Maybe you'll find a buggy, surrey, wagon, buckboard or carriage that's been exposed to the elements instead of tucked away in a barn. In that case, chances are it's pretty well rotted . . . which is another point to consider. Replacement or repair of a few broken pieces doesn't cost much . . . but if springs, chassis or wheels are damaged, restoration becomes expensive. Such essential parts should be solid and not cracked, splintered or warped. Any existing upholstery will usually have been shredded by mice, but you can restuff and reupholster easily enough.

When I got my carriage, my husband and I sanded it down and dipped and rubbed the fills (shafts), wheels and chassis with hot linseed oil for preservation. We then applied several coats of black buggy paint, rust arrester and varnish to the appropriate sections. Since many old buggies and carriages were decorated with "pinstriping", we set off our paint job with fine gold lines in the old style. The finished product certainly didn't resemble the discarded heap we had found shoved into a haymow a short time before.

It's wise to throw a waterproof cover over your vehicle when it's not in use, and to preserve the rig by cleaning and doing touchup paint jobs. You'll also need to take off its wheel sprockets occasionally to wipe away grit and to regrease. Carry a small jar of grease, and whatever tools are necessary to remove the wheels. I have buggy wrenches (antique but practical) for that purpose, and keep them around the carriage along with a few other necessities: a box of rivets, plenty of tie rope for the horse, his blanket and a tarp to coverr the rig's seat and supplies. Sounds like a lot, but after after a few experiences without these articles I'd rather be prepared.

COMFORT AND SAFETY

Whatever kind of vehicle you buy or trade for, get a rig with a top and you'll save yourself the trouble of building one later on. In our New York State weather (we live in the snow belt) shelter is a necessity, but in any climate you'll probably pick up enough wind and other inclement conditions to warrant some protection. The upper part of my carriage folds up and down much like a convertible auto top, and has side and front curtains that snap down and across for wintry or rainy driving.

Even with the hood, chilly weather is always a problem. Two heated soapstones and a lantern are a help . . . and no one will have to tell you twice to dress warmly! On really cold days I simply don't venture out with the horse, and I avoid unnecessary night trips, too.

If you do travel after dark, the laws in most localities require some type of lighting . . . and even if they didn't, the majority of drivers—myself included—would want to take such precautions. Lanterns, reflectors and battery flashers are typical devices used on carriages.