My Hensley Hitch Rebuild and Paint
In 2010, I posted a thread about the rebuilding and painting of my Hensley hitch. It contained much information and showed, via pictures, what the Hensley looked like and how it was constructed. T...
Forum Discussion
I just did the same to mine, although didn't send it out for sandblasting. The last time I repainted it without disassembling it, and the finish held up for 10 yrs or so. This time there was too much flaking between the upper and lower assemblies.
I didn't send it out to be sandblasted, but I was able to get the majority of the old finish off using a strip disc in an angle grinder. Messy job for sure.
The bearings are easy, all 8 are identical, and they assemble like wheel bearings on the trailer. I spent almost $300 in parts...I used the original bearings since they were in good shape, but got new seals, new cups, new bronze wear sleeve, new detente pins for the spring bars, new OCL latch assemblies, new downtube tails, and replaced all the clevis pins and clips.
I agree about those cups, they need a flange around the edge that you can tap with a drift or screwdriver so you're not beating on the domed part. I had a 75% success with those, 3 went in OK and one dented, fortunately it was on the bottom. :)
Talking about selling the trailer at the end of the season, so the HA may be on the market soon!
I didn't send it out to be sandblasted, but I was able to get the majority of the old finish off using a strip disc in an angle grinder. Messy job for sure.
The bearings are easy, all 8 are identical, and they assemble like wheel bearings on the trailer. I spent almost $300 in parts...I used the original bearings since they were in good shape, but got new seals, new cups, new bronze wear sleeve, new detente pins for the spring bars, new OCL latch assemblies, new downtube tails, and replaced all the clevis pins and clips.
I agree about those cups, they need a flange around the edge that you can tap with a drift or screwdriver so you're not beating on the domed part. I had a 75% success with those, 3 went in OK and one dented, fortunately it was on the bottom. :)
Talking about selling the trailer at the end of the season, so the HA may be on the market soon!
