Ifor Williams Refurb!

[QueenBella]

Hi guys,

I purchased this Ifor Williams 505 horsebox yesterday after searching for ages. Its in great shape mechanically and I've loads of mechanics in my family to help me out with any problems there.

My issue is the panels, as you can see there's a lot of algae and rust on them. What do you think is the best method to clean them? Almost certain the panels are made from some sort of wood.
Also, is it possible to paint over them? I like the grey but I think black would look better in the long run.

I'm in Ireland so hopefully any products mentioned I'll be able to purchase here!

 

[TPO]

Wimpy Eventer on instagram has stories in her highlights of refurbing her Ifor including what paint.

She also found a rotten floor under what appeared to be a new aluminium floor so worth checking that out too

 

[Tiddlypom]

Is that grey or silver? My 2006 510 silver classic still looks pretty smart - all original. Yours, though not a Classic, looks to be of a similar vintage.


As well as checking the floor, it’s worth checking out all the side panels, they are wood and they do rot in time. Best replace them now, rather than later, if needed.

What is that extra row of rivets for, below the breast/breech bar fittings?

 

[lottiepony]

You can buy the panels and replace them . If you 'push' the panels working from top to bottom you will feel whether they are starting to rot and soften, this usually starts from the bottom and works it way up. The panels themselves are not overly expensive but to fit you have to strip back most of the trailer so if paying someone the labour costs are high. If you bought the panels you then wouldn't need to worry about paint.
I would give it a good pressure wash off, using hot water if possible to see what they come up like and if they are solid it means they wouldn't need replacing. You might find with a good bit of elbow grease it comes up looking really good.

It may be worth paying for it to have a service with a trailer specialist/ifor dealer to ensure everything is 100% safe and sound but you say you have mechanics on hand but wasn't sure if trailers would be their 'thing'

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

Ifor Williams trailer side panel...you have to replace whole side..£500 plus labour for 2 men one day..a couple of hundred was what I was quoted 18 months ago...

 

[Lamehorses]

My husband replaced all the panels & ramp on 1 weekend, with occasional help from me. It's doable yourself if you are reasonably practical.
Don't remember the panels being anywhere near that expensive, but can't say for definite

 

[Lucy-S]

My husband replaced all the panels & ramp on 1 weekend, with occasional help from me. It's doable yourself if you are reasonably practical.
Don't remember the panels being anywhere near that expensive, but can't say for definite

Do you know where you bought the panels from? I am looking to replace my panels myself but finding the correct ply in that length is proving hard!!

 

[Annagain]

Do you know where you bought the panels from? I am looking to replace my panels myself but finding the correct ply in that length is proving hard!!

This is quite an old thread so the people who have commented might not be on here any more but the easiest thing to do is to buy the panels ready made from IW direct or an IW parts stockist.

 

[Lucy-S]

This is quite an old thread so the people who have commented might not be on here any more but the easiest thing to do is to buy the panels ready made from IW direct or an IW parts stockist.

I have the really old style Ifor so have the wood panels not the covered ply, also trying to but anything from ifor atm seems hard and more expensive!