Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Making " car trailer "

Posted by: trekkor May 6 2004, 11:07 PM

I'll be fabbing my work/utility trailer to accept my 914.

I'll widen the deck by a foot and make 9 foot loading ramps.

The sides all come off and it is a flat bed.

The yellow job box will be moved 3 feet foward to allow the car to come all the way foward. I'll add tire stops and tie downs.

I picked up the chassis for this trailer 3 years ago for $50.
It was orig a boat trailer. (low deck).

I put over 5000#'s on it all the time so I know our light wieght friend will be an easy rider.

I enjoy welding ( stick and wire ) and fab'n, so this weekend should be fun. welder.gif sawzall-smiley.gif


Attached image(s)
Attached Image

Posted by: Brad Roberts May 6 2004, 11:31 PM

That will work fine smilie_pokal.gif Jason is "sprucing" up my trailer this weekend for the jaunt up north. He keeps knocking the lights off the trailer so he is going to build steel boxes around them (so he can rip the whole rear off the trailer..LOL)


B

Posted by: Mueller May 6 2004, 11:35 PM

finally we have a new member as sick as i am smile.gif

welcome to the "i can make it work" club, LOL

Posted by: Brad Roberts May 6 2004, 11:37 PM

He wanted to lay tile at HPH for parts.. told him we didnt need any.

Hey Mueller.. get back in the garage.


B

Posted by: Rob Ways May 7 2004, 12:30 AM

Mmmm a welder in the 914 family..... this could be the start of a beautiful friendship.

Good luck with the trailer!! and kick some butt in Reno! driving.gif

Posted by: Mueller May 7 2004, 12:43 AM

QUOTE
He wanted to lay tile at HPH for parts.. told him we didnt need any.


can't hurt to ask smile.gif smash.gif

Posted by: trekkor May 7 2004, 08:02 AM

hee haw biggrin.gif


Attached image(s)
Attached Image

Posted by: groot May 7 2004, 08:10 AM

I built my trailer, too. My brother fired up the stick welder and we both got a little sunburn.........

I wanted an enclosed trailer (my car is open) that fits in a garage. So, it's got a 14 ft bed, with a total length a bit over 18 ft, and it fits in the garage. It's hard to find an enclosed trailer that doesn't break the bank. So far, I'm only into the trailer for about $1k, but it's not enclosed yet.

The added benefit is that this trailer is much lighter than what I could buy (it's a single axle trialer rated for 3500 lbs) and now I can tow my race car with a Class II hitch even though I used steel to build the trailer. So, I can tow my racecar with a Volvo V70R.... sweet.

Posted by: URY914 May 7 2004, 09:42 AM

My trailer is aluminum, but you probably quessed that (biggrin.gif )

With an aluminum toolbox. smile.gif

Paul

Posted by: Randal May 7 2004, 10:23 AM

Trekkor,

Are you going to add the flush tie down rings? They work great.

And when your ready, I'll take a picture of where Scott Yeaman welded rings on my back suspension to attach the tie down strap hook.

It now takes me just three or four minutes to tie the entire car down.

Much better.

And when your building those ramps build them light.... Nothing like lugging around heavy old ramps at the end of a long day.

Randal

Posted by: URY914 May 7 2004, 11:40 AM

You're right about needing a place on the car to tie down to.

I'd like to see someone come up with a piece that would go on the rear shock bolt so you could tie your hook strap to.

Make it out of a high grade steel plate maybe an 1/8" thick, with a small hole to go over the bolt and a large hole for the tie down hook.

Know what I mean? I'd buy two.

Paul

Posted by: Randal May 7 2004, 12:18 PM

Paul,

Rear shock bolt...now that sounds like a good place. And you wouldn't have to weld a ring to the rear trailing arm.

Sounds like a great little product for some of these fabricators on the board.

I'll buy two as well.

Posted by: URY914 May 7 2004, 12:46 PM

They need to be about 2"- 3" long.
And not too thick as the bolt is only long enough for the washer and nut.

Unless you machine a bolt with a ring on the head of the bolt

Or you could weld a ring or a link of a chain onto the head of the bolt.

I'll keep thinking and come up with something.

Paul

Posted by: seanery May 7 2004, 01:58 PM

hey guys, someone already makes those. pics around here somewhere. Check Performance Products. I think they may have been the ones who sell 'em.

Posted by: Randal May 7 2004, 04:21 PM

What I found was these at PP:


Attached image(s)
Attached Image

Posted by: Randal May 7 2004, 04:21 PM

And this one:


Attached image(s)
Attached Image

Posted by: Randal May 7 2004, 04:23 PM

Both of these are $$$$ and I wonder if they would be as good as a hook that is bolted to the bottom shock?

