Those that take the time and money to renovate and remodel vintage mobile homes are my favorite kind of people. Bringing back the past is not an easy thing to do especially if you try to be as original as possible. Those that do this work, that takes the time and money to renovate a vintage mobile home, and bring it back to its glory, are doing us all a favor – we should never forget our past and let’s face it, vintage mobile homes are awesome!
Related: An Amazing 1959 Spartan Mobile Home.
This 1955 Spartan Imperial Mansion was renovated by a contractor in Minnesota that owns his own company called Randal’s Remodeling. You can see more photos of the renovation along with Randal’s notes on his website. He renovated the Spartan as a personal project.
A Look at the Spartan Before the Remodel
Below is what the Spartan looked like when he first purchased it. He writes that he sent the owner half the money without even laying eyes on the Spartan. While that’s not a recommended way of purchasing anything, it worked out fine in his case.
The previous owners had painted and wallpapered over the Spartan’s original birch paneling. Luckily for us, Randall wanted to remodel the mobile home as closely as possible back to its original beauty. He did a fine job!
After completely gutting the interior and re-wiring he began insulating and adding birch paneling which is what the original Spartan’s had.
The Completed 1955 Spartan Imperial Mansion After the Interior Remodel
The exterior was also refurbished:
Once the Spartan was placed Randall built a screened in porch for the mobile home:
Randall did a wonderful job on the renovation and now has a fine vacation or hunting cabin in a beautiful wood setting. He also did us all a favor because there’s one more beautiful vintage mobile home, a 1955 Spartan Imperial Mansion no less, in the world.
As always, thank you for reading Mobile Home Living!
Thank you for sharing these photos, I have an original 1955 Spartan Executive Mansion, as well as all of the manuals, will be happy to take pics and share info.
Would love to see it!
I have a 1947 Spartan motor coach for sale. One of two to be on the road and insured.
Can you please what kind of insulation a 1955 Imperial mansion Spartan has. I want to start a renovation on ours. It is in really good condition but does have some water damage at a couple of windows and new flooring. I want to put new insulation in it but would like to know what the insulation is. We have ours in Colorado where it does get cold in winter.
Hello,
I love Spartans! If I recall correctly, they had 2″ wool batting on the sidewalls and then the regular ole 1955 era Kimsul fiberglass on the top and bottom. You can use a 4″ insulation broken down into two 2″ batts (I remember reading about someone doing that during their restoration project but I don’t know where I read it) or use spray foam.
Best of luck!
Hi Crystal,
I found a 1955 trailer that I love, and I’m beginning to research what it takes to renovate a vintage trailer. I’m not sure if it is a Spartan. Also wondering if parks will let you put a vintage trailer on a lot? I’m in Michigan and trying to learn as much as I can before taking the leap and buying one.
Hi Amy,
I answered your other comment before I read this. I’ll be honest, you are gonna have a difficult time finding a full-time park that will accept a 1955 mobile home of any make or model. Heck, some campgrounds won’t even let us pull in a vintage camper for just one night!
The ideal situation for buying and remodeling an older mobile home will be you owning land out of city limits. Otherwise, every change or update you want to do will be legislated and regulated.
Some states won’t even allow a 1955 mobile home above a certain length to be transported without some serious updates.
Vintage mobile homes are def not an easy thing to deal with (which is why the smaller towable campers are more popular).
Best of luck!
so glad I stumbled onto your website! I love this stuff
Great to have you Cameron!
My name is Randal Johnson owner of the 55 spartan. I now own 6 other vintage trailers all of then will be restored. As the 55. Email me.
Hi Randall!
Please take lots of photos of the process! I’ll be here when you’re ready! Thanks so much!
Hi Randall,
What do you know about putting a vintage trailer in a mobile home park?
Amy
Hi Amy,
Depending on size, installing a vintage mobile home is similar to any other mobile home. You will probably need to have an updated breaker /fuse box and wiring. If the home has aluminum wiring most parks will not accept it. You’ll probably want to update the plumbing, too. You’ll need skirting in most locations.
In my state, if the home doesn’t meet certain inspection requirements you can’t even transport a vintage mobile home. There are some logistics to it all and you will need to hire a knowledgeable and trustworthy transport company to do it. Each state has different rules.