Airstream Bambi, Intensive restoration halted midway (1962)
Sale price: US $100.00 Make an Offer
| Used |
| “Frame, axle and floor are finished and will roll. Outer shell and frame unrestored but an intact unit, detached from the floor and supported by a wooden frame awaiting reattachment. Interior aluminum skin removed and awaiting reinstallation. All other pieces and parts, interior walls, windows, etc, removed and awaiting reinstallation.” |
| Year: | 1962 | VIN : | 162T403 |
| Length (feet): | 16 | Make: | Airstream |
| For Sale By: | Private Seller | Model: | Bambi |
Springfield, Louisiana, United States
Vehicle description
1962 Airstream Bambi for auction. Note, this is a stalled restoration project. Steel frame work and floor are complete, but the outer shell/frame is detached from the trailer frame/floor. Interior skin is removed, as well as interior walls, gauchos, closet, shower unit, interior bin, heater, etc. Original windows are also removed, but are here for later re-installation. Buyer will need to arrange transport. Original appliances are long gone, although that’s probably a good thing.
“Ohio” layout Bambi is located in southeast Louisiana. Inspection can be arranged, and many pictures of this Bambi are available, including specifics of the restoration, as well as pictures prior to restoration.
We have the earlier Kentucky title, signed over to us, but we did not update to a current Louisiana title, as we haven’t approached putting Bambi on the road yet, and didn’t anticipate selling until recently. We are working on this currently, and this listing will be updated during the week based on what we find.
Cashiers check or cash on pickup for settlement.
Why We’re Selling We suddenly have to move, and don’t have space to continue work at our new home.
Brief history: Purchased in July 2013, we steadily stripped Bambi down, realizing as parts came off that everything from the bone marrow out needed heavy restoration. Restoration efforts started in Sep 2014 and reached the current status in Oct 2016. Bambi then sat suspended on lifts for 2 1/2 years while the primary restorer took on other projects and played with a grandbaby.
In this last winter, early 2019, planning and purchases began for the next stages of restoration with the aim of getting the body reinstalled to the finished floor/frame by late summer.
Late April 2019, we suddenly found out that circumstances dictated we’d be moving out of Bambi’s restoration home. So we’re hoping to sell Bambi ‘as is’ to her future restoration home.
Our Original Purchase In July 2013, we purchased Bambi online (ebay), and fetched her from just outside of Lexington, KY. She was described as not perfect, but solid, with excellent floor, solid frame, etc. However, when we picked her up, I could tell floor was a little spongy in places and could see some rusted frame, etc., though she did tow beautifully from Kentucky to Louisiana. Later, during strip down, we discovered Bambi was not solid. Although our purchase was not as billed by the previous owner, I absolutely believe he was sincere and just didn’t know how deep her problems were.
Restotation Efforts that are Complete Despite her condition on purchase, all restoration efforts done to this point, I am convinced, are rock solid. These include the two major foundational problems she arrived with, the frame and the sub-floor. In addition, they are plain-sight accessible for inspection. All details during strip down, as well as all restoration up to this point are thoroughly documented in restorer’s written notes and in pics. These details include the gage of metal used for framework, floor treatment methods, and hopefully anything else you can think of asking. For interested parties, I can provide such additional info at your request.
Frame work: - Replaced 5 of the 7 transverse frame members due to rust damage. 2 of the new frames, the forwardmost and aftmost, were replaced by 3” channel as I wanted to assure strength there. One was replaced by a new 3” frame member of similar construction to the original, although it was upgraded from the factory 1/16” steel to 1/8”. The remaining 2 transverse frame members were replaced with new 4” frame members to accommodate a gray water holding tank. Also increased longitudinal frame to 4” for this gray tank stretch (which coincides with the wheel well stretch). - Bumper as received was not original, but needed improvement. Replaced with better (to my eye) bumper made from 4” channel. Added a receiver for a hitch intended for carrying bicycles, or similar light cargo. - Replaced 2 rusted outriggers, similarly upgraded from 1/16” to 1/8”. - Cut off old leaf spring mounts and the remainder of the original axle mounting plates, and welded on new axle mounting plates. Yes, somebody along the way removed the original style axle and installed a leaf spring style axle. - Replaced all central longitudinal frame members, upgrading to 1” angle, 1/8” thick. Also upgraded from 1 to 2 longitudinal members for the forwardmost span, where the freshwater tank will ultimately reside under the forward gaucho. - Replaced front hold down plate, upgrading to 1/8” steel. - Installed new longitudinal 4” frame members designed to fit on each side of the gray tank. - Installed battery support, similar to other travel trailers, rather than relying on a mini battery as was used with the original Bambi. Moved propane tank mount forward. - Installed a spare tire mount under trailer tongue. - Installed 1” angle between the outriggers under the doorway to serve as mounting surfaces for a step (purchased from Vintage Trailer Supply). Step is to be included in the purchase. - All framework was well prepped, including cleaning, sanding, sandblasting, wire brushing, was degreased (POR-15 degreaser), and treated with POR-15 metal prep. It was then all painted using POR-15 rust preventative paint, and top coated with POR-15 Chassis Black topcoat.
