Preservation vs restoration...

[Don Ricardo]

Evening all,

One of the topics which arises on the forum from time to time is whether a forum member should preserve, restore, modernise or hot rod their van. In the end it's the individual person's choice, however I just read this article from www.drive.com.au which looks at the preservation vs restoration issue in relation to classic and vintage cars.

Some of the points made in the article are really interesting and apply to vintage caravans as much as cars. I'm not advocating one over the other - it all depends on the nature of the van as well as the desires of the owner - but i figured the article might help some forum members to work out what is important to them, and which track to go down with their vans, hence the reason I've posted the link.

Don Ricardo

[akeepsake]

Thanks Richard for posting the article it's a good read! I subscribe to a magazine called Survivor Car and it motto is " They're only original once!" I think the rarer something becomes the even more rarer an original untouched version of that " something" is to find ! To me weather it be a nice old piece of furniture , an original well kept car or a untouched vintage van they are far more desirable than something restored as every nick scratch and patinated finish tells a story of its past ! I understand that there are always things that need repairs etc and in the vv world it is hard to get period parts but for me conservation over restoration is always a first priority !
I know that there are always exceptions to the rule but it pays to take your time before striking a blow . Do some research. You never know you may have the only van of its kind left in existence !

[DC3Td]

An interesting read Richard.As mentioned in the story - "a preserved car becomes a reference point". I innitially was going that direction with the td being it likely the only remaining example of its build.Along the way i realised it would then end up looking quite ordinary - probably built that way purposely in its time to be affordable.So over the past few years have gradually bought period as well as other items that will not only enhance its overall appearance but will introduce design fitments that blend in that well they could`ve been original.And a couple of surprises too. gordon