Autosleeper Trooper - Original or Custom?

[bmouthboyo]

I have been restoring my 1983 Autosleeper I bought back in 2009 slowly over the past few years and am nowat the stage I need to consider if I try and keep her true to the original Autosleeper look or not worry and just do what I want.

I removed all the body kit that it came with when I bought it. Fixed all the rust and rot and I recently had the body resprayed in the original L90D, as the previous owner had just slapped thick creamish pain literally over everything.

In terms of resale value, would it be worth trying to get the Autosleeper decals and strip around the van?

Or would it have little impact if I was to customise it a little with having the pop top sprayed a different colour to original, Audi seats, reupholstered etc. I am not looking to sell her any time soon but need to decide if to say true to original or customise.

It might be worth noting that I will be using all the original Autosleeper interior units but will re-upholstering the seats and the walls, as well as add different finishes to the units.

[evilnoodle]

There are plenty of beautiful original vans out there.....you sound like you are putting a lot of hard work and effort into your van, so why not make it beautifully individual to you?

[CovKid]

Would concur with Jane. There is a kind of honour with keeping everything 'as it was' except that its only worth something to you or another buyer who just wants that. In reality, those owners are in a minority and so much has moved on since it was built there will be much you can improve both in mechanical & electrical terms as well as interior layout. As long as it looks well cared for and has all the features YOU need, go for it, well, unless you just intend to show it and not actually use it.

I'm always modding mine and I use it 365 days a year so I want it just the way I think it should work without worrying about what anyone else thinks. Trust me, life is short.

[fazzer]

when I bought mine I wanted to modernise it,but the original interior is that nice I didn't have the heart to rip it out.I do get a lot of good comments about how nice it is to see an original unmolested camper,and ive grown to love it.

[bmouthboyo]

Yea we are keeping the layout and units inside, they are just are old and tatty so thought may as well try and spruce it all up. As you can see it wasn't in great nick:

[evilnoodle]

Same interior units as mine

[jrt]

Same interior units as mine

....and mine.....
David

[a1winchester]

It's a matter of personal choice.
It's unlikely you will get the original fabric for the seats and curtains - I could be wrong.
As for decals and stripes, I reckon any good signwriter should be able to replicate these from templates. No need for stick on decals.
The value won't increase in £££ as the overall condition of the van is what is important. (IMO)
Having said all that, I am getting my Autosleeper resprayed and liveried back as close to original as possible. But that's for MY pleasure, not as an investment. I don't expect the extra cost to be covered by increased value.

[Marmalade67]

I have a copy of the original brochure if you pm me i could send you some scans. It came with our van. The original owner kept everything, got the original receipt and even his photo card for European camping club.
One thing we never got was the extra bit for the bunk. I made my own but not sure where it would be stored when driving. It dose not show you in the brochure.