Restoration Question

[cnjn915]

My husband and I are in the process of looking for a vintage Airstream to restore. Our question is about preserving the value. What are the qualifications to call a camper restored? What are the do's and don'ts to keep the value? Do you have to stick with the original layout and furnishings, or can you update? Thanks for the info!

[InsideOut]

The best information (IMO) to clarify the "status" of a trailer's originality can be found here: Price vs Condition. It's an awesome tool for both buying and selling and analyzing what you have or are looking for.

But basically, a selling owner can "call it" whatever they want and the buying owner "can do" whatever they want to. It is a good idea though to study all the pros & cons to the decisions you make along that way during your restoration/remodel.

Good luck with your search!

Shari

[bwaysteve]

In my case I bought a 65 and want to stay close to original visually.I am replacing the floor.upgrading insulation, updated refrigerator and hw heater, plumbing and basically all major systems.I will keep and restore the original Magic Chef oven and 3 burner cooktop and vintage counter laminate.I am adding a gray tank(not available until 74) and adding larger tanks.
I am keeping the Honduras Mahogany interior and restoring.Although my hw heater is current, I will adapt the 60's vent to keep the vintage look.I basically have a new trailer in a vintage shell.
The one thing I will change will be to remove one of the single beds and create a work,desk area with the same wood.
So you couldn't call what I am doing a true restoration,but close.An owner down the line could easily make it original.I have seen some great upgrades(area63.com)in particular.
Beautiful stuff,but lots of dollars involved.I think if it were a rare model I would do all I could to preserve the original,but do it for your needs and applications,there will always be someone who will appreciate whatever you do.After all ,it's an Airstream!!

[bit]

Hey I don't have an opine for or against they both have plus or minus but remember you are gonna stay in it. The 50s and 60s were good times but do you want to live there without today's nicety's? I am just down the road from you in Welcome have you looked at the 27 foot in statesville on craigslist ? Might be worth while

Thanks Bit Little