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Eric H · 12-12-2011, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danimal327

Always like to see the Spartans. Dont know about the belly pan... mine didn't even have the floor in it!

Man! That thing looks sweet! Great skin on her! Have any more pics??

danimal327 · 12-12-2011, 01:05 PM

Thanks Eric,
Arfter going to look at a few that were in rough shape I was happy to find this one with a strait body. Couple bullet holes, some dings and srcatches but overall in good condition. I have dicovered though that polishing this old girl is going to be tough. 65 years of oxidation and pitting is being stubborn. Resorted to wet sanding the entire surface to make polishing go quicker.
Dan

Eric H · 12-12-2011, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streamquest

Hi Eric,

Congrats on the new trailer.

With more pics to look at (based on the three "separate" front windows) I'm thinking that your 1946 might be a '47 or newer. Just a thought???

And while looking at '47 Spartan's trailer (again, based on the "continuous" front window), I'm thinking that his is actually a '46. But again, the serial numbers could tell a different story.

Interesting, the folks who sold it to me said it was a 46 so they could be wrong. I'm having a hard time determining the differences between these first years, until the go to the tandem.

Eric H · 12-12-2011, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danimal327

Thanks Eric,
Arfter going to look at a few that were in rough shape I was happy to find this one with a strait body. Couple bullet holes, some dings and srcatches but overall in good condition. I have dicovered though that polishing this old girl is going to be tough. 65 years of oxidation and pitting is being stubborn. Resorted to wet sanding the entire surface to make polishing go quicker.
Dan

I'm a sucker for these Spartans. I imagine some sanding is all that's going to do it... The PO of my trailer said he used some 1000 grit and then buffer on a test patch, you can see the patch on the curbside pic: Flickr: Pillage and Plunder's Photostream
There is very little pitting on mine, but a lot of oxidation...I guess oxidation is a blessing in disguise really...it's what makes the aluminum last as long as it has.
There is a guy that just restored an airstream and I stopped by his shop today...I showed him pictures of the Spartan I just bought and he wanted to buy it from me on the spot! No way Jose

danimal327 · 12-13-2011, 09:48 AM

Eric,
Do you have the plate on the inside of the front door jam? (to your left as you would enter). That should indicate the year. Otherwise, there might be a number on the frame by the hitch or underneath the rear curved rub rail. I have heard that these two numbers might not match the serial number exactly but will be close. My number is 25-47-3362. 25 foot, year 47, 3362 unit built. If you look at the picture, mine is missing the 25. some have it some don't. Sometimes there is nothing more than a little aluminum strip with the numbers on it.

my 47spartan · 12-13-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streamquest

Hi Eric,

Congrats on the new trailer.

With more pics to look at (based on the three "separate" front windows) I'm thinking that your 1946 might be a '47 or newer. Just a thought???

And while looking at '47 Spartan's trailer (again, based on the "continuous" front window), I'm thinking that his is actually a '46. But again, the serial numbers could tell a different story.

My title says 1947. but tell me where to find numbers and I will post them.

my 47spartan · 12-13-2011, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danimal327

Thanks Eric,
Arfter going to look at a few that were in rough shape I was happy to find this one with a strait body. Couple bullet holes, some dings and srcatches but overall in good condition. I have dicovered though that polishing this old girl is going to be tough. 65 years of oxidation and pitting is being stubborn. Resorted to wet sanding the entire surface to make polishing go quicker.
Dan

Is that a vent above the door that looks like a cab light?

my 47spartan · 12-13-2011, 01:00 PM

46 3109 Is my number on the spartan. But I am sure my title says 47 I will have to check the title.

danimal327 · 12-13-2011, 01:08 PM

Yes it is a vent. That style is for 46-47. The polished one was for the furnace and the oxidized one was for the stove vent.

streamquest · 12-13-2011, 02:16 PM

That streamlined roof vent is a very nice detail. My '49 Mansion didn't come to me with anything that stylish, nor did my '50 Royal Mansion, although a lot could have happened to them in the hands of the original owners who had them for the first 6o years of their lives. Perhaps that detail was only used on the smaller trailers that were more likely intended to actually be towed rather than end up sitting in parks... just a thought.

For some great Spartan info, check out this site..... Spartan Aircraft Trailercoaches

Charly.

streamquest · 12-13-2011, 02:27 PM

Also, if you could use a shot of inspiration, and would like to see what a Spartan looked like when it was brand new, Check out these two videos of the greatest example in existence. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z9RaivWTKQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD4E7a1taOo

Eric H · 12-13-2011, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danimal327

Eric,
Do you have the plate on the inside of the front door jam? (to your left as you would enter). That should indicate the year. Otherwise, there might be a number on the frame by the hitch or underneath the rear curved rub rail. I have heard that these two numbers might not match the serial number exactly but will be close. My number is 25-47-3362. 25 foot, year 47, 3362 unit built. If you look at the picture, mine is missing the 25. some have it some don't. Sometimes there is nothing more than a little aluminum strip with the numbers on it.

I haven't actually towed it home yet! It's still about an hour away... can't wait to go get it!! I'll be sure to post ASAP!