No offense, but the new ones aren't even comparable to the classics.
The saying "they don't build them like they used to" is really evident with Airstreams. Even the aluminum is cheaper and dents really easily. You can see that where the rivets are pressed through- looks more indented on the newer ones.
Quote: Originally posted by MartyM on 17/2/2009
The axles always seem set well back, how do you get the noseweights down to European levels?
Hi, thats an interesting topic- we have 2 types, those that we use the original interior which stays heavy in front, but for the ones that are customized inside, we try and place things in order to adjust the weight down more in the front, and add more to the rear. We actually install new frames on some, and we started putting longer UK tow bars on, which helps a lot. Some of the vending caravans, started as single axles, and were later changed over by adding a new axle in the front of the old one. That operation ends up with near perfect balance.
we were at the Nec today and they had some new ones on display and I think they could of polished them up a bit better I was expecting them to be gleaming but they were quite dull as if they had just gave them a quick wash and dry off
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Saw the airstreams today at the the NEC Show, nice if you have £50k spare !
But at least they didn't have the awful materials that seem to be in every other caravan at the show, all the interiors from almost every manufacturer are beige with geometric designs.
I know it has to be tuff wearing, but when you see some of them you wouldn't buy something similar for your own home so why entertain it in your caravan?
We welcome anyone who wants to come by and check some of them out- although its a bit muddy right now.
I don't get the pricing on the new one in Europe. Its rape. Over double the cost of a new one in the US.
We have a Bambi from 1963 advertised here on the for sale page- its less than half what the cheapest new one would cost, its polished and when you see them side by side, you'd never want the new one.
The aluminum on the new one is not the same- different alloy, and its mill finish, dull, with a factory applied clear coat. Once it gets dull, you have to strip and paint it- it can't be polished. Ever. And thats the shame of having a new one, you can never enjoy that vintage beauty that built the reputation that allows them to charge so much for the new ones.
Quote: Originally posted by SHANTY SINGER on 19/2/2009
Cant think of a more ugly van than a airstream. But everyone to their own.
What part do you dislike? Body design, aluminum, quality?
I have my favorite years, and I have those that I think are junk, especially newer, and they totally botched the European version.
Body designed changed tremendously over the years- 30's were very torpedo shaped, 40's post war slightly torpedo shaped, 50's started with a breadbox, ended with a nice slope in back, 60's started having some strange looks and 70's went to a rounded bottom reminiscent of a submarine. After that, the quality is so bad I usually don't even consider them. 1985/6 was the last year that was roadworthy of even buying in my book, and I need to perform miracle work to get them decent...
I wouldn't call an Airstream ugly, but they do look cold and stark on the inside. Metal walls are for sheds and prison cells, not holiday homes, IMHO. But they do often appeal to people who don't much like the white plastic Eurovans.
Is there a van with Airstream looks on the outside and European decor and comfort on the inside?
------------- * You never know where you're going 'til you get there...
Is there a van with Airstream looks on the outside and European decor and comfort on the inside?
The older the Airstream, the better and lighter the interior. They used to have aluminum walls that were painted with a speckled paint that people always like, and the cabinets had wooden aircraft construction, with nice veneer on top. Birch veneer gave way to plastic and vinyl in the 60, the 70's lost touch with any sense of style or lightweight- plastic, vinyl accompanied with pressed particle board.
I agree that many European caravans are excellent. I especially like the ones from Sweden- like Polar, real yacht quality woodwork with excellent construction technology to reduce weight.
The new Airstreams really miss the mark on the interiors- so much money for such a cheap looking interior.
I have some Spartan caravans- they had ALL wood inside, and really well built.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Who wants to see Airstreams?
