Need opinions on T3-C restoration

[tappel]

I recently bought a 1949 Bantam T3-C and I am in the process of stripping almost 60 years worth of good old fashioned super stick-em paint. I swear somebody painted this thing every year with a brush.:shock:

I have a few different ideas running through my mind and I had a few questions for you guys.

I want to keep this trailer as "original as I can but still make some custom changes. The first thing I want to do is paint it dark metalic green to match my TJ. I'm not worried about the color not being the original green because it is just paint and can be repainted if I were to sell it to some one who wanted it original.

The main thing I'm wondering is would Rhino-lining the inside of the trailer de-value it if I were to sell it?

I am going to build hinged treadplate cover that fits into the stake pockets and use the trailer for camping gear throughout the summertime. I think the rhino lining would be a nice way to finish the inside but I don't want to screw up what I have. The trailer is in great condition.

Should I rhino line or should I just buy a truck mat and cut it to fit down in the bed and keep stuff from sliding around?

You have probably seen the pics but what the heck, I'm kind of proud of it.

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/starvinpilgrim/JeremysWillyJeep023.jpg

Also do any of you guys know what the wheel spacing is on the T3's?
I roughly measured 5 on 5.5 with a 4" center is this correct? I plan on getting a set of aftermarket wheels to run on it.

[jpflat2a]

I don't use a mat or any other covering.
The gear is packed in so tight it's not like junk is rolling around.
I'd pass on the Rhino liner and just it the way it was intended.
my 0.2 worth

[Boyink]

If it's just camping gear then I'd pass on the liner. IIRC I had an estimate of $400 to do mine. I use my trailer for brush and junk hauling as well so a liner is nice, but otherwise like Jim says when camping it's packed in solid.

IMHO you're better off spending that $$ on a new set of springs - if the trailer is empty in that pic you're not showing much clearance between fender and tire.

[timgr]

If you want to haul big rocks with your trailer, I'd think you could make a liner with plywood/masonite/rubber matting. For landscaping material, I'd just throw a big plastic tarp down, dump the mulch/gravel/sand/whatever on top and fold the corners over. Makes removing the last bits of material (and cleaning) much easier too.

[tappel]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll just cut down a rubber bed mat to fit.

Any thoughts about the after market wheel spacing?

[5foxes]

[QUOTE=tappel;643960]Thanks for the replies. I think I'll just cut down a rubber bed mat to fit.

Northern Tool & Equip. sells Rubber bed mats that sorta fit, (41" x 72" ) mine was around $45

[Boyink]

Wheels will be CJ pattern, or 5 on 5.5.

[tappel]

Thanks guys.

That's what I was thinking Boyink.

I just spent last night in the shop with the trailer and a gallon of aircraft stripper.

I had a 12 pack of beer in the fridge but I sure didn't need it with the fumes off that stripper. :D