Post by John Palmer on May 9, 2024 21:00:53 GMT -8
I'm 55, and have tried to use CAD drawing programs but really don't have the mind for it at all, so no snickering here. I think anyone that can accomplish their vision should be applauded, regardless of the methods. I am ambitious in learning new things, which also equates to being humbled by the stumble. I'm not fond of the digital revolution, but i do like the access to information that can come in situations like this.
In my case, this trailer is going to be my living quarters when I am in Austin. I'm a musician from Texas, currently living in the PNW. For this reason, I do need to look at it from a practical angle. I don't need much, but want it to be as comfortable as it can be. Eventually we will build on our land and use the trailer as a mother in law, but for now this will be my living space.
I have a little time to think on it, but I do like the original design, and think for a living quarter, the way it is segmented is pretty nice. Having the table in the "dining room" works well. I stayed in the trailer a few times before I bought it and liked the function of that space. I will recreate the master bedroom with the two cove cabinets on either side. As i stated in the earlier post, I probably will keep the front room pretty open. The lady I bought it from had a couch in that space. I have that and may use it initially to see how I like it
I am going to mess with the refrigerator a bit. It was working until recently and when I inspected it the wiring was in terrible shape. Thats an easy fix to see if that solves it. I didn't have time to check the relay, but those are pretty cheap to replace as well. They are so cool looking! I know its not really that functional, but what the heck.
IMG_2474 by Ian Moore, on Flickr
IMG_2472 by Ian Moore, on Flickr
In my opinion the various lengths of Spartanette's have it all over the Spartan Manor series trailers. The Spartanettes have taller and wider exterior doors. They have a higher ceiling height. They have "all glass" windows, not the expensive to replace, easy to scratch Polycarbonate front windows. The shape with square corner edging allows much more cubic storage space which is always at a premium. Is the couch original? They came with Klick Klack couches, and today we would call them a Hide-A-Bed.
The original GM Frigidaire Refrigerators were from apartments, as were the Dixie Stoves. You can purchase reproduction parts from Antique Appliances in Georgia. The most common replacement part is the door seals, and they are very pricy for what they are. I have done two so far. One was a 1948 that was "on fire" due to bad cloth wiring. The other was on this 1950. Both had the original Freon, and the compressors work just fine. I re-painted both with automotive quality paint. They look like new, and the 1948 has run for six years since restored. Do you have all of the shelves and crisper parts? They are hard to come by. You will really need to have a shelf and a drip pan because they are not self-defrosting and, in your humidity, they will quickly frost up. I had to make one drip pan out of aluminum sheet and solder the corners because the "apartment sized" parts are smaller. It's not hard to re-wire one, just be careful removing the old brittle plastic edging that hides the wiring and freon tubing.
Based on my previous experience, I would focus on the following to rehab the trailer for a living quarter.
Installing a split system is a good move. Where do you plan to locate the evaporator? It takes a lot of BTU's to cool a metal trailer if it does not have a carport cover roof. Likewise, it takes a lot to heat, if the trailer does not have a skirt. The wind blows under the floor. IMO, the belly pan does not improve the heating that much. I would leave the belly pan off and spend the time and money on skirting since your trailer will be non-moveable.
New plumbing.
Replace All Electrical, re-use nothing.
New Water heater, either electric or propane, tank, or tankless OK.
The only way to make it rodent (smell) free is to remove every bit of the old insulation, Including the entire belly pan and all of their nesting materials. It's a gross job but necessary.
I have been using two layers of 3/4" Styrofoam insulation for years. But all of the big box stores around me have recently discontinued the 3/4" size thickness. I have switched to a single layer of one-inch Styrofoam.
The 30' I'm currently building will spend six months in Orange County, and six months of the year in Montana. The owner will live in it permanently as he has been doing in a 1953 Silver Streak that I build several years ago. My selection of parts and appliances has to take the element of long-distance road travel twice each year. It has a propane tankless water heater, and a dual electrical system 12volt DC and 110volt AC.
You have lots of options available to you and must be selected based on your usage needs. You should start making your parts purchases ASAP. The stores all have cut back on their inventory levels and offer a narrower product selection. It's very unusual to have your parts orders shipped 100% complete without any back orders in todays world.
Good luck with your build.
John Palmer