I found this rare ol girl, with ‘good bones’, on a desert ranch outside Barstow, California. The owner was an older woman who had purchased it from the original owner who, along with her new husband, had ordered it from the Spartan factory in Tulsa, Ok. Harry was a water tank welder and he and his new bride Lore, used the trailer to live in, as they went from job to job, across the country. The trailer was in remarkable condition and retained most of all the original hardware and furniture, making a good restoration candidate. The only contemporary features is the addition of a stainless steel kitchen backsplash, along with the addition of a Hydro-Flame furnace by the past owner, controlled by a wall thermostat. The trailer is very straight and the aircraft grade aluminum skin is in really good shape. There are a couple of small dents and dings, but no significant body damage. There was a good deal of oxidation on the aluminum and took a good deal of polishing effort, using the Nuvite system, followed by the final stage Cyclo polishing. Before the trailer made the 200 mile trip to my home, the wheel bearings were removed and repacked, and new 10 ply Marathon Goodyear tires were mounted on new 6 bolt rims, replacing the dangerous Split rims. During the restoration process, there was never a sign of rodents, nests….or mice droppings, which is quite amazing for a trailer of this age. The front vista windows were brittle and discolored and I have replaced them with new Lexan, along with the new rubber gaskets and lock strips. Most of the original birch interior was in excellent condition, with very little water staining. The shelf at the front windows was to far gone and was completely rebuilt and coated with several layers of spar varnish. There had been a swamp cooler attached to the roof that had leaked, causing damage to the kitchen ceiling birch. A new birch panel was installed and stain matched along with amber shellac. A couple of more smaller panels were replaced, including some trim strips….and all wood oiled with Minwax wipe on Poly. The sub-floor was in very good condition and the linoleum was removed and replaced with new tiles. The entry and rear doors have new Bargman chrome handles with working locks, although I could not find the keys. I removed the old vinyl on the inside of the doors and plugged the holes with new rivets, followed by a mirror polish. The original drop leaf table and matching/folding chairs are in very good condition, along the original sofa and bed, that have both been reupholstered recently by the previous owner and appear brand new with no wear. All cabinets and drawers work fine and have their pull hardware. All electrical appliances, lights and outlets work find. The kitchen backsplash has two new GFI outlets. Even the electric can opener works….to open those cans of ‘baked beans’! The Dixie oven and stove top works fine, along with the Fridigaire fridge. The freezer gets ice cold, but has no ice trays. I installed a new compression rubber seal around the door. The formica on the kitchen countertop was fairly well worn and needed to be replaced. There is a vintage Royal vacuum cleaner in the closet that is still working well. I replaced the two propane tanks and both have OPD valves, along with new supply lines and fittings leading to functioning gas regulator mounted on the tongue. I added a new ceiling vent where the swap cooler once sat and reriveted and sealed (Tremco) a small section of the roof that leaked. There are no longer any leaks anywhere on the trailer. the masonite belly pan is 80% intact. The all-aluminum bath has been stripped of the factory green paint. The toilet works fine and has a new flush valve. All plumbing works with no leaks, along with sink and shower faucets and drain. Overhead stove and shower exhaust fans vent well. Both roll-up bedroom windows work fine and have their cranks. All three overhead vents have screens and cranks. The most amazing things that has survived, are the three Red Comet glass fire grenades that are mounted on the walls. These collector items were the fire extinguishers of the time. All glass windows are in tact an slide on their tracks, as well as all window screens, although the street side front window is missing the pull. The bedroom rear window frame was badly rusted and completely restored with new glass and rubber seals. The side marker lights were rebuilt and the two tail lights are classic Bargman. The license plate stop light is made by Duolamp and stainless steel. The new 30 amp power inlet is a Hubbell twist lock and marine grade stainless steel. All three living room lights have new chimney clear glass. The classic art deco porch light works fine, although a small amount of pitting on the surface. Of course a new Spartan Mansion decal was mounted to the right of entry door. The screen door was refinished and screens are in good shape. There is no rear step or screen door.

Price: Auction

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Location: Ojai, California, United States