John and Connie Palmer of Santa Ana, California, recently completed a stunning three-year restoration of their 1948 Spartanette. The project began when they acquired the trailer from friends in Arizona—what started as a casual purchase quickly turned into a labor of love.
The first year was devoted to tracking down hard-to-find original parts, an adventure in itself for anyone who’s tackled a vintage rebuild. Once they had everything they needed, the next two years were spent carefully restoring—and rallying in—the trailer. Taking the Spartanette to rallies slowed the restoration process a bit, but the experience proved invaluable. Each camping trip gave John and Connie the chance to fine-tune their design and make practical changes based on how they actually used the space.
John’s background made him particularly well-suited for such a meticulous project. Growing up, his family owned and operated Schwinn Bicycle shops across Arizona. After high school, he worked for seven years at a Ford dealership doing tune-ups and electrical work before returning to the bicycle world, where he spent 19 years in wholesale sales management with Schwinn. His mechanical and creative skills have served him well throughout his life—John has built just about everything with wheels, from bikes and motorcycles to air-cooled VWs, race car trailers, teardrops, “stand-up” canned hams, and now, riveted vintage trailers.
The Spartanette restoration showcases his craftsmanship at every turn. John handled nearly all of the work himself—welding and frame building, fabrication, plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, refinishing, and flooring. The original 1948 GM Frigidaire refrigerator still works beautifully after being rewired and repainted. Above it, a new microwave hides neatly behind a tambour door, maintaining the trailer’s period-perfect look. Modern conveniences like a Dometic AC unit, Wilsonart laminate countertops, and wooden mini blinds blend seamlessly with the vintage aesthetic.
The Palmers paid careful attention to both form and function. Clever storage solutions are tucked throughout the trailer, such as the hidden microwave and TV compartments that preserve its mid-century charm. Connie’s favorite feature is the slide-out pantry—a smart use of every inch of available space. Even the peninsula shelves, trimmed in aluminum edging, add both utility and character.
When they first began the project, the Spartanette’s interior had seen better days. The trailer had endured what John described as a “hard life,” complete with an elaborate graffiti “art job” created with Sharpie markers. Some of the original wood was salvageable after extensive stripping and sanding, but most had to be replaced. The couple chose a rich, water-based amber dye stain from General Finishes in a dark amber tone, giving the new interior a warm, timeless glow.
One major upgrade was the addition of a bathroom—a feature not found in the original 1948 Spartanette. Inspired by a design from Craig Dorsey, John fabricated a compact wet bath just to the left of the refrigerator. The space features .040″ polished aluminum walls and ceiling, a .050″ drain pan with a wood floor grate, and a ceiling-mounted shower curtain that cleverly covers both the window and the door.
Through patience, skill, and creativity, John and Connie have transformed their 1948 Spartanette into a showpiece that honors the craftsmanship of the past while offering the comforts of modern travel. Their story is a perfect example of what makes the vintage trailering hobby so rewarding—reviving history, one rivet at a time.
