This is my kettenkrad

[Hilton]

And YES, I would rather own the weathered chevy IF that was one of the last chevys in the world with original finnish. I think that we probably can count the Kettenkraftrads left in the world with original finnish on two hands... I hope that you better understand my point of view after this explanation.

[NickG]

If you don't get my point, read the part where I draw a parallel to helmets.

You can't drive a helmet... objects like helmets, furniture are different...
vehicles should be restored and driven, but I agree the original stencils should have been preserved...

[all1knew]

wow.

[Theodor]

You can't drive a helmet... objects like helmets, furniture are different...
vehicles should be restored and driven, but I agree the original stencils should have been preserved...

For a daily driver - yes. For a historical vehicle - wrong. If we generalize the subject to something as simple as the value, old cars in original condition, unrestored, have highest value. Even in extreme cases: can't find the pictures now, but some 1910s American car, found in a barn, sold for a real fortune! The whole trick was, that even if not so rare, it was untouched. Nothing replaced, nothing repaired 100 times by 40 owners. A complete car, as came from the factory, but ruined by the age. It looked like a real piece of trash, the original tires decomposed and looking like bushy eagle nests instead of wheels, but many people wanted it badly and will keep it just the way it is.
So, with old cars, it is more like with helmets: if something is original, better leave it as is and it will be better. Of course, it all depends on the condition. If the vehicle has been used for 40 years, driven, broken and fixed by many people with little technical knowledge, then of course i must be restored. The common case is restoration. Vehicles in good original condition are rare and much more interesting than the best restoration of the same car.
As for the vehicle in subject, it was very used, but still lots of original finish preserved. Maybe it was worth preserving, or at least some areas with original finish and stencils. But anyway, it's all gone now. Looks good, very well restored!

[D.Trooper]

Will have to agree with Theodor and Hilton on this one.

[tarnmilitaria]

my new photo

My new photo

[floriskok]

Nice thread Willem!

I'm looking for an IF8, it may be a restoration project but it has to be original,
can anyone help?

[tarnmilitaria]

if8

Hello
I have one for sell
thanks willem

[jabnus]

Willem,

those last pictures are very nice!

regards,
Gaston

[tarnmilitaria]

overloon 2012

super!