Just bought a 1970's caravan. Should the orange swirls go?

[mulberryless]

Looked at loads of 'modern' caravans and too expensive or wrong layout. We've just bought an oldie in perfect nick, same owners since 70's, dry stored etc. It has every old feature . The seats are cream and plain but the curtains are orange swirls and the carpet is browns and oranges. The wood is all plain dark. Has anyone re-vamped an old caravan? Is it best to go with the style or do cupboards paint easily? Half of me thinks if it 'aint broke don't fix it but like to hear from anyone who has made a family wagon a fab home for adventures!!

[GingerWrath]

Go retro! Embrace the 70's style!

[BitOfFun]

Yes, I'd keep it in the original décor. Bang on trend

[Lilyloo]

I agree with the retro look , it would prob cost you thousand to recreate

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

Keep the decor (I'd spend the money on a professional cleaning if it needs it)

[BitOfFun]

Can we see some pictures?

[Oblomov]

What sort of lay out do you have , OP ?
Do you have beds at both ends, like we do in our Swift challenger ?

[mulberryless]

Can't get any pics out but its a fairholme goldfinch.You have all reassured me that we've done the right thing in buying this!! It is so clean. The layout is kitchen down one end with a back door, small bathroom (with yellow funky wallpaper eek) settee down one side opposite cupboards and a wardrobe then double facing seats with table the other end. It has another door table end. Unusual to have 2 doors I think. It came with an awning that can go either side. I'll be checking out the swift challenger to see what that is like.

[Mammonite]

Looks like you have bought yourself a piece of history! start stocking up on Tupperware, melamine and crochet blankets.

[mulberryless]

Thanks mammonite, DH and I were in stitches over the pictures in your link. We'll need to buy some tank tops!! Scary thing is I have the melamine and crocheted blankets. Can't imagine what our snuggly duvet covers will look like against that carpet and curtains!! Glad I found this talk section. I will let you know how our first camping trip goes.

[Valpollicella]

Clean it and keep it

[tethersend]

You HAVE to keep it in its original state. It will be worth a great deal more than if you gutted it

I buy a lot of 1970s curtains and wallpaper from ebay, and have had people pleading with me to buy wallpaper I've won for their caravan...

[tethersend]

There's a programme on the history of caravans on bbc4 at the moment, check iplayer...

[mulberryless]

Thanks everyone. Def going to keep it all the same.We collected the paperwork and all the original receipts and brochures are there. Thanks for info about the 70's fabrics and tv prog. I'll give it a big clean and get the champers ready for our maiden camp .(Ok. Tea pot then!)

[Pixel]

I had a look at the link and scrolling down recognise our old Sprite Alpine straight away! I wish we still had it but it was bashed up years ago by the AA when they were towing us home after we broke down.

My mum has been looking for a caravan for a while now, but she has said exactly the same as you, too expensive and wrong layout.

[milkybarsrus]

keep the retro look! you can get retro deck chairs as well to sit outside with a glass of babysham (complete with a cherry). Enjoy

[Grumpla]

You really can't gut it! It's a piece of caravan history!

[OTheHugeManatee]

Photos please! I'm itching to know if your brown swirly curtains are the same as the ones in my parents' 1970s VW camper van. Those colours still remind me of being carsick on holiday

[mulberryless]

I'll see if we can get some pics up. Any one else got a pre- 80's caravan? (surely most have fallen apart) be fun to share tears/ fun.