105 replies to this topic

[darkcat]

I dont see why not, I was actually thinking this the other day!
There will be legs at the back for loading, could add some more leg attachments at the front too. 

It might be a bit low though...

[fenghuang]

I'd definitely be even more interested if that were the case.
That said I looked at full length ramps today and between their price and cost of trailers (I assume you'll at least be in the same price bracket) it may be beyond my finances.

[darkcat]

Yes, you could make a pair of full length ramps for a couple of hundred, if that (still need to store them though..!)

The trailer is looking to be £2000 - £2200 ish all in, incl winch, straps, ramps, certification etc.
A touch more than a equivalent 'normal' trailer yes, but its specialised and hence costs more to make.

[fenghuang]

If you could do a couple of full length ramps that were high enough to get under a Mini on a crawler and still have room to swing a hammer for a couple of hundred quid, that would be interesting.

[darkcat]

Maybe sectional and stackable, so easy to store..... I'll see what i can come up with :-D

I sort of meant YOU could make, not I could make and supply!! 
 

[surfblue]

Yes, you could make a pair of full length ramps for a couple of hundred, if that (still need to store them though..!)

The trailer is looking to be £2000 - £2200 ish all in, incl winch, straps, ramps, certification etc.
A touch more than a equivalent 'normal' trailer yes, but its specialised and hence costs more to make.

Im guessing its going to be a great job when finished but I cant see you selling too many at that price!

[darkcat]

Have you seen the price of standard trailers?!

[fenghuang]

I sort of meant YOU could make, not I could make and supply!! 
 

Fair point. I could still go for that. For the sake of some engineering experience, I'd pay for a set of plans. (Note to self: must learn to weld.)

[darkcat]

lesson 1, do not, under ANY circumstances buy a "cheap" welder, i did years ago and it was like cutting bricks with a spoon. 

If you want to learn to weld, invest in a GOOD 2nd hand one, NOT clarke/SIP etc.
I bought a brand new ESAB coming directly from a £70 5th hand SIP because i was sick of it and the difference is another universe.

I also use an inverter TIG welder, these are great as you can weld stainless without any changes, and there is no spatter at all.

[fenghuang]

TIG appeals to me a lot. Not least due to the ability to weld thin sheet without filler. But even the local welding supplier can't recommend anyone who could teach the basics. YouTube is good for learning but ...!

I'm reckoning on about £200 for a MIG welder but Clarke was in my list.

[darkcat]

TIG is REALLY not suited to welding body panels without serious practice, you will melt through so quickly. MIG stitch welding is THE way for normal body repair. 

However I do love my TIG, I bought it when I decided to learn to weld, and when you et it right it is art, but it starts to get complicated with extra purging inside pipes etc.

Oh they run different gas by the way! so double the bottle rent :-(

[fenghuang]

... However I do love my TIG ... when you et it right it is art ...

Which is precisely why I want to learn TIG. The guys who English Wheel their own repair panels for £1M cars use it, and that's good enough for me.

[Archie]

Hullo,
I wonder if anybody has any experience on loading a newly painted Mini Bodyshell onto a trailer. How did you manage to lift it onto the trailer, because at roughly 4 cwt, it going to take some lifting. I obviously shall support it at both ends of the tub with two pieces of 2 x 4 timber, and securing it is no problem. It's just the lifting onto the trailer and lifting it of again. If anybody has any constructive ideas about this, could you please share them with me. Thanks in advance.

[darkcat]

If its a BARE shell, then 4 people can lift it quite easily

[Archie]

Hullo,
Sorry I should have elaborated on it a bit more. No, it is not a bare Shell as such, in as much as it will have the Bonnet on it, both Doors including Glass, and the Bootlid. I suppose if I got four people in to lift it under the Sills, then I could move the trailer out of the way and they could lower it onto a pallet. I do wonder though if they could hold it for that time and then lower it. I did think that if I bought some castors and screwed them to a pallet, if it would be better to get the Bodyshop men to put it on the pallet. Then hire a trailer with a tipping body and a winch. Or hire a Removal company to do the job.