VBAC  Monthly Meeting Minutes

VBAC Trailer Restoration - May thru August 2026

As most may know, the Valley British Auto Club owns and maintains a 6 x 12 fully enclosed steel trailer, manufactured in 2006 by Tru Trailer of Fowler, CA. VBAC utilizes this trailer to store the items necessary for us to host our annual British Auto Roundup. In addition, we can mobilize this unit in support of other service groups, as the need may arise. 

After twenty some-odd years of ownership, the trailer was looking a little ragged and in need of a restoration. In March 2026, the VBAC Board determined our reserve funding was adequate to undertake this project, without compromising our financial obligation to keep the Club safely afloat.  A restoration proposal was made to the general membership, at the May 2026 dinner meeting, where those present offered unanimous support.

 The Project

Over the course of many years sitting outside in the elements associated with life in the Central San Joaquin Valley, our trailer had suffered significant exterior damage. The factory paint had turned chalky and was spattered with rust. It was evident the trailer would need to be completely refinished in order to preserve it well into the future. Once we determined the extent of the project’s exterior needs, bids were solicited for two main facets of the job. It was now mid May, and the plan was ready to take shape. 

To begin the restoration, VBAC Board members removed all of the exterior brightwork and lighting, in preparation for sandblasting and painting the entire exterior. A well known local custom painter and pinstriper, Brad Espinosa, provided us with the best bid for paint refinishing. It was now June, and the trailer was moved to Brad’s east Clovis property, where the bulk of the restoration (the messy stuff) would take place. Stealth Sandblasting, a local company based in the Fresno area, was chosen for the sandblasting task. They proved to be a fantastic choice and did an outstanding job. Arriving at our location, completely self contained and environmentally compliant, they provided all materials and labor at an unbelievably reasonable price. Preparing the exterior metalwork for paint proved to be no simple task, as nearly 3 hours was spent to complete this process. 

The exterior was coated in primer within 48 hours and the first exterior coat of white paint was applied within a few weeks. As local temperatures had already risen to the near-century mark, the paint appeared to be drying nearly as fast as it exited the gun. Given the unanticipated dried out result, a second application (inside the cooled, shaded interior of the painter’s shop) would be necessary to obtain the desired exterior finish.

After the exterior paintwork was completed, it was determined the tail and marker lights, and complete wiring harness, were in need of replacement. Fitment of the upgraded LED components required a full 8 hour day. 

After completion of this additional task, the trailer (now road worthy) was moved back into town, where the process of reinstalling the brightwork could begin. Weeks earlier, a handful of Board members had spent the day polishing every piece of the aluminum trim, in preparation for the day it would be reinstalled.

After reinstalling the trim, the exterior was now complete. Noting we were still well within our restoration budget, it was decided we would be able to fully restore and upgrade the interior. After all, it seemed proper to match the efforts paid to the exterior. The interior would see a complete repaint, while the existing storage received some much needed reinforcement and repainting. A thirty-six inch 12-volt overhead light was added and the old checkerboard tile floor was removed. In the interest of providing for greater safety and longevity, a rubber coin mat flooring material was chosen to replace the original old black and white tile squares. Lastly, a new metal shelving unit was added to help tidy up the storage.

 As the August temperatures had now risen into the low 100s every day, workdays began at 0600 or earlier and ended shortly after 1200. These shortened days contributed to the extra time it took to complete the project, but it was all worth it to ultimately experience a very favorable outcome.  

Those closely associated with this project, understood the necessity and importance behind its undertaking. Much like the attention we all pay to preserving our great British automobiles, it proved to be a complete labor of love to do this restoration. Those involved are certainly happy to see this project come to a well deserved close. More importantly though, we are happier knowing this rolling billboard of the Valley British Auto Club has been well preserved for the future and for all those who will come along to enjoy the Club after us. 

On behalf of your VBAC Board, I can say without hesitation, opting to spend the money to restore our trailer was absolutely in the best interest of the entire VBAC membership. Thank you to every member for the support you gave us to undertake and complete this project.

Jon Brothers, President Valley British Auto Club 

Martin Connolly - Vice President

Jay Newsome - Treasurer

Larry Zerwig - Secretary 

Nick Newsome - Member At Large 

Steve Phillips, Russ Weber, Jon Frame - Trustees