Preservation versus Restoration

[KevinHann]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

I'm going to stick my head above the parapet and voice one of my per-peeves when it comes to MV restorations. Many really nicely finished vehicles I've seen over the years fall down when it comes to an authentic set of markings. I've seen telephone numbers as registration numbers on a jeep (the owner confirmed it!), and a hodge-podge of AIF, and AMF markings co-mingled, let alone the ones that pop up as pure fantasy. Sure, the 'barn find' MV is a gem, but there are precious few of those, and most go down the restoration path, spending considerable time, effort and money to bring a vehicle back to near factory fresh. But then apply a set of spurious markings.

Markings are not rocket science, and there is plenty of information around if you care to look for it, in addition to the various enthusiasts that can provide additional advice.

Duck .... incoming!

Mike

I think its a difficult one, people will always have different opinions. When restoring our 42 Commer I spent plenty of time researching colours and markings etc for it when it would have been delivered. I found a very good mid war period SCC2 colour matched paint through the advice of another forum member and sourced a Brown canvas to suit it.
Since she was finished at the start of the summer we've been to shows and as usual photos have made it on to the internet.
You will not believe the amount of criticism that we've received since, even from other owners and self confessed authorities on MV's. The usual comment 'trucks were never painted Brown during the war'....Seriously????