Trailer restoration in progress (97 Stratos 285 pro)

[Jim285pro]

Well I decided to redo my trailer completely after buying a new one that didnt fit. Luckily the dealer let me bring it back. Pictures of progress basically and I will update as I go.

All Stripped down and have the old axle cut off. I lost a bearing late last year and it ruined the spindle assembly. It was a non removable kind. Have to replace the axle





Got my new one in from UFP. Ordered made to fit. This axle and spindles is far and above better quality than what was there.





Had some buddies over and we were trying to figure out where we would add some steps but realized it would be better if the boat was on there and we could tell exactly where we wanted them. I found some old metal fenders that were for a trailer that had the diamond plate on it...score Its gonna get the raptor liner later but its pretty cold here now so waiting to spray anything. I havent decided if i want the stripper pole or not. Have all new hardware ordered and new lights. adding proper back up lighting too. More to come...

[BigBait Intervention]

Waaahoooo another old trailer biting the dust and getting a complete face lift.

Glad you chose the Raptor coating over the Line-X. You'll be glad you did just on the UV qualities and how much longer the trailer will look new without it hazing like the other brand of coatings.

Also if in the future you need to touch up any areas, the Raptor can be recoated right over itself verses the other brand coatings.

I HIGHLY recommend spraying all inside corners, with a high quality gloss black spray paint prior to applying the coating and then spray heavier in the corners with the coating. Those corners seem to do a really good job of hiding from the spray gun....LOL!

Buy more coating than you think you need as there's allot of waste when spraying a trailer verses a flat area like the inside of a truck bed. It took two complete kits to do my trailer (20' boat) and it was just enough by a smidgen.

After you spray your trailer if you need to touch up little missed areas or ???? you can also touch up those with the gloss black paint, it blends right in.

I can't wait to see how your project progresses.

Have fun!

Terry

[jameson93]

i have the same trailer and i am going to restore it soon, are you going to put those rollers back on the sides i am going to put a bunk board there i think ,

[Jim285pro]

I have thought alot about it. If I dont i was gonna cut them off. I ordered new rollers so we will see.

[Jim285pro]

Getting there. New jack with the weld on bracket. This dual wheel jack is the deal. Much easier manuevering.



Had to extend the back area a little for the boat buckle straps to reach without rubbing the boat. Plus they needed the 90 so they are facing the back.



Got all my lights and hardware in and 90% of the sanding is done si Im considering spraying on Friday. More to come.....

[Jim285pro]

Prepping trailer. Washed it with ajax and scrubbed with scotch brite pads. Then washed with soap and water and let it drip dry for the night. Weather was pretty the next day so we sprayed it. Was extremely pleased with how easy the the raptor liner went on.

The back up light boxes I added.










Time to put it back together!!! That Fulton sticker had to go




Everything is being replaced and NO more galvanized bolts. Everything bolt wise is stainless on here now.




Diamond plate is expensive. But it really sets off the trailer




Everything is just about finished. Im still looking for stainless fenders. All the lights are Optronics LED sealed clear lenses. Back up lights are sweet. Blue blue waters. When I wired it everything was soldered connections with heat shrink tubing and silicone and contact grease on the joint. I choose to run a ground wire throughout the wiring so everything is grounded through the truck and not the trailer. Every joint is waterproof so no shorts will be in this trailer ever. When you want something done right you really have to do it yourself. I will post more pics later when I get a chance. The lights are really good and bright. We had to drive around town tonight with them all lit up.

[BigBait Intervention]

Hey Jim,

Saaaawweeeeeeeet!

Your trailer restoration looks absolutely amazing!

Welcome to the Raptor Coating Clan!

BBI

[Jim285pro]

Watching yours progress really motivated me to do it.

[Michael Stelly]

trailer looks great, good looking dog also

[Megabass]

Looks great man , if you haven't found those stainless fender let me know as I was going to do a trailer and am now selling the boat

[Big Ron]

Very nice job, you should be very proud of your work. Make sure you thank your friends properly.

[jtathebeach]

I'm inspired!! I have a 94 trailer and the spindles are going bad as well. Looks great man...I had the wonderful idea of getting a new trailer but for the half price and a little elbow grease I can redo mine.

[jeffj6987]

Nice job!!! Which coating did you use to coat your trailer? I am in process of doing my trailer and was thinking of Herculiner and either spray it on or roller.

[Jim285pro]

U-Pol Raptor liner is the only way to go. It is the only UV resistant liner I found. It sprays extremely easy and you really cant screw it up.

[Les Young]

For those that don't have any way to spray can this liner be rolled & brushed on ??? Thanks

[Jim285pro]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Les Young &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">For those that don't have any way to spray can this liner be rolled & brushed on ??? Thanks</td></tr></table> I would find a friend with one or rent one. It can be brushed on but spraying is the way to go.

[sjpg77]

Where and how did you store your boat when your are performing restore?