Tarting up an old trailer

[Ex-SolentBoy]

I have an old transport box trailer with a steel frame that needs a bit of TLC. It never goes in salt water, but the frame is a bit rusty and the paint is flaking off.

I don't want to spend ages doing a perfect job taking it back to bare metal and I don't want to spend lots of money on very expensive hammerite either.

What would you recommend I do for a quick sort out? The thing is built like a brick outhouse so nothing delicate is required.

Thanks.

 

[sarabande]

Tractor Red Oxide from Mole Valley Farmers or other Agr suppliers ?

http://www.molevalleyfarmers.com/mvf/store/products/teamac-duracote-red-oxide-paint

but a good go on the metal with a wire brush will repay the extra work.

 

[rob2]

Sure you can patch it - but any quick fix may slow the rust but you'll still have a tatty trailer! I'd be inclined to use a knpotted wire brush in a drill and get off as much as you can, then slaver on the red lead oxide. Finish with household gloss.

Rob.

 

[dylanwinter]

rotary wire brush

Tractor Red Oxide from Mole Valley Farmers or other Agr suppliers ?

http://www.molevalleyfarmers.com/mvf/store/products/teamac-duracote-red-oxide-paint

but a good go on the metal with a wire brush will repay the extra work.

for the lazy people a rotary wire brush on a drill does the job pronto

order one from ebay

D

 

[Zagato]

£14 can of ACF-50, if you don't fancy painting and don't want a mess.

I use it on Land Rovers rear cross-members amongst many other places - stops rust dead Also good for protecting your electrics Quick spray over once a year and job done, I use it on both my trailers also.

Always have a can in my shed.......

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

Sure you can patch it - but any quick fix may slow the rust but you'll still have a tatty trailer! I'd be inclined to use a knpotted wire brush in a drill and get off as much as you can, then slaver on the red lead oxide. Finish with household gloss.

Rob.

I like tatty trailers.

Mine has mudguards cut from a couple of old car tyres that are nailed to the sides.

Sounds like lots of drill wire brushing is the way.

What about bituminous paint?

 

[rob2]

If you've got a cheap supply of bitumenous paint, then that'd be a good way to go. I think I'd still prime first...


I know what you mean about tatty being good. A freshly painted one always seems to scream "steal me" to the carious scrotes both at home and at the boatyard! One of my friends built a big box trailer using stainless (unpolished) framework. He left it unpolished and the welds poorly dressed for that very reason.

Rob.

 

[Alpha22]

I'd be inclined to use a knpotted wire brush in a drill....
Rob.

Try one fitted to an angle grinder..... Find the thickest knotiest cup brush you can. You will be down to shiney metal in seconds.

You will never go back to a drill again ... PS. To much wire brushing knocks the hell out of the front bearing on a drill. Not a problem on the grinder as it is designed for forces in that direction.

 

[oldbilbo]

I can claim some expertise in refurbing the odd MOT ( manky old trailer), as Oom Sara can attest. I'm also a dab hand at refurbing manky K6 red telephone boxes, too, although I never want to see the inside of one again....

"Bitten off more than he could chew, eh...."

​

So, what's cheap and cheerful? Knotted wire brush on a power drill to remove the loose stuff ( 2 hours - essential ) then slap on some cheap red lead ( 1 hour - preferred ). Er, that's it.

The special Post Office Red paint looks good, but is neither cheap nor cheerful. Same goes for the gold enamel.... I have some spare if you really want to add a coat of arms to your trailer.

 

[MM5AHO]

Get it galvanized. Last 50 years then.