Original Decals v Personalised

[northantsandy]

I am at the moment sanding down my Komet for a respray, I had toyed with the idea of going a completely different colour to the original white, I have now decided to stick to the original white. My dilemma is should I stick to original decals (which if I am honest I don't particularly like) or chose something sympathetic to the originals but more personalised?
I would like to gauge other peoples opinions on whether or not it is advisable to move away from 'stock' decals. Was it something you regretted either way?
Thank you in advance.

Northantsandy

[penfold118]

I have a similar dilemma, our first thought was a different colour and decals but now we have seen a few original Auto Sleepers we quite like them I think were going to go for a very similar colour to the original but have the graphics "up-dated" but sympathetic to the rest of the van.

Jez

[jamesc76]

Its a tricky one as do you have the original interior ?? But if you dont like the original decals go for something you like but I wouldnt re do the komet in a different script go for somethig of your own, people may think you couldnt get originals re done and might look out of place , id that makes sense!

[kevtherev]

My Autosleeper is now far removed from it's original dated livery.
It looks a hell of a lot better and never regretted it
As long as the font used is tasteful and not garish then go for it

[Silky]

This was a debate I had with myself about my LT Florida. The interior is all original and I did momentarily think of returning the exterior to the original too, but in essence I prefer other colours and decided to make it "my" van. So blue it's going to be. I'm not brave enough to change the interior too much - the cupboards etc are in great shape even if I don't like grey - but I'm on changing things like curtains, floor coverings, upholstery to something that suits me better.

If you're looking at your van as being part of your family, I'd go for the personalised route. If it's something you may sell or trade in in the close imminent future, it may be better to stick with the original livery.

Silky

[kevtherev]

I disagree with the originality gets you the best resale value theory.
after twenty five years of ownership some customisation would have taken place, and where do you draw the line of originality?

No a nice clean tidy camper is worth as much, if not more, than a tatty original or a nice example of one

[Hacksawbob]

You know what your getting with an un-molested van. upgrades and mods MAY improve resale depending on the quality. Eye lashes and cow udders danggling underneathe just aren't gonna cut it!

[kevtherev]

... those unmolested vans are becoming fewer...even the unmolestable westy is not immune to time
As you say Bob, quality is the key.

[northantsandy]

I may go down the route of personalised but sympathetic to the original. The original decals make the Komet look a little drab (2 thin stripes and a grey thicker stripe). I definately will not be going too far from the originals but something more to my taste. The van is definately a 'keeper' and is totally original inside. I may even leave it at stock height too.

Northantsandy

[northantsandy]

Kev
What decals did your Autosleeper originally have? Is there anything that with hindsight you would have or not have done?

Northantsandy

[kevtherev]

The original decal was a pathetic 2 ins high type face font poorly positioned at the front. The striping was faded and discoloured, and in my opinion not placed well, as it spoiled the vans handsome lines
as regards to anything I would not have changed?

nothing.. maybe more of what I didn't do, but that's being put right this year

[1664]

I didn't replace my decals with anything to see whether or not I preferred the van 'plain'. I now know I do

[northantsandy]

Yes leaving all decals off is an option. Nice looking Komet 16664. I may leave mine bare and then add at a later date.

Northantsandy

[billybigspud]

It is your van so do what you think looks nice. If you are going to all this trouble then you are obviously not selling it so resale is surely not a problem. I really dont see the problem with updating things. Unless it is an absolute minter who cares.

[Plasticman]

it a hard one really , If you do decide to put stickers or other on then it matters that they look right and are in keeping with the van , Im excluding resale as this is not the issue, as years have passed then so have trends and ideas, today we are spoilt foir choice which can be even harded, james says it when he referes to copying as such, there is nothing worse than an attemp at the original but failing badly, far better to make it obvious that its recent. if that too makes sense...
the xrissvagon is a case in point, we have the original Atlantic decals, seagulls the lot, they are perfect but since 1990 I dont know ? anyhow theyve been left of as the van is really hansome as is and dont need stickers for any reason, well thats our opinion anyhow

mm