."standardized" is a relative term...here is a door linky ...as you can see, these are pretty darn pricey...ebay has many such with better prices and probably something closer to the size you would need...if you can rebuild the door yourself, it would certainly pay off...............
madjack

[frank_a]

Hmmm, $300 or $400 or more for a door is simply out of the question Jack. I need to take this one off and see what I can do. I half thought maybe I could build one out of oak and hardwood paneling, but it would probably look funny. I have to drag Spot out of the pole barn again anyways for some re-wiring, and will focus on the door too. It is really kind of a problem. The frame down at the lower right corner is coming apart, for one thing.

I'm hoping with it lowered it will now fit in my garage/shop. The last coat of deck paint is going on my classic speed boat tonight, then that can come out tomorrow and maybe the trailer will fit in. That would beat the heck out of working on gravel!

We're off to Fish Creek for the Tear Up next month. If I can just get it re-wired and the door fixed, I'll be a happy camper, no pun intended!

Thanks for the help,

Frank

[bohemian]

Frank
The door on your trailer should be just screwed together. If it's riveted just drill the rivets out. And just replace the rivets when you reassemble the door.
I've had to fix a couple of doors now.
I would say all you have to do is take the door apart and fix or replace the wood frame that's inside. Then reassemble the door.
If the door is a wood frame with a hollow center Think about filling the void with rigid foam board (pink/Blue) this will help stiffen the door right up.
Good luck with the project. See you at FC.
Wayne

[frank_a]

Thanks for the tip Wayne! Maybe a weekend project. I need to get the old speedboat rigged too, but that shouldn't consume too much time. I'm trying to get Friday off so I can get a 4 day weekend and do a bunch of stuff! These scissor jacks I ordered are bolt on or weld on, and to begin with I intend to bolt them on to see how they work. Later I may weld them on, but I am NOT a big fan of welding underneath stuff. I only mention that because I need to make up plates to bolt to the frame's angle iron so I have a place to mount the jacks. I sure hope I can get Spot in my garage now that it's been lowered. We're getting there!

See you at FC

Frank

[madjack]

Frank
The door on your trailer should be just screwed together. If it's riveted just drill the rivets out. And just replace the rivets when you reassemble the door.
I've had to fix a couple of doors now.
I would say all you have to do is take the door apart and fix or replace the wood frame that's inside. Then reassemble the door.
If the door is a wood frame with a hollow center Think about filling the void with rigid foam board (pink/Blue) this will help stiffen the door right up.
Good luck with the project. See you at FC.
Wayne

...twould be what I would do................................................................

[frank_a]

You guys are da best. More pics soon! Gotta go do a bit of sanding before cleaning and last coat of deck paint (for this year) on da old boat. Then measure Spot for height, see if maybe I can get her in the spot the boat is briefly in. Gotta get at it!

Thanks again,

Frank