Converto Engineer Dump Trailer Restoration

Half-ton trailer series and larger, Wanted, For Sale(NO EBAY ITEMS), and Knowledge Base
Mike Wright
US Army Major (Ret)
US Army Major (Ret)
Posts: 1930
Joined: Sat Dec 14, 2002 6:52 am
Location: Owasso, OK

Re: Converto Engineer Dump Trailer Restoration

Post by Mike Wright » Tue Mar 22, 2016 9:50 am

Looking REALLY Nice :!: Can't wait to see it in person :D
Mike Wright
SEEKING MOTOR # GPW 2636
MVPA# 4341
GPW 2636, DOD 28 FEB 42, Reg# 2055811 (est)
GPW 104331 DOD 31 MAR 43, Reg# 20369321 (est)
MB-101008 DOD 27 NOV 41, Reg# W-2032462 (Original)
MB 438075, DOD 1 MAY 45, Reg# 20704591 (Original)
Converto ABN Dump 0886168
M2-HB gun trailer


Myers
G-Lieutenant Colonel
G-Lieutenant Colonel
Posts: 1089
Joined: Wed Dec 23, 2009 6:21 pm
Location: Fort Riley, KS

Re: Converto Engineer Dump Trailer Restoration

Post by Myers » Wed Mar 30, 2016 3:15 pm

The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter! All I have left is to make the 3/8 pivot pin for the trip rod, add springs to the trip rod, and the permanent body lock. Jeepjop is looking into having the pin and body lock made, so if anyone needs either of those parts, there should soon be a source.

I had to replace the threaded portion of the trip rod, and weld a new spring tab on. I was able to save the original 3/8 heavy nuts and the link. I also sourced correct jam nuts and bolt for the tailgate trip handle, as mine were missing. The bolt is a correct "tall head" bolt, and it perfectly matches the specs of an original. I had to weld and grind the head.

I installed the data plate (from Robert) with the correct 3 1/2lb tinner rivets. I spent a lot of time measuring rivets with a micrometer, and I am 99% sure that 3 1/2 is the correct size.

I installed a VWOM harness, went on like a dream! Quick test of the electrical circuit and everything checked out fine.

I mounted the amber side reflectors. I was able to save two of the original screws, and I made two correct round head slotted screws for the other side. Nicely parkerized.

I am not going to mount the lubrication chart holder. I personally don't like the look of them, but to each his own :D . Since those are Corps of Engineer marked, I think they would have been originally supplied by the gaining unit, and not necessary for every converto, even if it has the holes for one.

I opted to go with a six inch star on the tailgate only, it looks nice, but I deliberately used a hand cut stencil so there would be a little over spray. Markings are always too crisp on restorations, a little blur on the edges just makes it look even better.

I have spent many hours researching the "correct" painted markings for these trailers. I have not seen or heard of a single trailer that had any remnants of blue drab registration numbers. The only markings ever found have all been white, and they don't follow any factory guidelines or standardization. Most are different fonts and sizes, and are almost certainly "wartime motorpool/field" or "post war rebuild" applied.. My honest opinion is that they left the factory without any stenciling. I am not going to add any additional markings until I am able to find more evidence. While I'm not worried about keeping it a factory class restoration (I already added a star to the tailgate), I don't want to add fantasy registration numbers, yet I also don't want to add the field style if there were indeed factory applied markings... Just have to keep digging.


Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Last edited by Myers on Sun Apr 17, 2016 12:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1-44 Ford GPW (161784) USA 20439314, USN 87559
5-4-45 Bantam T3 (68871) USA 0948627

Falconflyer728
G-Private
G-Private
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2016 3:18 pm
Location:

Re: Converto Engineer Dump Trailer Restoration

Post by Falconflyer728 » Wed Apr 06, 2016 12:43 pm

I am in about the same point of time in restoring my Converto. I was impressed with your precision tub strecher of a small tree and a Ford ranger. My wing walls were well out of tolerance and I used the long ram cherry picker and a come-along to re-align back to center.

