G&R's Pickup Trailer rebuild

[G&R's57GMC]

Way back in 1977 I got a '69 Datsun pickup chassis and bed from the wreaking yard .

I added 2x4 tubing and coupler to the chassis in front of the cab mounts . This made the coupler to the axle center line about 110" and it makes backing easy . I added a tongue jack and wheel and an umbilical cable for the lights .The factory wiring was long enough to reach the front so was the parking brake cable to reach the Vaga P/B Handle mounted on the side of the 2x4 .

I then added a 4'x6' platform cross ways in front of the bed onto the cab mounts and a railing around 3 sides .

I've hauled rock , railroad ties and other stuff in the bed . I've hauled a motor cycle ,and upright Piano and other stuff on the platform .

Sorry I have no photos of the first version of this trailer .

In '85 I was given a '84 Ford long bed bed , I pulled the bed and platform of the chassis ,sold the platform stored the Datsun bed for years .
I made a tilting sub chassis for the Ford bed and bumper , refinished the chassis and painted it , installed the Ford bed on the Datsun chassis .
Now the stock Datsun wheels were lost under the bed , so I took a pair of wheels I had left over from my street buggy 14"x11" to Stockton wheel and had the centers replaced from VW to 6 on 6.5 with a major reverse offset Install a pair of MT Indy Profile H50x14 tires and bolted them on . From the rear they looked like a drag car but from the side they looked bit small .

I ran that way until the bed rotted the chassis looked terrible by 2011 (this poor thing sat outside 1 mile from the beach all its life) . It was time for a refresh .
Again, sorry no pictures of the second version .

I pilled the nuts off the body mounts , strapped the bed to the chassis and took it to the wreaking yard .

Brought the chassis back and disassembled it , loaded all the parts going to the powder coater on my car trailer and dropped them off .
Meanwhile I bought a virtually new '98 Chevy long bed from the local truck parts showroom , It had spayed in bed liner already . Plus it will complement my '98 Tahoe 2 door and my SSR .
Picked up the chassis from the powder coater and reassembled it then made crossmembers to adapt the Chevy body to the Ford sub chassis , installed the Chevy body and wired the trailer . Had to get another Vega/Monza p/b handle and then hooked up the p/b . Added a tool box in front and a rollup cover over the bed . Replaced the tires with MT N50x14 and had Stockton Wheel true the wheels .

Finally I have pictures of version Three !

[G&R's57GMC]

More pic's ...

[cwcarpenter98]

Sweet! I've recently done a refresh on the 67-72 trailer that I was given. Made it a 60-66 trailer now

[67C10Step]

I like it and I like the fact you've kept this going in many different reincarnations over the years.

[G&R's57GMC]

Thanks guys .
I had just bought a house and figured I needed a pickup but didn't want the expense of another vehicle just for occasional hauling .

So when hooked up to my van , I had what I called a crew cab articulated pickup . BTW I still have it today . Bought it new in '73 , it now has 300,000 miles on it and this is what it looks like today .

[Low Elco]

Awesome van! That thing would've rotted into chunks here in the midwest.

[G&R's57GMC]

And Finally a matching set ...

[G&R's57GMC]

To everyone on the forum ,

Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year in 2023 !

[CG]

That sure turned out nice. Its something I have thought of doing for awhile (I have a lot of those thoughts though that I stop with the thought lol). I have a really nice boat trailer Ive considered cutting down and using that as a starting point.