Posted by: peridotian May 7 2004, 04:25 PM

If it is a flat peice from 1/8 steel, someone draw them up (in cad if possible) and I will laser cut 50 or so at no charge and send them to HPH as giveaways.
Patrick

Posted by: Randal May 7 2004, 05:25 PM

Patrick,

Let me know when they are done, so I can go stand in line with everyone else at HPH!

Randal

Posted by: Randal May 7 2004, 05:29 PM

Much nicer than my Home Depot Special (HDS)!


Attached image(s)
Attached Image

Posted by: trekkor May 7 2004, 05:36 PM

Going shopping right now and then the fun begins.

Randal, My ramps will be nine feet long. Made from 1 & 1/2 " angle stock 1/4" frame with 2x10 pressure treated lumber. ( heavy I know )

I will check Home depot fot tie down options, as I need this done on the weekend.

Posted by: Randal May 7 2004, 05:52 PM

Mr. T.

I think those trailer guys down on SoCal have the flush mounted tie downs.

Have fun!

Posted by: trekkor May 7 2004, 06:01 PM

I'm looking for something that will also be practicle for securing my work cargo. "D" rings or large Shackles of some sort.

I hope they have some heavy duty racheting tie downs.

With the E-brake set and 4 corners tight. Where can it go, right?

I may design a tire slot off the front of the trailer that the car drops into. We'll see when midnight comes 'round wink.gif

Posted by: seanery May 7 2004, 06:34 PM

OK, this is wierd. The Performance Products part # is 914368, but their website showed no part.

It's called a rear tow hook $49.95 pair.

Posted by: seanery May 7 2004, 06:36 PM

ok, they list it as a 911 part #
http://performanceproducts.com/ProductPage.aspx?ProductName=Rear+Tow+Hooks+From+Weltmeister&productid=109765&producttype=20
IPB Image

Posted by: d914 May 7 2004, 07:06 PM

have some thing simular but much cheaper, engine lift fittings from ford or chevy vans.

Posted by: Randal May 7 2004, 07:14 PM

I must say that the PP design is really nice. It looks strong enough to weather the weight / constant movement.

Posted by: Randal May 7 2004, 07:21 PM

Mr. T.

If your looking for tie down straps Jegs usually ships pretty quickly and their prices are right.

http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=3276&prmenbr=361

Posted by: trekkor May 8 2004, 10:54 PM

Hey ,Randal !

Thanks for the web link.

My project is on hold for a little while, though.

Ended up working on our 8' trailer mounted BBQ instead.

I have a loaner car hauler already lined up so, no biggie. It's nice to have your own.

Here's a shot of the big-b-cue.

BTW got the Solo Racing book last week. clap56.gif


Attached image(s)
Attached Image

Posted by: Randal May 8 2004, 11:00 PM

Mr. T.

Pat Costin will be designing the Reno course at Stead. He is also a great instructor. He drives a very very fast 911 (orange) and I'll be glad to introduce you to him.

I'm sure he will ride with you as well.

Glad you got the book. Putting Hank's book in the back of your head and spending lots of seat time will make a huge difference in your driving.

I also want to be there when you get to run Thunderhill for the first time.

Nothing like it.

Posted by: Randal May 8 2004, 11:01 PM

Mr. T.

Now that is a serious BBQ. Does the grill go up and down?

Posted by: trekkor May 8 2004, 11:18 PM

The pic shows 13 whole tri-tips on the grill.

There's room for at least fifty...Or 100 burgers wacko.gif

We cooked 90 burgers and 40 1/4# dogs today in 30 minutes!

Grill is divided into 3 removeable sections. They are stationary,
The fire grate underneath will move up and down via jack screw...someday. Rght now it just sits 8 " below the grill.

It takes 80#'s of mesquite to light the entire grill at once. beer.gif

How about this roast?


Attached image(s)
Attached Image

Posted by: trekkor May 14 2004, 10:56 AM

Later this month I will resume car trailer mods.

I am designing a pair of large removable ramps that bolt on to the deck of my utility traier.
It will be 4-6" above the current deck and 12" wide. This allows the door to open with out striking the fenders.

Also the approach end of the bolt on ramp will have a slight angle to it so the loading from ground to ramp to deck will be smooth and gradual.

I figure once I get the design straight and get the materials in hand, It'll take a long night or two.

As for strap secure points. I am running the straps through the wheels and back to a welded cleat or loop.


Attached image(s)
Attached Image

Posted by: trekkor Feb 15 2005, 04:06 PM

I'm resuming the trailer mod, now that I have a little free time.

I won't be using the tiny nylon straps like in the above pic.
Although they held up fine to Reno and back last year.

Someone gave me a pair of metal ramps, so I'm on my way.
I'm going to cut off all the current decking and start fresh.
No removable ramps to bolt on and off.

I'll end up with a strong car hauler and a larger capacity utility trailer. mueba.gif

KT

Posted by: mharrison Feb 15 2005, 04:21 PM

I hauled my new teener 450 miles this past weekend with the straps through the rear wheels. If they hadn't fit through there, tying down the rear would have been a real bitch. As it was, it rode really well through Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. And that my friend is a lot of messed up road.....