Tom

Myers
G-Lieutenant Colonel
G-Lieutenant Colonel
Posts: 1089
Joined: Wed Dec 23, 2009 6:21 pm
Location: Fort Riley, KS

Re: Converto Engineer Dump Trailer Restoration

Post by Myers » Fri Apr 08, 2016 2:58 pm

Tom,

The sides weren't bent very bad, so it wasn't difficult to straighten them with the straps. I'm glad it wasn't worse, as I didn't have any other way to straighten it.

Mike Wright hand delivered a set of springs for the tailgate rod, talk about service! :lol: All I have to do is paint them and they'll be good to go. The permanent body lock and the tailgate handle pin are the last two things I need for it.

Thanks for all the comments and tips along the way.

Image
Image
1-44 Ford GPW (161784) USA 20439314, USN 87559
5-4-45 Bantam T3 (68871) USA 0948627

Mike Wright
US Army Major (Ret)
US Army Major (Ret)
Posts: 1930
Joined: Sat Dec 14, 2002 6:52 am
Location: Owasso, OK

Re: Converto Engineer Dump Trailer Restoration

Post by Mike Wright » Fri Apr 08, 2016 5:48 pm

Looking good Boone :D I will have free time Sun late afternoon early evening if you want to do dinner.
Mike
Mike Wright
SEEKING MOTOR # GPW 2636
MVPA# 4341
GPW 2636, DOD 28 FEB 42, Reg# 2055811 (est)
GPW 104331 DOD 31 MAR 43, Reg# 20369321 (est)
MB-101008 DOD 27 NOV 41, Reg# W-2032462 (Original)
MB 438075, DOD 1 MAY 45, Reg# 20704591 (Original)
Converto ABN Dump 0886168
M2-HB gun trailer

TwoCar
G-First Lieutenant
G-First Lieutenant
Posts: 627
Joined: Mon May 05, 2014 9:10 am
Location: Beautiful Pennsylvania

Re: Converto Engineer Dump Trailer Restoration

Post by TwoCar » Wed Apr 13, 2016 6:42 am

Great job Boone!
GPWs 196622 & 196623
GPs 14351 & 16625
Slat Grill 118247
Convertos 0567349 & 0877894
Daughter - 10/23/2012
Son - 01/02/2018
Wife - Top Secret

User avatar
DavidA
Equipment Operator, Heavy -2nd Class
Equipment Operator, Heavy -2nd Class
Posts: 6305
Joined: Sat Dec 14, 2002 7:15 am
Location: Millbrae, CA
Contact:

Re: Converto Engineer Dump Trailer Restoration

Post by DavidA » Thu Jun 30, 2016 12:59 pm

Nice restoration. That dump lever on the tailgate is different. Looking forward to the finished product.
David Aro - USN SEABEES '66-'70
1941 WILLYS MB-104354
1942 WILLYS MB-131350

Myers
G-Lieutenant Colonel
G-Lieutenant Colonel
Posts: 1089
Joined: Wed Dec 23, 2009 6:21 pm
Location: Fort Riley, KS

Re: Converto Engineer Dump Trailer Restoration

Post by Myers » Mon Aug 15, 2016 8:08 am

Hi David, how is it different?
1-44 Ford GPW (161784) USA 20439314, USN 87559
5-4-45 Bantam T3 (68871) USA 0948627

User avatar
17thAirborne
G-Lieutenant General
G-Lieutenant General
Posts: 5847
Joined: Mon Jun 21, 2004 5:42 am
Location: Central TN

Re: Converto Engineer Dump Trailer Restoration

Post by 17thAirborne » Fri Sep 22, 2017 6:39 pm

Just reviewed this entire thread Absolutely superb work!!!!
Oz

Feb 43 GPW 98532 USA 20206257
Oct 70 Land Rover Series 2a 25334079G NZ16GF36
http://gpw.castraponere.com/ (My Restoration Page)

User avatar
Chuck Lutz
Gee Addict
Posts: 26829
Joined: Wed Jun 28, 2006 7:00 am
Location: Jeep Heaven

Re: Converto Engineer Dump Trailer Restoration

Post by Chuck Lutz » Sat Sep 23, 2017 1:45 pm

Boone...I think you might be correct about those Convertos being delivered without a painted-on blue drab USA number. Converto used the assigned contract USA numbers to number their trailers as you can see stamped on your data plate so this was probably enough. Once in the field, it would be necessary for a larger font to be used to make them more easily identifiable without a magnifying glass!

