DIY Network

Cargo-Trailer Kit -- Weather-Stripping, Door and Tires From "Weekend Mechanic" episode WKM-111

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Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F Figure G Figure H Figure I Figure J Figure K Figure L Figure M Figure N

With the chassis and body on the cargo trailer assembled, the final steps in this project are the addition of weather stripping and installation of the door, tires and fenders.

• Before installing the weather stripping, go back and loosen all the carriage bolts that hold the body panels in place. Temporarily loosening these bolts will make it easier to install the weather stripping.
  
  
  
  
• The weather stripping is made with a channel that slips over the edges of the fiberglass body panels. The stripping fits in the small space where the panels meet (figure A) to prevent air and moisture from being able to enter the interior through the cracks.
  
  
  
  
• Start in the center, rear of the trailer. Measure to find the center of that rear edge (figure B). You'll begin installing the stripping from this center-point.
  
  
  
  
• Begin installing the stripping along the edge of the roof, following around the perimeter of the trailer.
  
  
  
  
• It may help to tap the stripping gently with a plastic hammer to help secure the fiberglass edge in the channel (figure C). A plastic hammer is used -- rather than an ordinary hammer -- to avoid damaging the fiberglass.
  
  
  
  
• As you work your way around the trailer with the stripping, use pliers to crimp the stripping onto the edge to secure it further.
  
  
  
  
• Tip: If you have trouble going around corners with the stripping, use tin-snips to notch out the inside leg of the stripping-seal to make it more pliable and easier to install.
  
  
  
  
• Cut the stripping only once you've worked your way all the way around to the point where you started -- at the rear, center.
  
  
  
  
• Once you've worked your way all around the roof perimeter, install stripping in the same manner down the vertical edges where the side panels meet the nosepiece (figure D).

  Tip: When installing the stripping along these vertical edges, start at the top. It will be easier to cut the stripping at the bottom.
  
  
  
  

• Once you're done installing the stripping to weatherproof the entire trailer body, tighten the carriage bolts securely using the appropriate wrench or air-tool (figure E), making sure that the fiberglass pieces are coming together tightly.
  
  
  
  
• With the trailer body assembled and the weather stripping installed (figure F), you can begin installing the wheels, tires and fenders.
  
  
  
  
• Each fender (figure G) attaches directly to the metal frame with two bolts. (In some cases, you may need to notch out or drill a hole in the fiberglass to install the fenders.)
  
  
  
  
• To install the tires, you may need to raise your jack-stands slightly to give you adequate room for the installation. Install the tires (figure H) just as you would on a car.
  
  
  
  
• The final phase in this project is the installation of the rear door and associated hardware.
  
  
  
  
• Find and mark the center point on the door, and reference it with the center-mark made earlier at the rear of the trailer-body. Hold the door in place to mark the locations for the hinges. The hinges are installed 6 inches down from the trailer top (figure I), and 6 inches up from the bottom.
  
  
  
  
• Use the hinge as a template to mark the locations for the drill-holes (figure J).
  
  
  
  
• Drill the holes and install the hinges to the trailer body using carriage bolts.
  
  
  
  
• Then put the door back in place, and use the hinges again to mark the drill-holes in the door.
  
  
  
  
• Drill the holes in the door (figure K).
  
  
  
  
• Use carriage bolts to attach the door to the hinges (figure L).
  
  
  
  
• The latch is installed to the opposite side of the door in the same manner. Mark for the drill holes using the latch itself as a template, then drill the holes and install the latch.
  
  
  
  
• The latch hasp mounts on the door in the same manner (figure M).
  
  
  
  
• With the installation of the door, hinges and latch mechanism (figure N), the cargo trailer is complete.

RESOURCES :

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books

Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896