Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218

Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 13 years 3 weeks ago #48377

Shelby18
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As mentioned on another thread about my new Buehler Turbocraft Jet 35, the first thing getting restored is the Trailer. Here is the original invoice, and a link to photo's. (Trailer link)

You'll notice for some reason the original owner decided to switch trailers. I have no knowledge of what a J-31 trailer is or looks like. We are replacing some of the beams with solid beams instead of the "C" beams, and moving the wheels back four inches to give the tongue some weight. Currently we've noticed only about 100 lbs. on the tongue. Does anyone know if Hilltop trailers had any graphics on them like the Tee-Nee's, or other manufacturers?

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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 13 years 3 weeks ago #48380

JetDeville700 Offline Platinum Boarder Posts: 3271 Karma: 38 Thank you received: 3	Wow! Amazing looking trailer, especially those dual wheels on one axle? How about some better shots? Frank Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 13 years 3 weeks ago #48387

Shelby18 Topic Author Offline Contributing Member Posts: 436 Karma: 18 Thank you received: 0	We'll have more shots as it is taken apart for restoration. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 13 years 3 weeks ago #48388

robert-lorigan Offline Platinum Boarder Posts: 2524 Karma: 60 Thank you received: 4	Looks well built. It's nice to be different. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 13 years 3 weeks ago #48661

Shelby18 Topic Author Offline Contributing Member Posts: 436 Karma: 18 Thank you received: 0	Found graphics, just waiting for the add to get here for a better look. Now looking for Hilltop script hubcaps. Anyone??? Trailer should be done in a couple of weeks! Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 13 years 2 weeks ago #49306

Shelby18 Topic Author Offline Contributing Member Posts: 436 Karma: 18 Thank you received: 0	I'm having trouble finding black rollers 4" dia. x 5" length for the Hilltop. Only thing we have found are orange Urethane. Any help would be appreciated. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 13 years 2 weeks ago #49332

MarkS Offline Moderator Posts: 5348 Karma: 118 Thank you received: 5	I don't think they're 4" diameter (3 1/2" maybe?), but a pretty decent selection; www.easternmarine.com/Boat-Trailer-Keel-Rollers-Bump-Pads/ and; www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Boat_Trailer_Parts-sf-Roller_and_Bunk_Parts.aspx Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 13 years 2 weeks ago #49357

Shelby18 Topic Author Offline Contributing Member Posts: 436 Karma: 18 Thank you received: 0	Great! Thank you very much! Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 12 years 11 months ago #50938

Shelby18
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Well the trailer is done for now. Thanks to LaFortune Autobody, Dave at Marine Services, and to the folks on this forum for all the help and answers to questions! We will add the decals and some pin stripping later after it gets back from Marine Services for the boat restoration.

Dane & Dale have been working on the restoration of my 1959 Mercury Colony Park wagon ( link ) . Both the wagon & the boat should be done by the 3rd qtr of next year. Here are some before & after photo's of the trailer...
Before

After

Before

After

I didn't know it had the tilt feature

Not sure what the use of this feature is but it raises the one side up about 1/2".

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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 12 years 11 months ago #50940

MarkS Offline Moderator Posts: 5348 Karma: 118 Thank you received: 5	Looks like new, very nice work! Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 12 years 11 months ago #50941

Shelby18 Topic Author Offline Contributing Member Posts: 436 Karma: 18 Thank you received: 0	Thank you Mark! Between now and the completion of the boat, I hope to find some Hilltop stamped hubcaps (two). If anyone knows of any, please drop me a line. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 12 years 11 months ago #50981

john-gibson Offline Contributing Member Posts: 4014 Karma: 324 Thank you received: 0	wow shelby,thats a very cool trailer,when my garage was brought on a trailer it had duel wheels that came down opposite of the main wheels and it was ables to go from side to side,this kind of reminds me of that ,very cool,john Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
	Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation. \"too soon old,too late smart\" my pap Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.“ ---Mark Twain

Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 12 years 11 months ago #51168

*CATFINk* Offline Gold Boarder Posts: 620 Karma: 35 Thank you received: 0	Nice work, really diggin the suspension, gonna look good pushin' that purdy wagon down the road. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 12 years 11 months ago #51444

Shelby18 Topic Author Offline Contributing Member Posts: 436 Karma: 18 Thank you received: 0	Here's the Buehler on the restored trailer. Don't she look purdy.... Attachments: Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 12 years 11 months ago #51447

MarkS Offline Moderator Posts: 5348 Karma: 118 Thank you received: 5	Sure does, absolutely gorgeous combo. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 12 years 3 months ago #66580

Shelby18 Topic Author Offline Contributing Member Posts: 436 Karma: 18 Thank you received: 0	YIPEE!! Found one Hubcap... One to go.... Attachments: Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 12 years 3 months ago #66621

robert-lorigan Offline Platinum Boarder Posts: 2524 Karma: 60 Thank you received: 4	Wow, Good luck on it's mate. I hope you find a good straight one. Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 12 years 3 months ago #66675

Waterwings Offline Contributing Member Posts: 4887 Karma: 107 Thank you received: 100	Outstanding combo, GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bob Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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Re:Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218 12 years 2 months ago #68510

Shelby18 Topic Author Offline Contributing Member Posts: 436 Karma: 18 Thank you received: 0	Finally got the other hubcap today. After 10 months of looking!!! Now just need to re-chrome & repaint. Photos after the boat is completed. Attachments: Check this box to be notified of replies to this topic. Note: BBcode and smileys are still usable.
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TOPIC: Restoration of 1963 Hilltop Trailer Model 1218