MBT Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer Values

Quarter-ton trailer series, Wanted, USED PARTS FOR SALE NO EBAY or COMMERCIAL SALES., and Knowledge Base
awddouglas
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Re: MBT Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer Values

Post by awddouglas » Wed Oct 04, 2017 1:49 am

and one thing you are unlikely to find if it is missing is the original data plate....

So the OP 'ask' for price of original trailer being all good metal plus tag, if you find it, buy it and as Lt Luke says, buy your powerball ticket that day, follow any rainbows you find, go through the back of any wardrobes, etc.

I can testify to the cost of restoration, mine had a rotted out floor and bottom of the rear panel. Rework plus new panels plus tires plus original cost of the trailer means i am into probably $3,500-$4,000 for something worth $2,500. But i do like it and it was worth every penny spent. :D Currently using it as a storage unit for parts for another project, stored inside the garage - it is too nice to leave outdoors!!

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Re: MBT Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer Values

Post by Greencom » Thu Oct 05, 2017 9:08 pm

Hi,
I wouldn't worry about the current value vs what it cost to restore it, enjoy it, you won't find another one and you'll have a real
beauty of a trailer. People buy new cars and the moment they sign the contract they have more into it that it's worth and lose thousands more each year after that. Your trailer will become rarer as time goes on and you will be preserving history. Just my two pennies.

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Re: MBT Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer Values

Post by Raflad » Tue Oct 10, 2017 9:06 pm

Thanks everyone for all the input, it has really been a great help. I have had a tip off on one for sale and have had a couple of photos emailed to me. I'm not going to be able to view it for a week or so but thought I would post one of the pictures. The delivery date is 8-42. It looks like it needs some work, but from what I've seen not to bad. I'll post more information after I see it personally.
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Adam Smith
GPW 80535, 11-19-42
MBT 2470, 8-42, USA #0160905

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Re: MBT Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer Values

Post by Chuck Lutz » Wed Oct 11, 2017 5:20 pm

Adam....send me all the answers to the "How To Identify...." sticky that I posted at the top of the Trailer Forum and I can give you a VERY good estimate of the USA Number for that one!

Also, pics of the USA number and a pic or two of the rear panel and the rear of the frame beneath it!
Chuck Lutz

GPW 17963 4/24/42 Chester, PA. USA 20113473 (USA est./Tom W.)
Bantam T3-C 1947

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Re: MBT Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer Values

Post by Raflad » Wed Oct 11, 2017 8:58 pm

Chuck, will do. I'm not going to be able to see it until around the 21st October, I'll take photos then. Work always gets in the way! Does the delivery date make it any more significant as it's pretty early? It has been tail gated but is still using the original panel, has combat rims, correct lunette, reflectors are there, hand brake lever present, safety chains from the photos look correct as do the blackout lights. Can't tell much more, until I see it in person.
Adam Smith
GPW 80535, 11-19-42
MBT 2470, 8-42, USA #0160905

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Re: MBT Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer Values

Post by lt.luke » Thu Oct 12, 2017 3:50 am

Raflad wrote:
Wed Oct 11, 2017 8:58 pm
Chuck, will do. I'm not going to be able to see it until around the 21st October, I'll take photos then. Work always gets in the way! Does the delivery date make it any more significant as it's pretty early? It has been tail gated but is still using the original panel, has combat rims, correct lunette, reflectors are there, hand brake lever present, safety chains from the photos look correct as do the blackout lights. Can't tell much more, until I see it in person.
That is about as close as you are likely to find in terms of a "survivor". If the price is $1200 or below, you need to secure the trailer so that he doesn't sell it before the 21st. Look for rust. Not the end of the world, but rust will be your most significant enemy. It would suck to end up replacing the tub (which you've looked for to be original) due to rust.

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Re: MBT Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer Values

Post by Chuck Lutz » Thu Oct 12, 2017 10:53 am

MBT #2470 is early...very early. Willys started with serial number 1001 as far as I can determine, meaning yours would be in the first 1400 or so produced. I am very interested in all the VEP MBTs as they had no rear crossmember at the beginning of production and I am trying to find out when that was added to the frame at the rear. In addition to the answers/pics, I would like a pic of the REAR of the MBT to see if that crossmember is in fact on yours.

Thanks...
Chuck Lutz

GPW 17963 4/24/42 Chester, PA. USA 20113473 (USA est./Tom W.)
Bantam T3-C 1947

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Re: MBT Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer Values

Post by Raflad » Sun Oct 22, 2017 9:33 pm

Well I went and looked at the trailer and ended up buying it. It came with a PE-95G generator bolted in the bed, which I am sure is putting a strain on the springs! There are tags on the generator from Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, so I am assuming this is where the trailer originated. It appears to me to be in very good condition with only minor surface rust, although I won't get a clear picture until the generator is removed. There have been some modifications made to the lunette area, but hopefully all is original underneath. I only got it yesterday and I'm away for a couple of weeks so won't be able to go over it thoroughly until I'm back. I took a few photos, and would be interested in what you all think. The engine on the generator is a MB and looks to be in original condition. Chuck, if you read this, I'll get all the information you requested next time I'm in New Mexico.
Adam Smith
GPW 80535, 11-19-42
MBT 2470, 8-42, USA #0160905

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Re: MBT Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer Values

Post by Raflad » Sun Oct 22, 2017 9:44 pm

Here are the photos, had problems uploading in last post.
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Adam Smith
GPW 80535, 11-19-42
MBT 2470, 8-42, USA #0160905

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Re: MBT Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer Values

Post by Raflad » Sun Oct 22, 2017 10:46 pm

More photos
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This is the engine in the generator. Any ideas why there are two sets of numbers? There is a MB stamped before the top set.
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these are the tags on the generator
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Adam Smith
GPW 80535, 11-19-42
MBT 2470, 8-42, USA #0160905

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Re: MBT Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer Values

Post by 1942GPW » Mon Oct 23, 2017 8:11 am

Quite a cool relic! Is it radioactive? 😜 I might be tempted to restore it as a generator set, since so much of the history seems to still be present. Nice find!
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Re: MBT Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer Values

Post by Mark Jesic » Mon Oct 23, 2017 8:45 am

What a cracking find, well done, that will look great when restored, hopefully not too much work will be involved, when done, you know where to send the pictures. :D

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Re: MBT Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer Values

Post by Chuck Lutz » Mon Oct 23, 2017 9:04 am

I believe if you tried to drive onto a military base these days, they'd pull you over with guns drawn because it is very likely that anything from Los Alamos Laboratory and the AEC would have measurable traces of radioactivity still contaminating it.

If it was mine, I would remove the genny but keep the Los Alamos tags and things on it and leave the tailgate on it. It is a piece of history. It may be possible to search the records that are available for photos of Los Alamos for one of your trailer.

When you get the ACM number and can sort out the USA number a bit better we can learn more about this cool trailer!
Chuck Lutz

GPW 17963 4/24/42 Chester, PA. USA 20113473 (USA est./Tom W.)
Bantam T3-C 1947

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Re: MBT Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer Values

Post by Joe Gopan » Mon Oct 23, 2017 9:09 am

Nice find. :wink:
That PE-95 weighs 1500 Lb., be careful, the 1/4 Ton Trailers with a PE-95 loaded are tipsy and "up end" without hesitation. Don't get hurt.
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Re: MBT Bantam 1/4 Ton Trailer Values

Post by lt.luke » Mon Oct 23, 2017 12:21 pm

I'd like to chime in and say you probably found one heck of a deal! I'd take the PE95 if I was closer, they are great. Great find for sure!


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