Denverflatheader, The trailer was a fun challenge to design. My original plan was to just find a kick butt design and just copy it. After searching the net to find the slickest open FED trailer we were disappointed in what we found. Just not many guys building these. So my buddy Stan (RIP) and I grabbed some crayons and napkins, and sketched out a couple concepts. From there I did a layout on Cad to figure the pivots, CG, and bag forces. It worked out way better than I had ever imagined. Stan was a construction equipmet mechanic and insisted that i use certain components - he and I both spoke OVERKILL. On his insistence I installed a semi trailer cord - and as ridiculous as it might sound - it has been flawless! Also on his insistence I used TruckLite junction boxes - again they have been flawless. Stan knew his xxxx! I miss him everyday. I digress. It was alot of work, I didn't save a penny (over buying one), but it is EXACTLY how I wanted it - that's what you are really paying for.
As for the truck - it was built by my friends Dad (Carl Lemonen - RIP) in the mid 60's. Thru a twist of fate I ended up with it. I've kept it exaactly the same except for some upgrades to make it tow better. Modern Driveshaft, 9" rear, disc brakes, power steering - still has the original I-beam and of course the 392 that Carl installed. I first saw this truck when I was a little kid - it looked "funny" even then (it being so old) so I asked my friend Gary about it. He told me it was his Dad's "Hot Rod and it had a Hemi " - I didn't know what ANY of that meant back then - not sure my buddy did either, but hey in our defense - we were maybe10 years old!
WRT Greg, he is definitely a BAD influence - in the BEST way possible!!!
I've Rambled on too much.
Jacin Barnes