The value of something rests in the eye of the beholder or the user. I've restored several "vintage" tractors and, ........................ several "vintage" Airstreams. Personally I can't afford to store "museum pieces" and not use them. My tractors I use, ................ even the 1948 Allis Chalmers Model "G" with a front loader that made a several page long picture story in an international magazine several years back. I took many pictures of it when it was all fresh & pretty .................... then I've used it on the acreage parcels doing various odd jobs as they come up. Since I grew up with it on the farm 3/4 of the fun is in using it. It sure does bring back memories!! I don't "abuse" it as I'm careful ............... but it is "used." Seven or eight years ago I purchased my 1961 Bambi. It was 100% original and in pretty good shape as far as the floor & body goes. Since I planned on "using" it heavily over a long period I made it into what I'd call a "working" restoration, ........... a "street rod" if you will. I didn't plan on just looking at it, ..................... I planned on using it .................. so I installed all new appliances, (neatly of coarse) ............... including a hidden gas leak detector. Safety & usability are primary concerns to me. At this time I even have new OPD valved propane tanks. I have since used this cute little unit heavily over a period of years with great satisfaction and have had many compliments about it's condition both in & out. (No, it's not perfect ............ I use it.) My only regret is that I should have used the old water heater cover instead of using the new one. Oh well, .............. it's years too late now. Now there IS a place for a true "museum piece" ................. and I feel that it would be nice to see the 100% original units saved as such ................ but to carry this thought to the fullest I feel they should be preserved in a climate controlled garage or museum if you will. I have found that life isn't "perfect" . (: Pat Ewing VAC Treasurer 1947 23ft. Liner 1961 16ft. Bambi 1972 31ft. Sovereign Int'l (Plus other misc. old stuff that's used.) To unsubscribe or to change to a daily Digest, please go to http://www.airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html If replying back to this message, please delete all the unnecessary original text from your reply.
