My first trailer build

[Schneider591]

Hey guys thought i would share my experiences building my 1946 Spartan manor.
Some back story on this trailer a couple owned it in 1965 and was driving it across Route 66 at this point it was a 20yr old beat up trailer with most likely no maintenance done too it. Well somewhere outside of kingman az the back axle bearings seized and in their journey to the side of the road crashed into a large rock. Ripping the axle through the trailer floor and out the back end. Well the couple had the trailer towed on a flat bed to the companies tow yard and there the couple made the decision that it wasn't worth the trouble to fix the damage. Over the next 50yrs the trailer has been used as a storage unit and occasional housing. Fast forward to 2016 I got a call from a friend about a silver ish trailer parked at a junk yard. I made contact with the owner and we struck a deal for this broken down beater. I've had it a few months so some progress has already been made. I'll figure out how to post pics next!

[Schneider591]

Here's how we found the trailer most of the windows were gone. The front windows had been replaced with sheet metal screwed into the old window tracks. And of course no axle.

In the last picture you can see the axle I used it's a torsion style axle half unit. I made a crosmember out of 4 inch tubing with bracing and fish plates added to the original frame. Had to build all the mounts before the 4 hr drive from Phoenix. Turns out the owners measurements were off by almost an inch so had to spend some extra time fabricating onsite. After a few hrs of grinding cutting welding the trailer was on the road for the first time since 1965.

[Schneider591]

The original interior had tons of water damage had been painted and was in terrible shape. Unfortunately this was originally a mahogany interior being a 1946 Spartan all that beauty is long gone. It's now gutted to the shell and the tin front windows have been removed. I'll do a new layout since I have a blank slate.

[goransons]

wow cool project! I look forward to watching it come together!

[Schneider591]

For some reason this is the only picture I have from this process. When the axle blew up/ripped off it tweaked the frame and the tow process damaged most of the outriggers. I pulled the shell off the frame and set to replacing the damaged outriggers. I torched out the old outriggers that were way too thin and replaced them with 1/4 inch angle iron. Fresh tie down bolts throughout. This is a picture of my make shift body holder while I pulled the body off. I used 2x4 framework all throughout the inside to keep the body as straight as possible.

[Iansk]

Neat! I'm glad you saw through the muck and mire to tackle this. I also look forward to seeing your progress.

[PaulnGina]

I just love those old Spartans...... built in my home town.

Good luck with the resurrection...... I look forward to seeing your progress.

[cole3444]

I love your trailer, I will be following your progress. You might look at vintagecampers.com they have different parts for 46 and up Spartans if you have not already found the site check them out.

[ke6gkv]

Very nice. Spartons had great looking interiors; can't wait to watch as you progress in your build.

[Streamracer]

Great that you have the ambition and resources to do what you are doing. Look forward for more pictures. Good luck.

[crestonrv]

have 49 spartanette , caution wear mask to get rid of original insulation ! got massive sinus infection , took weeks to get rid of.
also had some frame issues , replaced tongue and 3 front x members also stick welded reinforcement to frame rail full length.
came with sprung axle , replacing with torsion and 6' of 2" tube stock to raise trlr a little . my windows are flat louver , don't know where you'll find that wing window .
but nice to know I'm not alone out here .

[bibbs]

Love the front windows , it's going to be nice

[ijustlee]

I had a similar trailer that I bought for $200 to use as a storage shed. It was gutted and had green plexiglass for the curved front windows. The title said it was a '53 but I don't think it was for the trailer I had! I sold it in a moment of weakness for $500 and sometimes regret it! I will be watching this build. Spartans are way cool!

[DavidsonOverlander]

Congratulations! We have a '46 Spartan as well that is waiting for us to find the time to renovate. They are very nice looking trailers!

I saw a couple at a Tin Can Tourist rally a few years ago and one of them had dual wheels on the single axle. The owner said he thought duallies were original on the trailer so he kept them. Ours, and every other one I've seen, has single wheels, but it looks like there would be room for dual wheels behind the wheel skirts. Did you find your serial number. On ours it was a small plate on the front door frame and is 2546-369. 25', 1946, number 369.

Good luck with your build!

[Schneider591]

ive seen a spartan manor with tandem axles but never a dually that would be interesting to see! there is definitely enough room in those massive wheel wells for a second tire. I went with the original frame and axle measurements when I welded mine in onsite. it pulled just fine but i think when I get a chance ill cut out everything I welded in and put the axles more outboard. placing the wheels as far to the outside of the trailer as possible (need to make fender skirts first). it should give the trailer even more stability.

[DavidsonOverlander]

Here's a photo of the one with duallies. I think it was a '47. The '46s were the only ones with square corners on the front windows, and I've heard it's hard to prevent those square-cornered front windows from leaking.

[Schneider591]

Started work on the roof next pulled the original three vents that were all leaking along with a random vent and a coffee can that someone installed as a makeshift chimney vent. I installed two fantastic fans one in the bedroom area and one in the front location. I will be deleting the mid vent and not be installing a modern roof mount ac can't bring myself to put something like that on the roof. I'll look into a portable style ac I think. Had to remake the vent openings the originals were 16x12 and fantastic fans are 14x14
Used buck rivets and tempco on all seams and rivers so no more leaks.

[Schneider591]

Having some trouble with my fantastic fans that I purchased most likely user error on my end. I ordered the 3350 model with the thermostat rain sensor 3 speeds either direction auto lift and close features. Well when powered up when I click the open lid button nothing happens now if I slowly crank open the unit with the black handle connected to the motor I can feel the tension of the lift motor as I open it the fan engages I can use the speeds works both directions. What am I doing wrong here to get to open and close with using the motor?

[MarkR]

Did you try spraying a little water on the sensor to see if it closes automatically?

They have a reputation for good customer service, so if you haven't already, I'd call them.

[Schneider591]

Had the wires reversed didn't blow a fuse or anything half the features worked. Now wired the correct way all is good.