Bringing a Piece of Texas Cowboy History Back to Life: The 1960 C.C. Lite Horse Trailer Restoration

Out here in Texas, a well-built horse trailer is essential and original livestock and horse trailers built early-mid 20th century are simply timeless. We have much respect for those who choose to restore these beauties versus leaving it to rot and rust out. The 1960 C.C. Lite horse trailer we recently had in the shop wasn’t just another project. It was an iconic piece of Texas cowboy history.

Built By Cowboys For Cowboys

For those who don’t know, C.C. Lite Trailers were built right here in Decatur, Texas, by Cordell Carroll Lite — the grandfather of world champion cowboy Trevor Brazile. These trailers were built to work, built to last, and built by the hands of a man who knew the western way of life. Over the years, they became a trusted part of ranching and rodeo history, hauling horses from one dusty arena to the next.

When this 1960 model rolled into Dark Horse Metal Works, she’d seen better days. Decades of hauling, weather, and time had taken their toll. But under the rust and worn metal, we saw something worth saving — a trailer that deserved another chance to hit the road.

Stripped Down To The Bones

We stripped her down to the bare bones and started from scratch — welding, fabricating, and restoring every inch with care and precision. From rebuilding the frame to fabricating panels, updating the structure, and finishing with a fresh powder coat, this project was a true labor of love. We didn’t cut corners. Every weld, every bend, and every finish was done right — just like Cordell Carroll Lite himself would’ve wanted.

Before & After Powder Coating

Rusty Relic To Restored & Road Ready

When the last bolt was tightened and the final coat was cured, what rolled out of our shop wasn’t just a trailer — it was a fully restored, reborn piece of Texas history. Better than new, ready to haul horses again, and built to turn heads doing it.

At Dark Horse Metal Works, we take pride in helping folks hold onto the things that matter, whether that’s keeping a ranch running smooth or bringing an old trailer back to life. This project was a reminder of why we do what we do: craftsmanship, heritage, and a whole lot of grit.

If you’ve got an old trailer that’s got stories to tell and still has work and lots of life left to give, we’d be honored to help you bring it back to life too.

Dark Horse Metal Works, where old iron gets a second ride.