Oddly enough, it was a homemade trailer too!!!

Posted by: ! Feb 15 2005, 04:33 PM

More weight up front towards the tongue is a good idea...not all of it but 55-60%. A traielr that has more weight to the rear of the trailer will develope the blue fin boogie at speed. If not caught in time it pull the whole tow car around and you will be off the road or worse....facing oncoming traffic.

Consider a steering damper that connects the trailer to the towcar, surge brakes with a auto brake lock if the hitch jumps off the ball....don't scrimp on safety chains. Always make it a habit to check tire pressures, tie downs and hitch when taking a pee or gas break....adjust mirrors so that you can see both sets of trailer tires....

Posted by: trekkor Feb 16 2005, 12:42 AM

Kinda funny at the dump today. We unloaded the garbage, then threw away the sides to the trailer, too. smile.gif

Took off all the old wood decking today, as well.

I'm going to use 1 and 1/2 inch square tube as a frame with 1 and 1/2 inch angle stock as a perimeter. welder.gif

I'll top the deck with new pressure treated 2x6 lumber.

I'm going to work on it thursday and friday, and use it sunday to pick up a free 914. mueba.gif

FYI- got a price on an inclosed race traier 7x14 for $4300.
I'll spend a few hundred to get this one ready first. idea.gif

Pics to follow, of course. wink.gif

KT


Posted by: trekkor Feb 18 2005, 02:29 AM

Made some progress tonight.

All the new frame work is welded on.
Tomorrow I'll paint, attatch the wood decking and fit the ramps.

KT


Attached image(s)
Attached Image

Posted by: Randal Feb 18 2005, 09:59 AM

Instead of 2X6's, wonder what thickness of aluminum diamond plate you could get away with?

I hate heavy trailers, but then maybe you don't care with the stump pulling truck of yours.

Posted by: trekkor Feb 18 2005, 11:26 PM

welder.gif sawzall-smiley.gif smash.gif
All painted out and the wood deck is on.
Ramps are set up.

Tomorrow afternoon I will install all the tie downs and the winch.

If we get a break in the weather, I'd like to put the car up on there.

Pics when it's all done with the car on. biggrin.gif

KT

Posted by: maf914 Feb 19 2005, 07:43 AM

KT,

Are the open areas on the inside of the fenders a problem? Will the sides of your car get sand blasted on the road? Just wondering...

Posted by: URY914 Feb 19 2005, 08:45 AM

I added some sheetmetal to the inside of my fenders to close them off from the car. welder.gif

Posted by: trekkor Feb 19 2005, 10:10 AM

Good idea on the fenders!

I'll weld some sheet metal on. welder.gif

KT

Posted by: trekkor Feb 20 2005, 09:00 PM

Towed the free car back to Napa today from San Jose without a hitch... unsure.gif

O.K., I used a hitch. lol2.gif

KT


Attached image(s)
Attached Image

Posted by: Aaron Cox Feb 20 2005, 09:01 PM

QUOTE (trekkor @ Feb 20 2005, 08:00 PM)
Towed the free car back to Napa today from San Jose without a hitch... unsure.gif

O.K., I used a hitch. lol2.gif

KT

lol.... rolleyes.gif laugh.gif lol2.gif

Posted by: trekkor Feb 20 2005, 09:03 PM

Easy to load


Attached image(s)
Attached Image

Posted by: trekkor Feb 20 2005, 09:07 PM

Since I've had this trailer ( over four years ) I've put thousands of miles on it. Really smooth ride. The 914 is lighter than the 5300 pound loads of gravel I've had in it.

KT


Attached image(s)
Attached Image

Posted by: neo914-6 Feb 20 2005, 09:09 PM

clap.gif Your free car looks better than the parts car I paid for...

Posted by: trekkor Mar 3 2005, 02:38 PM

#746 up and on cool.gif

KT


Attached image(s)
Attached Image

Posted by: trekkor Mar 3 2005, 02:40 PM

other view

KT


Attached image(s)
Attached Image

Posted by: Air_Cooled_Nut Mar 4 2005, 08:03 AM

Let's see the ramps, attached and stowed. Maybe even an action shot of a 914 launching off it Dukes of Hazard style? Pretty please biggrin.gif

Posted by: URY914 Mar 4 2005, 08:17 AM

I used a jobox on my trailer years ago. Great for security, but heavy. I built one out of aluminum that has front opening doors.

Ramps and tie-downs are a PITA. I'm got mine down to a quick and easy system, but it takes time to work it all out.

Nice rig. Two thumbs up. wink.gif

Paul

Posted by: URY914 Mar 4 2005, 08:20 AM

I forgot: get a spare tire. You'll carry it for years without using it and then one day it will pay for itself.

Paul

Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)