Tom Walden,

Sounds like we are actually in agreement. It is true that most of the systems improvements can be effectively hidden from view but it is definitely safer and more comfortable to upgrade these systems.

Now for folks who do want to maintain original type trailers I can think of no better example than the Danahers 1936 Clipper. The details of their trailer suggest that it was actually one of the initial engineering prototypes to the first production aluminum Airstreams. They have kept it 90+% original and have been bringing it to the "eastern" International Rallys. However, because of its age and features, it is not really comfortable for them to stay in, instead they stay at a local hotel during the rallies. The trailer is beautiful and a great example of superior design and workmanship. For
example, they have never lost a rivet! The only effective way of doing something like that is to buy multiple trailers and have some for show and some for actual use. This is the path they are following.

With respect to your '58 Bubble, I am surprised to learn that it has a bathroom and holding tank. It was my understanding that the Bubbles never had bathroom facilities. Are you sure that the bathroom is original? Last summer at the International Rally I saw a Bubble with acustom made bathroom (in
the former closet) by John Dona (WBCCI #5071) from Buffalo, NY. He did a nice job converting the closet into a full bathroom where a shower was added by a circle type curtain in the middle. Apparently it worked out wll because after the Rally, the Donas drove with that trailer up to Alaska and back. I believe they travelled on the order of 20k miles with the trailer last summer/fall.

Anyhow I am curious whether your bathroom is original.

Regards,

Tom H. in snowy DC
'53 Airstream Flying Cloud