[A-Merry-Can]

well, after really looking at the tail lights on the ol trotter, i've decided i'll need to replace both rear quarters with fresh aluminum. the original aluminum has completely deteriorated behind the light plates. it looks more like baking soda than aluminum at this point!

since i'm replacing the corners anyway, i think i'm going to move the tail lights inboard to the center panel. i'll still have the spare tire on the back, but there's plenty of room for inboard lights. plus, moving them inboard will allow the lights to seal better. getting the lights to seal on that rear curve looks near impossible. i'm also planning on recessed tail lights with the trim rings (available from vintage trailer supply). they look so nice! total cost for this should be less than $350 +/- $170 for the 2024T3 aluminum, $40 for olympic rivets, $25 for the recessed light cups and $120 for the trim rings and lenses. not too horrible for a completely new look to the rear end.

i always thought the outboard lights on the early trotters looked a little strange anyway. was that a globe trotter ONLY thing? i haven't seen that on other trailers of that era.

i'll post more pics as i make progress on this. first thing i'm tackeling this weekend is the PO's caulking nightmare they left on the endcaps.. oye! going to strip them of clear coat while i'm there, in prep for the upcoming polish.

jp