We are slowly furnishing our AS with some vintage items as we find them. DH bought a vintage bakelite tube radio, (which works) and we found some bakelite flatware from the 40s? maybe that is still useable and cleans up nicely. Those crusty old vintage antique shops hidden in little towns can really pay off if you take time to look at the nooks and crannies.
We were looking for a small wide based vase too but did not find one. Then when we got home we realized I have a ton of great roseville vases that would be perfect. Even though its pottery, I plan to pack one up carefully and see if it will survive our 3 week trip coming up.
Lots of cool US made things you can find out there.
Paula, those tubes in the bakelite radio are probably really delicate by now and bouncing in a trailer may not be good for them. It wasn't so good for them when they were new either. I think some replacement tubes are available, but not sure anymore as the last time I checked into tube replacement was about 10 years ago.
It'll look cool though and makes a nice decoration if you don't care whether it works.
Yes, you are right, tubes are delicate. My DH is all over it. He is a former "tube guy"and probably has a bunch of replacement tubes. I think its more of a decorative piece than a functional one, and does add a vintage flair to the new AS.
We try to use vintage products that actually do what you expect them to do. The original EKCO kitchen products fulfilled that task. Quality and durability were their trademark.
"About EKCO®
In 1888, Edward Katzinger founded a commercial baking pan company in Chicago, IL. It eventually became known as the EKCO® Housewares Co., and by the mid 1960’s it evolved as the country’s largest non-electric Housewares manufacturer."
If I had a retro AS, the urge to outfit it with the retro classics would be stronger.
I like the modern/minimalism of the latter models. I think the addition of too much retro would frustrate the look. Just my personal preference, of course.
One funky "retro" thing I've added is a faux mink throw on the bed. Reminds me of martinis, blood-red lipstick and nails, a la 1950s. I like the Vegas lounge-lizard look. Am on the hunt for a few pieces to add to the FaN.
Not a lot.....
just a little, to make it interesting.
__________________ easily distracted by shiny objects
It was easy and I think most anyone could do it. I bought candelabra replacement bases and attached them to the gas tubes. Shorten both as much as possible. Then wire it up. Run the wiring out of the top vent of the lantern. I used Led bulbs.
1973 25' Tradewind
1962 22' Safari
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Join Date: Aug 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by riverone
It was easy and I think most anyone could do it. I bought candelabra replacement bases and attached them to the gas tubes. Shorten both as much as possible. Then wire it up. Run the wiring out of the top vent of the lantern. I used Led bulbs.
While certainly a sustainable conversion and solution the final configuration will likely never get UL approval. Now I just have to find the old Coleman lantern in Mom's basement.
On another note if you are ever in Wichita, KS with an hour or two to kill check out the Coleman museum and outlet. Very interesting origins for this company.
We've had fun finding things for the Airstream at consignment shops, but we are going for the more minimalist, modernist interior, and less is more. And, I think given that the trailers are about exploring other places, we haven't limited ourselves to US made items- A couple of Alessi items I really like for the shape and simplicity, and they're beautifully made- a shaker from ebay, oil and vinegar set I dragged home from Rome, the Fermob folding table from France, exceedingly well made and the best thing I could find for inside our trailer. Folds and slides under the front goucho. The Tivoli radio sounds great, is small and plays an iPod.
As I understand it, these people bought the molds, rights, and whatever and are making and selling Pink Flamingos in a variety of styles, in the Chicago area. A friend with a store in the city was headed over there to buy for her retail store (called RR#1, on Ashland at Chicago Ave, in Chicago), and she just told us about them.
That depends...Many jeans are Now made in China and Pakistan.
__________________ 2007 Dodge Ram Quadcab 6.7L Diesel w/jakebrake "Better to have more then you need, then need more then you have because you don't have enough!" AIR #: 8129
As I understand it, these people bought the molds, rights, and whatever and are making and selling Pink Flamingos in a variety of styles, in the Chicago area. A friend with a store in the city was headed over there to buy for her retail store (called RR#1, on Ashland at Chicago Ave, in Chicago), and she just told us about them.
Bought some a couple of months ago at CampingWorld, SoCal. Suppose to be made in USA.
__________________ 2007 Dodge Ram Quadcab 6.7L Diesel w/jakebrake "Better to have more then you need, then need more then you have because you don't have enough!" AIR #: 8129
Thanks for the tip on the place in Chicago, I'll hit it on my next trip there.
That's the trick about buying anything new, trying to find something that is not made in China. Fortunately, there is sooo much stuff, reasonably priced, that can be found second hand. I'm trying to find a string of lights for outside our trailer...
Although this item looks like it came from someplace in Asia, it actually was made in the USA. We find it not too useful, be certainly decorative. I do believe it is iconic. We take in the trailer wherever we go.
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and away we go.......
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