I think the best support I've had for an old bit of kit, was when my 10-year old North Face VE-24 tent began to disintegrate. The screens deteriorated, and the coatings began to peel away from the fabric.

I took it into the local dealer, and inquired about possible repair services. The nice chap there took the tent and said he'd get back to me.

A week later, on the way out of town for a long weekend camping/climbing trip, we stopped by to pick up the tent -- and were handed a brand new VE-24 in place of the old one.

Sweet!