Great job on the resto, by the way!
Chuck Lutz

GPW 17963 4/24/42 Chester, PA. USA 20113473 (USA est./Tom W.)
Bantam T3-C 1947

Myers
G-Lieutenant Colonel
G-Lieutenant Colonel
Posts: 1089
Joined: Wed Dec 23, 2009 6:21 pm
Location: Fort Riley, KS

Re: Converto Engineer Dump Trailer Restoration

Post by Myers » Sat Sep 23, 2017 2:26 pm

Thanks Oz! I'm really happy with how it turned out. It isn't the most pristine converto out there, but I think it received the most thorough restoration it could have.
The part that makes me proudest is that there isn't an ounce of bondo or other filler material, it's all steel and paint. It made for some extra time welding and grinding, but it was worth it in my opinion. Mr Flap Disc is our friend! :lol:

Thanks for the info Chuck. I have been keeping an eye out on new convertos, and I have yet to see any patterns that would support factory applied markings.
Attachments
received_1351029944925423.jpeg
received_1351029944925423.jpeg (135.53 KiB) Viewed 4788 times
1-44 Ford GPW (161784) USA 20439314, USN 87559
5-4-45 Bantam T3 (68871) USA 0948627

User avatar
17thAirborne
G-Lieutenant General
G-Lieutenant General
Posts: 5847
Joined: Mon Jun 21, 2004 5:42 am
Location: Central TN

Re: Converto Engineer Dump Trailer Restoration

Post by 17thAirborne » Sat Sep 23, 2017 4:01 pm

Were the comvertos ever unit marked? If so what is your plan for markings
Oz

Feb 43 GPW 98532 USA 20206257
Oct 70 Land Rover Series 2a 25334079G NZ16GF36
http://gpw.castraponere.com/ (My Restoration Page)

User avatar
17thAirborne
G-Lieutenant General
G-Lieutenant General
Posts: 5847
Joined: Mon Jun 21, 2004 5:42 am
Location: Central TN

Re: Converto Engineer Dump Trailer Restoration

Post by 17thAirborne » Thu Sep 28, 2017 5:37 pm

Can you post some images of how the long rod fastens onto the two dump release locks. I'm a bit confused by this as mine are just completely welded over. Are the locks pressed on? DOes the pin keep the rod from turning? Just trying to figure this out.
Oz

Feb 43 GPW 98532 USA 20206257
Oct 70 Land Rover Series 2a 25334079G NZ16GF36
http://gpw.castraponere.com/ (My Restoration Page)

dhartzell
G-Corporal
G-Corporal
Posts: 28
Joined: Mon Sep 01, 2003 6:23 pm
Location: Anderson, Indiana

Re: Converto Engineer Dump Trailer Restoration

Post by dhartzell » Tue Jul 09, 2019 2:52 pm

Myers wrote:
Fri Apr 08, 2016 2:58 pm
Tom,

The sides weren't bent very bad, so it wasn't difficult to straighten them with the straps. I'm glad it wasn't worse, as I didn't have any other way to straighten it.

Mike Wright hand delivered a set of springs for the tailgate rod, talk about service! :lol: All I have to do is paint them and they'll be good to go. The permanent body lock and the tailgate handle pin are the last two things I need for it.

Thanks for all the comments and tips along the way.

Image
Image

dhartzell
G-Corporal
G-Corporal
Posts: 28
Joined: Mon Sep 01, 2003 6:23 pm
Location: Anderson, Indiana

Re: Converto Engineer Dump Trailer Restoration

Post by dhartzell » Tue Jul 09, 2019 2:55 pm

I am restoring a Converto right now and am looking for specifications for the springs on the tailgate latch. Your pictures help me but if you might be able to send me the measurements of these springs it would really help. Thanks!
Don Hartzell


Post Reply

Return to “Trailers 1/2 ton +”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 28 guests