We have an older horse float that has seen better days and in need of some body work. I like some of the newer models around, but cannot justify the price of a new float (I can justify a new float but the prices are horrendous for something that really has very little to it compared to a car).
Has anyone had an older float professionally renovated? I like the size of ours, but want to change the locking system on the back door for one thing as well as the panel work/replacement.
OH did a rebuild on ours a few years ago. Then his mother insisted it was parked outdoors where she could see it, instead of in the shed where it was protected form the weather. Pop rivets have "popped" here and there and will need some attention again. At the moment, it is storing our winter wood as we needed the wood shed for other things for a while.
It was originally built by a well known company from Ohaupo. What I like about it is that it tows beautifully and you wouldn't know it was on behind. Not all horse floats are created equal. Neighbour has a Zenith and it bucks and jumps and rattles behind the tow vehicle and feels like it wants to take charge. Badly balanced I think.
Did you know, that what you thought I said, was not what I meant :S
kai;458627 wrote: probably helpful to post some pics
No not really, I'm not after opinions on my one, rather experiences of anyone having already gone down the track of having one renovated. I have googled some forums that came up with pics in USA, but nothing here.
I have had a friend rebuild an old float Swaggie and so could talk with him but as a horse trainer is rather difficult to get hold of during daylight hours!
My priority if contemplating this is the floor. Far too many horses have gone through the floor of old floats. Second would be the strength of the ribs and cross connections that together give you a strong skeleton. After that - wheels and brakes (if you have them).
I kind of agree with you about the cost of new floats. It is hard to see where the money is but I stand to be corrected. Perhaps you could go to someone who does WOF and ask them what the priorities are for them and then work backwards for costing? Just a thought
swaggie;458669 wrote: No not really, I'm not after opinions on my one, rather experiences of anyone having already gone down the track of having one renovated. I have googled some forums that came up with pics in USA, but nothing here.
It would be helpful knowing the sort of work it needed, else it would like be trying to compare opinions of someone who had the tail lights replaced vs someone who had the towing frame or complete wood work redone or someone who decided they wanted a new paint job with naked lady painted on the outside.
Why dont you take it in to a horse float repairs place? There are heaps of them around Kumeu here that are moderate in their charges and will do whatever work is required.
We cant really help you that much as we havent seen the float ourselves or know what is actually required
I have googled some forums that came up with pics in USA, but nothing here.