1955 Benroy - Rebuild (08/20/2013 - Painted! Now reassembly)

[stevegsmith]

Kim, sorry about the presumption. I should have known better. One of my good clients is a Kim and a guy. My bad.

Ted, the project is looking awesome. Sorry for the absent commentary. I had to prep my truck for a Death Valley trip and save some fundage so I shelved the Benroy project for a few weeks.

Should be back to it during the winter. For now, I think I'll slap the axle and hubs back together, find some used tires, and roll over to TI at the end of the month.

Talk soon,
steve

[KCStudly]

what are the pros and cons of using this type of latch system over the basic slam latch systems?

I have no personal experience with this type of latch on a TD, but from what I have read it is very difficult to get the seal to squeeze down properly and have the rods engage horizontally. Several(?) people who have installed these for the nostalgic look have resorted to draw down latches in addition, Toms (Aggie79) Silver Beatle and one of Cliff's (CliffinGA) efforts are examples, IIRC.

This is why I will go with a simple handle on the back and locking draw down latches on the sides. I like the slick ones that Zach (Absolutsnobrdr) put on the X-II, but those are probably a little flashy for a retro build.

If I were you I would go for the handle style of the cross bolt that you show, with some innocuous draw down latches placed low on the sides, or even under the rear edge of the hatch.

$.02

[TRP]

Hey KC,

Thanks for the reply. I guess I'll have to go with what I have, or figure out something custom. The corner latches just wouldn't look right on this 'resto/mod'.

Ted

[Kim Armstrong]

Kim, sorry about the presumption. I should have known better. One of my good clients is a Kim and a guy. My bad.

Ted, the project is looking awesome. Sorry for the absent commentary. I had to prep my truck for a Death Valley trip and save some fundage so I shelved the Benroy project for a few weeks.

Should be back to it during the winter. For now, I think I'll slap the axle and hubs back together, find some used tires, and roll over to TI at the end of the month.

Talk soon,
steve

No problem Steve. l get it all the time. Go to the doctor and there is a big o check next to mr. and they still can't get it right. Really enjoying this build on here.

[doug hodder]

Ted...as previously mentioned...those handles won't allow pressure to hold the hatch shut against the weather stripping, unless you drill the receivers in tight and lean on the hatch....They are primarily a locking thing. On my Voyager, I used that handle system to lock the hatch closed, but used a spring loaded hold down hatch (34 Ford, but a jeep one will work), to actually seal against the weatherstripping. Doug

[TRP]

Hey Doug,

Thanks for the reply. I think the 32 ford hood hold downs will fit in nicely with the nature of this rebuild. Do you happen to have any photos of the install on your voyager? I'd like to see how the finished product would look. How did the hatch latch look on the inside? The unit I purchased is pretty big. I was thinking it was going to be about 1/2 the size that it turned out to be. I'd love to see how you handled that install.

Thanks again,
Ted

[TRP]

Hello Gang,

From the first day I picked up what was left of this trailer I have been extremely excited that I was only missing a handful of items. Up until now, aside from the galley stove, sink, & water tank, I had thought all I was missing was the original galley hatch handle, striker plate, and one woodlin window 6.25" arm. I was looking at the trailer this weekend I found one more part I was missing. I'm missing a 29" piece of 1 1/8" Aluminum T molding. The molding has a 1/8th" thick 'tongue' (the leg of the T). The tongue is 3/4" of an inch long. The top part of the T is not equal on each side. It's off set to one side.. (see below) It looks like the long side is 9/16" and the shorter side is 7/16".



I've found two distributors who are willing to send me 12' or 8', but I really only need just under 3'.

Do any of you fellow builders know where I can locate this molding in smaller quantities?

I'd like to get this part installed before I head to the Meet and Greet on the 27th.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for bearing with me gang,
Ted

[TRP]

I went ahead and bit the bullet. I'm having 12' of it shipped to the house. Anybody need any T molding?

Ted

[TRP]

I took Doug's advice and picked up some hood latches from an International Scout:




With these in hand, I decided to get cracking this weekend:




I also managed to get both doors on, the hatch sheeted, skinned, sanded, and the galley sanded and clear coated:




Both doors are installed and they close nicely. I just need to figure out the right way to mount the slam latches, door handles, and weather striping:



So far, it's looking like I'm going to make Treasure Island!

Thanks for letting me share again
Ted

[aggie79]

Ted,

That is one cool build/restoration you have going there. You've done an incredible job with it.

Take care,
Tom

[SuperShady1]

Looking good Holmes, looks like a WINNER CHICKEN DINNER for TREASURE ISLAND!!

Dave

[TRP]

Thank you all for the kind words. It's nice to know I still have a loyal audience out there.

Speaking of loyal audiences - Steve, you going to make it to Treasure Island? It'd be really great to have our two vintage Benroy's side by side. It'd make a GREAT photo op!

Ted

[TRP]

I didn't get a lot done last night. I only managed to get started on getting the tail light wires run, and I'm not really excited about how they came out. I'll be redoing those after TI.

So, here is what's left to do before I head to TI:
[ ] - Install weatherstrip around doors and hatch
[ ] - Install door handles and slam latches
[ ] - Install fenders
[ ] - Wire in the tail lights (Trailer)
[ ] - Wire in the tail lights (Tow Vehicle)
[ ] - Cut and install mattress

Optional
[ ] Slam latch and or two Point latch for hatch
[ ] Makeshift curtains for windows (Don't want Dan'o peeping in on my while I'm snoring...


Yikes,
Ted

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Trailer looks GREAT! Love the work you've done!

[stevegsmith]

Thank you all for the kind words. It's nice to know I still have a loyal audience out there.

Speaking of loyal audiences - Steve, you going to make it to Treasure Island? It'd be really great to have our two vintage Benroy's side by side. It'd make a GREAT photo op!

Ted

Nice job Ted!
Yes, I'm trying to get things together to bring the trailer.
steve