[VAC] Original or Updated Vintage?

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Steve,

The only answer to your question is there is no correct answer.  RJ Dial
said it best when he said discussing the issue of original or modified is
like discussing religion.

I think it is interesting to read RJ's and Bill Scott's diametrically
opposite views on the subject.  Each of them are experts on vintage A/Ss
whose opinions are valued by everyone on this list, both own, use, and love
vintage A/Ss.

RJ and Bill approached the question from different positions.  RJ provided
an answer based on value to those who value originality and strive to
preserve the trailers as much as possible, as Wally built them.  RJ made a
very convincing argument and what he said is accurate.

Bill, on the other hand, answered your question from a position of
functionality.  Bill believes the trailers were designed and built to travel
and to be lived in, at least for some periods of time.  His argument was
equally powerful and accurate.

The true answer to your question depends on refining your original question
by first asking yourself what do you want.  Do you want a beautifully
restored original which will be worth more money to those who value
originality, or do you want a fully functional trailer which you can use,
occasionally abuse, and enjoy.  Resale value may be more important to you,
or a trailer you can tow in the rain or down a dusty or muddy country road
may be most important.

I love all Airstreams, vintage, late model, restored original, and those
that have been preserved but modified for function.

Harvey Barlow
WBCCI # 1171, WDCU, VAC