New To Me Bantam

Black paint applied before breakfast:


Painting done:


Much better:




My only issue now is the split links being to thick to work with the chain I have. I'll have to swing by the hardware store and get something that works better:

 

What a great idea! I need to do something similar with my Spen's tailgate. I was going to use the jeep tailgate off if my '70 donor jeep, and build support brackets on the inside of the rear corners (sort if the opposite of the bantam), and then I think I'll copy your idea of using angle iron to make a jeep chain copy.

 

Went to the hardware store and found some screw type links that work fine:




There was only one safety chain on it when I got it which isn't legal in Washington. I wanted the chains attached to the frame because if anything fails it will be part of the removable tongue. I replaced two of the casting bolts with eye-bolts and hooked the new chains there:


Now the trailer is officially done.

 

Picked up a new 5x7 canvas tarp. The old one has a couple holes in it. Seems to be a perfect fit:

 

Used the Bantam to haul our luggage for a 3 day family vacation in the TJ. It works great for this. You don't even know it's back there.



I also found a right-sized replacement tarp on Amazon. The tan doesn't look great with the red, but the plan is to eventually paint the trailer dark green with ivory wheels. Then it should look good.



The trailer is so inside the hole the TJ punches through the air that the tarp doesn't flap at all. Even at 70 mph.

 

What size tarp is that? I found a 6x8 fits okay but not completely happy with that.

 

It's a 5x7, but those sizes seem to be just a rough target for tarp manufacturers. They vary a lot.

This particular one seems to fit really well overhanging the sides and ends 3-4". It's not the thickest canvas, but the quality seems decent. Here's the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BTBNPQ4L?th=1