on the condition of the coach and the age. The older the coach, the more I think it should be restored to something approaching original condition.
I agree with everything except that if everyone had modified their 30's trailers in the 50's and their 40's trailers in the 60's, and there 50's trailers in the 70's, there wouldn't be many older original coaches to keep original.
I guess I lean stronger on the second paragraph.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pahaska
If a coach...
...Any coach...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pahaska
...is in fine condition, then I hate to see anything except restoration to near the original configuration. If it has already been altered quite a bit or little original of the original interior can be salvaged, then modify away.
__________________ Mark
72 Sovereign: L couch, mid-twin, rear-bath
"When you come to a fork in the road, take it"
"It was impossible to get a conversation going; everybody was talking too much."
"If you don't know where you are going, you will wind up somewhere else." - Yogi Berra
I think it depends on what kind of shape the trailer is in and what the owner wants to do with it. Our trailer was in sad shape on the inside, in fact thats why we bought it. I could have bought a much better trailer, but I knew I was going to have to remodel for my wifes wheelchair, so we chose a unit that needed a remodel. I hated to gut a good trailer.
__________________ 1979 Airstream Sovereign International, 31'. VIN# I31T9J0162
1992 Buick Roadmaster Wagon, 5.7L - V8, stock 5000# tow rating, posi, aux trans cooler, rear coil over shocks, 2" rear spring lift kit, flowmaster exhaust.
I didn't like either choice so didn't vote. I'm somewhere in the middle like others here, it depends. I do think it would be worthwhile to save the original stuff for someone who can use it if you decide to not go original yourself.
Not enough choices. I have restored several cars and depending on what I had to start with guided the restoration. I had a neighbor who owned a Corvette Stingray which I wanted in the worst way. The car had the incorrect front cap, wrong year. I wanted it because you could go full custom on the car and not feel guilty, as it was already mismatched. Each trailer and owner has to make their own decision as to how they will restore their trailer and it value to history.
I didn't like either choice so didn't vote. I'm somewhere in the middle like others here, it depends. I do think it would be worthwhile to save the original stuff for someone who can use it if you decide to not go original yourself.
I don't like the options available since they are black and white and in my opinion, not realistic.
I believe it all boils down to the owner and what the owner is comfortable using and maintaining. These are not museum pieces and even the coaches that are considered "original" have been tinkered with over time. What happens if something breaks and you cannot replace the part or don't have the means to replace the part. Does that mean you don't use it or camp in it? Does it mean you give it up for the greater good to someone who can plow a ton of cash into it?
Are we turning these rigs into something they are not, that being unusable?
These rigs are to be used and if they can be used with original pieces, all for it, but it depends on the tolerance of the owner.
Doug
__________________
65' Globetrotter 'The Otter'
56' Caravanner 'The Broomstick'
Ditto. Doug, didn't know you had a new arrival, boy, I need to catch up. As Wally said, "Make no changes, only improvements". We need to make the rigs compatible with the style in which they will be used, a diner, oxygen bar, guest house or bunkhouse for family roadtrips. Museum pieces are kept indoors and taken out only on sunny parade days.
__________________
WBCCI 24291
New England Unit
Metropolitan NY Unit
i say it depends on teh starting point. if the interior is already wasted, and the trailer is relatively common, why not? but if you have a first year bambi, maybe original would be wiser...
... anything's good... as long as you don't paint the outside! haha!
I agree with Gary and Rodney. My 75 is very original thanks to the PO. I love the vintage look. I also like the trailers that have been redone with a new look. Uwe's 63 is a good example of a do over. I will get to see it at 29 Palms in a few months, I can't wait. Original or new, it doesn't matter. What I don't like is to see one sitting in a field with broken windows and weeds growing all around it.
This is a discussion that keeps reappearing in different guises.
This is not an “either/or” question.
Those that equate “good original shape” with “maintaining originality” overlook the fact that good original shape is the ideal way to begin either an authentic “re-creation” OR a complete “customization”.
It’s not so much the approach you take as how well you carry it out.
At a personal level, I can appreciate lovingly restoring the beautiful birch interior of a 1950’s aluminum trailer but what was so great about the cardboard and anodized aluminum interior of an 1970’s Argosy?
The iconic shape of the Airstream trailer can be your palette for whatever you wish.
It’s like a Victorian house. You can keep everything period authentic down to the wood burning cook stove or you can go stunning white wall-interior with halogen lamps and a Miele ceramic cook top.
They will each be in their original iconic outer shell and each can be a treat for an owner or visitor if they are well done.
I would say it would depend on the condition of the trailer to begin with.
1. If it is in good original shape, with all the original cabinetry, appliances, etc. In my opinion, it should be retained as an original...look for another candidate for a gut & redo. Once it's modified, it is near impossible to go back to original. Personalizing fabrics and "soft goods" like capet, drapes etc. no problem.
2. If it has had a hard life or a PO has made bad modifications or there are more pieces missing than not...go for a totally new look!!! Have fun...rescue it from mediocrity.
Just a funny tie in...what is the current condition of the trailer and what is the price to restore it to glory vs the price to start fresh like my A/S Idol JCFeguson. Since my frame is in some sad shape, and the floor is rotted I am aiming for a custom look inside for the best my ability and dollars can make. I do see a Carlos-esc inspired build though.
Quick Links
.
Linear Mode
