The Stovebolt Site Forums The Side Lot Old Dominion Stovebolt Society (MD, VA, West VA, DC, DE and PA) New Accessory for ODSS Bolters

Good morning,

Hope all weathered the storm as well as we did down here in Bowling Green.

I just picked up a two-wheel basic tow dolly for relatively cheap (look at the pics and you'll know why). I have checked the bearings and they are the permanently lubricated type and looked and felt good.

I am in the process of pressing out the old wheel studs and already have the new ones for it. I also bought a new set of wheels and tires, and a new set of straps for it. The trailer has two ratchet mechanisms (not shown in the pics below) that let it adjust to different size vehicles.

I have a line on a guy who may be able to come by and sandblast it for me so I can throw some type of paint on it. That, plus I need to add fenders, lights, mount the new 2-inch ball hitch on it (after some welding to fix old "engineering"), and need to clean up some alignment slop caused by a poor fitting saddle where it tilts.

My intent for this thing is to have it parked in the yard and available to any ODSS member who needs to use it. I do plan on registering it if I can locate a unique number on it anywhere (I have no title right now, just a bill of sale)

I don't plan to make this thing beautiful, just get it to the point where leaving it out won't cause any more deterioration. To that end:

-Does anyone have a paint recommendation for an item that will be permanently exposed to weather?

-Does anyone have a set of steel fenders that have a backing plate and would fit 15-inch tires that they would like to donate to the cause?

Any help or suggestions appreciated.

Jim

http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa397/fourbrads/DSC04100.jpg

http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa397/fourbrads/DSC04101.jpg

For paint, I'd wire brush the loose stuff off (no need to sand blast) and brush paint it with POR-15, then top coat it in your favorite color of Krylon or Rustolium spray paint...I've had good luck with both.

Mike B

Thanks Mike,

I've seen great reviews of POR-15. Will probably go this route. Just want to be able to leave it out in the weather and still be serviceable in a few years...

Best,

Jim

Looks like a great find, Brad! I echo Mike B's recommendation on the POR-15/Rustoleum approach.

Also, you might want to read Barry Weeks' article about towing/hauling/using a dolly in the Tech Tips section (see the menu bar at the top of the page). There are some important considerations to keep in mind before dragging a barn find home with a tow dolly.

Regards,
John

Will do Sir,

Thanks for the note. I was surprised to hear in the discussions that the driveshaft ought to be disconnected when in transit, but Jerry always explains this stuff so well that it made sense.

Haven't towed anything with this dolly yet, but will likely use it for hauling my truck to 'doctors' appointments as necessary until it's under its own power. The rest of the time, it'll be in the yard waiting for an ODSS brother in need.

I will use the POR-15 when I paint and see how that works. For now, a few welding jobs and tweaks are needed to get it flying straight. I might even see a mechanic friend about "alignment" before using it for the first time.

Best Wishes,

Jim