Vintage Coleman Springbar Tent

[kbahus]

This tent has been in my wife's family since it was new and has not seen action in probably a couple decades. I put it up last summer to check it out but always used the pop-up trailer for camping instead. Now that the trailer is gone we need something to camp in this season and I was thinking about trying to use it for our family tent. However, I am concerned about it's age and ruining the collector appeal this tent may have. It is really cool but is it worth putting back into action? Anything I need to be careful of given the age of the fabric?

 

[jonnyquest]

Ask these guys. They are the authorities on canvas tents. http://www.kirkhams.com/contact-us/


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[Honu]

as I got older and also listened to my parents that wanted to save things if it never gets used and you are truly a collector and display them etc... if not then use them enjoy them make memories in them and take photos

great photos of people enjoying the tent are better than looking at a nice tent that is old but never used IMHO anyways


I say check the fabric door area or something see how it holds up to some stress and then get out enjoy and post pics

 

[Yarjammer]

Collector appeal? I'm a "collector" of tents, but not in the sense you are referring to. I would either put it to use or get rid of it. The downside of the old canvas tents is the inevitable odor. I don't mind the slightly musty smell, but some people can't stand it. If the tent was stored somewhat properly, it should still have many years of service left in it. You can get patch kits for canvas tents if you find any threadbare spots. Considering the expense of a comparable new tent from Kodiak, you could put a few bucks into it and still be way ahead.

Set it up and give it an indirect soak from the garden hose to see how it handles it. I imagine the threads are still pretty tight (natural waterproofing), but still worth giving it a check. You can even clean it up with some cleaners that are available specifically for canvas tents if the patina or odor bug you; I think it adds to their charm and character.

 

[kbahus]

Good idea with the garden hose, I will give that a shot. There was also an area of discolored fabric I need to look at more closely, it looked like the area was bleached.