Horse-drawn vehicles, once a necessity, are now either an anachronism cherished by people like the Amish and Mennonites, a hobby, or a decoration. Antique stores like to put them out front, where they never fail to attract attention. People who like history, enjoy driving horses, or like collecting vintage transportation may need expert carriage restoration services.
There are carts, carriages, coaches, waggons, and sleighs. Most restorers will work on any of these vehicles. Waggons are designed to carry cargo, with the person along just to get the horses headed in the right direction. Carts have two wheels and can be fancy or plain. Buggies have a hood, like the Amish ones or vintage doctor's buggies. Surreys have a top. Carriages have four wheels, are usually open, and are made for getting places in comfort and style.
Carriages were, like automobiles are today, both a necessity and a status symbol. People needed them to get somewhere quickly and with less personal effort than walking. However, they liked to get there in style, too. Many features of the conveyance were for utility and safety, while others were for show.
Restoring requires a thorough knowledge of the working parts of a vehicle, which are mainly in what is called the undercarriage. Axles, couplers, wheels and hubs, brakes, and springs are just a few parts that must be in good working order for safety. Different styles of carriage have different configurations underneath the seating compartment.
To restore a vintage horse-drawn vehicle, a person has to know how to work with iron, wood, leather, paint, and upholstery. Most restorers do the whole job, although some specialize, of course. Removing rust from metal, making sure moving parts are freed up and lubricated, knowing how to adjust brakes and make wheels strong again is all part of returning things to their original condition.
Many of the carriages seen in driving shows are authentic vintage vehicles, although there are reproductions and modern vehicles designed for the show ring. One modification often seen is rubber rims on wooden wheels, rather than the original metal ones. Rubber-rimmed wheels run smoothly and quietly on pavement, although they don't stand up as well as the iron-banded ones to gravel.
There are many different types of carriage, and different designs within each classification. True aficionados learn all the terminology and try not to scorn those who use it wrongly. They are also able to tell if a restoration has been done well or poorly, or if some feature is not authentic to the period and type of vehicle. Judges look for authenticity in presentation classes.
Some people do restore their own carriages, but this is a very time consuming process and needs to be done just right to ensure safety. The safety factor makes many drivers choose a professional for restoration work. No one wants to have a wheel fall off (which they will do if the hub is put on backwards) or a brake fail. Fortunately, there are still many companies that do excellent work on vintage carriages. In addition, vintage carriages are an investment, like other antiques
There are carts, carriages, coaches, waggons, and sleighs. Most restorers will work on any of these vehicles. Waggons are designed to carry cargo, with the person along just to get the horses headed in the right direction. Carts have two wheels and can be fancy or plain. Buggies have a hood, like the Amish ones or vintage doctor's buggies. Surreys have a top. Carriages have four wheels, are usually open, and are made for getting places in comfort and style.
Carriages were, like automobiles are today, both a necessity and a status symbol. People needed them to get somewhere quickly and with less personal effort than walking. However, they liked to get there in style, too. Many features of the conveyance were for utility and safety, while others were for show.
Restoring requires a thorough knowledge of the working parts of a vehicle, which are mainly in what is called the undercarriage. Axles, couplers, wheels and hubs, brakes, and springs are just a few parts that must be in good working order for safety. Different styles of carriage have different configurations underneath the seating compartment.
To restore a vintage horse-drawn vehicle, a person has to know how to work with iron, wood, leather, paint, and upholstery. Most restorers do the whole job, although some specialize, of course. Removing rust from metal, making sure moving parts are freed up and lubricated, knowing how to adjust brakes and make wheels strong again is all part of returning things to their original condition.
Many of the carriages seen in driving shows are authentic vintage vehicles, although there are reproductions and modern vehicles designed for the show ring. One modification often seen is rubber rims on wooden wheels, rather than the original metal ones. Rubber-rimmed wheels run smoothly and quietly on pavement, although they don't stand up as well as the iron-banded ones to gravel.
There are many different types of carriage, and different designs within each classification. True aficionados learn all the terminology and try not to scorn those who use it wrongly. They are also able to tell if a restoration has been done well or poorly, or if some feature is not authentic to the period and type of vehicle. Judges look for authenticity in presentation classes.
Some people do restore their own carriages, but this is a very time consuming process and needs to be done just right to ensure safety. The safety factor makes many drivers choose a professional for restoration work. No one wants to have a wheel fall off (which they will do if the hub is put on backwards) or a brake fail. Fortunately, there are still many companies that do excellent work on vintage carriages. In addition, vintage carriages are an investment, like other antiques
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