Is anyone making spindles for trailer axles that will accommodate Model T front wheels?
I am building a period tent camper and I want it to resemble a manufactured camper of the period in every way. I do not want to use a car's front axle.
Or......does anyone have a period trailer axle that they will be willing to sell?
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/50893/78065.html?1231634347
This thread has a brochure on building a T trailer.
Thanks Mike.
I've seen that thread. That is the type axle that I'm gunning for.
I'm asking about the availability of ready made spindles. I have a machine shop that will machine a pair. I'm trying to save a little money and time by seeing if the T type spindles are available without having to pay a machinist to fabricate a pair from scratch. Ready made is usually always cheaper.
I have a 5 Gallon bucket full. How many do you want?
Michael:
Here is a thought! My Dad, back in the 30's built a small trailer that I still have and it is made on a Model T axle. He used Model A hubs so in our case we could use wire wheels. Since there are open drums he used a disk blade for a backing plate. I still have the trailer licensed, but it needs to have a new bed and sides made for it. The tires are 16in, and I think this time I will put a set of fenders on it,(motor cycle style). I even had signal lights and stop lights, as required. It had a drop down tail gate and a removable front gate. It was built in California and made
a trip to Missouri in the 30's, in the 40's and back to California in 1953, so it has a bunch of road miles. It still has the original wire wheels and inner and outer bearing the were put in in the 30's, and this trailer I think was built before I was born in 1934.
Mike , I bought trailer hubs , standard size 1500 lb rating or so , 5 on 5 inch , and I used Model T wire wheels. I had to slightly taper the cones to get the wheels to fit nicely: Could not fit the hubs in the lath, so just had my Dad spin them as i ground off a little with the hand grinder. It worked great . Don't know about wood wheels though , as my car and trailer have wire spokes . What is the pattern on wood wheels ???
Wood wheels have no stud pattern hence the need for hubs. Would a modern trailer spindle that fits model A hubs fitted with T bearings work?
I don't know how it is going to work out, but I am building a trailer out of the rear half of a 26-27 frame, complete with rear spring and axle. I am just going to omit the driveshaft and cover the driveshaft spool hole with a homemade plate of steel. That way, I don't have to modify a front axle and spindles and the frame will allow the 26-27 pickup bed to mount to it the way it was intended.
Suppose you could also use a pipe for the axle and fit it with the floating hubs, could work for either wood or wire wheels.
This is what I found a few years ago that someone had made for a T trailer. It looks like it was a hand forged axle then turned to fit the T front hubs. The Axle, springs,and mounting parts was all that was left. The wheels were wires with wood hubs welded to them. Works well
easy to balance load with there springs.
Bob
Missed a couple of pictures.
Bob
Looks like a modified, old buggy axle - Bob.
Those springs look like Model R, Pre 1908.
I amazed they tied the axle on with a rope!
The springs are like many that were used on a
bobbie Snowmobile axle assembly or buggy seat
also. It was made some where in the Portland Or
ares, that where I found it.
Bob
Dennis
The trailer is standing on end so I can get the Roadster PU in the garage, but it could be a tow rope if needed.
It was something that was with a bunch of parts and no one wanted it,was going to be scraped so I hauled it home., Price was right $0.00 dollars. Get lucky some times.
Bob
Bob,
That's definitely the type of axle I'm aiming for.
I wonder if the floating axle for a Snow Bird would be strong enough? I think someone is reproducing them.
Bob,
I was joking about the rope. Very nice trailer.
Michael
The Snowmobile axles were round, the bottom
washer is for the backstop for the inner wheel bearing, the area behind it was for the eyelet on the tension. There were also cast brackets for mounting the springs ( I'll be having some mounting plates cast and ordering a pair of springs shortly) See picture.
Dennis
That's ok I probably have said the same thing. Life is to short to be serious.
Bob
Orig. Snowmobile axle.
Bob McD,
Nice trailer! I do think I would recommend a better U-bolt and clamp arrangement where the axle meets the spring. It would not be a good thing if that single U-bolt broke while going down the road.
A T camping trailer is definitely on my future project list.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2