1967 614M USMC 1/4 Ton Trailer Project

Nice addtion for much needed cargo space!

About a week ago (5/21/2006), I found an USMC trailer (1/4 ton) near where I live. I have wanted one of these for the longest time and finally it was my chance to own one. So I called the seller and he told me he is taking it to a museum show to have potential buyers to take a look at it. Bad luck? After he came back from the trip he told me there were a lot of questions about the trailer but no buyers. I was happy to hear that and told him that I will come to see it myself.

The trailer set up was longer than I imagined but the trailer itself was like the perfect size for the Jeep. The height was also perfect; all leveled after hooked up to my Garvin Bumper. Only problem was the top rail was rusted through.

A few things surprised me a bit; I hardly noticed the weight of the trailer while towing.  During the acceleration I felt the jeep being a little sluggish but during the braking I didn't feel any extended braking distance.  Another thing is that, believe it or not, I got better MPG than nothing behind the jeep.

At this point, I don't have any immediate goals to achieve with this trailer.  I am in the process of compiling the list of sandblasters in the area to get the trailer sandblasted as cheap as possible for the primer and sheet metal work.  But as soon as the sandblast is done, the sheet metal work has to be done and following that the painting is needed to keep it from rusting again.

I won't have that kind of time in the near future but the next step is to get it sandblasted and sheet metal work then prime it.

I want to rebuild the axle hubs and restore the drum hand brakes.

I will come up with a Gannt chart of some sort to keep you guys posted when I can actually sit down and think about this stuff.

If you have any questions or recommendation, please let me know!

Written by Michael on 5.30.2006