Had the chance a few years ago to buy some Spartan doors. While I was still trying to decide what to do with them, they got sold.
But it got my mind working.
I am working on a 1963 Bambi. It had a household AC unit in the front window, that was one of the first things to be yanked. So I have to replace glass in front already. (also need to reattach the shell, and replace an exterior skin panel with a gash, so will need to learn to rivet).
The Spartan doors started me thinking about putting in two round windows in front instead, and having my little Bambi go for a Nautilus submarine/Space ship look.
Saw this Spartan locally for these pic's.
I think I can fabricate the necessary window frames, what complications should I consider?
I think my biggest challenge will be getting some round window rings, is there any practical place to get some punched ?
This is the look I am going for. Two round windows, and an
"ornamental" strip going up between them high enough to be out of sight, would be close. I will need one more piece for the AS, with the primary purpose of covering the remaining rectangle window opening. The existing rectangle window is flat and has no curve.
I have to reattach the shell and these rivets are low, so I can practice (I currently have done no riveting) By the time I am done with that, might be good enough to take on a silly project like this
Could not get a pattern using the combination of round windows and the Curtis-wright styling. So going with a design reminiscent of a salon on the nautilus
First try at developing a pattern. I need to stretch side-to-side about two inches to completely cover the current opening, and want to accentuate the curves along the top/bottom.
Not to sound like a purist - it's your trailer, and gosh, my wife and I are making a lot of period correct but non-original changes to our '57.
That said, doing a mod this significant will cause you to:
1. lose quite a bit of lightness and brightness (in an already small trailer),
2. give up a lot of cross-breeze and ventilation from switching to fixed portholes, and,
3. seriously hack away at the value of this rare little guy, if that matters to you.
These are far and away the most prized models from that era. Again - may not matter to you. It's yours to play with.
My suggestion would be to consider installing these owl eyes into a matching aluminum insert: a plug that goes over the existing front window frame... and save any parts you remove so it could go back to stock in the future. You won't be replacing all the crown pieces anyhow, so those diagonal lines aren't going to all meet in the middle like the old Clippers anyhow. So why not make it reversible, maybe even hinged like a rock guard!?
I respectfully suggest that the next owner of your trailer (and they all eventually become someone else's) simply won't want what you're going to do to this trailer, regardless of how cool it turns out.
Again - all due respect intended. As an artist and outside-the-box thinker, I hate party poopers... just trying to make sure you consider the downsides of a pretty severe design change, that's all.
I'll add that I would put a Spartan porthole in our door-within-a-door in a heartbeat, or a bathroom that didn't have a window. Somehow, neither of those options seem like such a dramatic shift from the original design, to me.
This one was done by Craig Dorsey of Vintage Vacations in a '61 GlobeTrotter.
Thanks Bredlo, exactly the kind of tugs I was looking for when I asked the question: "What if I put in round windows"?
I have considered having less square inches of window, openness and sun light. I think I will try and compensate with a more "open" floor plan when I re-install the interior (not replace the floor-to-ceiling hang-up closet, and minimize the overhead cabinetry).
I had not considered cross ventilation, but my front door has a large square louvered window. Not sure if loosing the front window wings will have a big impact, but the ventilation will be missed.
The trade-off between "restoration" and "customization". In my case a restoration is out of the question. One man's customization almost certainly limits the pool of other potential owners. I do not plan to sell the project, but plans change as the years these projects take go by !!! I WOULD DEFINATELY LIKE COMMENTS ON THIS ASPECT OF THE MOD
Currently I am into this modification for $50 for the 2 Spartan window frames. The .032 2024 T3 will be another $60 to cover the old window opening. I think I have figured out how I can rivet the Spartan window frames into the rectangle window cover material on my bench. Then I can hang the assembly one last time in the opening to see how it looks, what will be necessary to rivet the assembly to the current skin, and make the final decision to go, no-go.
All else aside, frankly my biggest concern is my ability to execute. It would be a completely unnecessary tragedy, if I were to start drilling holes and not have the skills, tools, or time to finish the job right.
I got started on this path trying for the sci-fi vibe, but would settle for a tip of the hat to the Nautilus look. The "owl eyes" look was unexpected and could be a deal killer. Worst case I am out $110, several evenings of musing & riveting, and perhaps have a nice flower planter for the house !!!
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