[VAC] Not all Airstreams are created equal.

[Toby Folwick <toby_folwick@xxxxxxxxx>]

1969 was a transitional year - many of the techniques
and materials used were new to Airstream then.  In
addition, only a few years after that, Beatrice Foods
began making the trailers which all resulted in trying
to determine how inexpensive a trailer could be built
without sacrificing the status of Airstream.  Fewer
rivets were used on exterior panels - replaced by
glue.  2023 AlClad was replaced with a cheaper
aluminum, and clearcoated.  most of us have seen the
wear on 30 year old clearcoat.  It's called "planned
obsolescence."  This is what many companies started to
foolishly realize in the 60's and 70's.  Cars could
last 10-15-20 years and the idea of "diversifying" the
product offering was resisted by Americans - "Total
Quality" was an American concept that we didn't buy
until Japanese companies (i.e. Toyota, Honda, Sony
etc.) proved it to us to the detriment of all American
businesses.  Not much has changed - Many Americans
still resist positive change - though we've got the
internet, and we've got email - and regardless of the
fact that not all Airstreams were created equal, we
who have the vintage ones are inside a pretty
important triad - reduce, reuse, recycle -- If we
think about it that way or not.

Toby 2029