New Axle: New #10 Dexter Torflex 3K axle installed. Consulted with and ordered axle from Andy from Inland RV. Lug spacing 5 at 4 1/2”
Wheel Wells: Reused the original wheel wells, although they required cleaning, treating existing rust, and replacing some rusted sections. They were also lightly sanded, treated with metal prep, and painted with Herculiner Paint. Sealed between the wheel well flange and the frame using 3/4” Butyl Putty Tape.
Floor work: Used 5/8” CDX plywood, as they didn’t have ACX or BCX, but the man was very accommodating and patient and I got to pick their best sheets. 5/8” matched Bambi’s original thickness, and I got the all-important exterior grade. Sealed with Pettit EZ wood sealer for penetration, and finished the surface with Pettit Flagship varnish. I used the old floor sections as templates in order to best replicate their shape, as well as their exact placement on the frame. I transferred markings for the angle steel mounts for the door frame and such things from the original floor sections to the new floor so as to not lose that info. However, I still have the original floor, and the buyer is quite welcome to take that as well, and any valuable information such as plumbing and wiring holes they contain. Floor to frame attachment was done with elevator bolts. Bolt heads are shallowly inset in all locations where flooring will ultimately be placed.
Gray Tank: Installed Gray Water Tank, 50” wide, about 17.6 gallons, purchased from Vintage Trailer Supply.
Next Steps that were Planned for this Summer, Parts to be Included in this Purchase
Although all future steps will be up to the future owner, the purpose of this section is to state my next steps for consideration as well as the supplies I purchased for those steps. These supplies will be handed over to the purchaser on pick up, and are considered part of the purchase.
The main purchase before we found out we were moving was the new belly skin and C-channel aluminum. I chose to purchase three 4x12 sheets of 5052-H32, .032 thickness aluminum. I purchased too much for the belly skin because I considered the material ideal also for C-channel. So I cut off some pieces and had them professionally shaped into C-channel, more than enough length to replace the old channel. The buyer will receive the new belly skin material, the new C-channel, as well as the old belly skin (template) and the old C-channel (labeled for position from which it came).
Step 1: Other steps that I expected to accomplish prior to the belly skin installation include running the sub-floor plumbing, drilling trailer wiring hole through C-channel and floor, installing insulating board under floor, and deciding on any additional holes that needed to be drilled prior to belly skin installation. No purchases were made for insulation, plumbing, etc.
Step 2: C-channel installation. (As noted, my proposed future C-channel material is included with the purchase.
Step 3: Belly skin installation. (Proposed belly skin, 5052-H32, .032 thickness belly skin material is included in the purchase.)
Step 4: Re-mount outer Bambi shell on floor/frame.
“Ohio” layout Bambi is located in southeast Louisiana. Inspection can be arranged, and many pictures of this Bambi are available, including specifics of the restoration, as well as pictures prior to restoration.
We have the earlier Kentucky title, signed over to us, but we did not update to a current Louisiana title, as we haven’t approached putting Bambi on the road yet, and didn’t anticipate selling until recently. We are working on this currently, and this listing will be updated during the week based on what we find.
Cashiers check or cash on pickup for settlement.
Why We’re Selling We suddenly have to move, and don’t have space to continue work at our new home.
Brief history: Purchased in July 2013, we steadily stripped Bambi down, realizing as parts came off that everything from the bone marrow out needed heavy restoration. Restoration efforts started in Sep 2014 and reached the current status in Oct 2016. Bambi then sat suspended on lifts for 2 1/2 years while the primary restorer took on other projects and played with a grandbaby.
In this last winter, early 2019, planning and purchases began for the next stages of restoration with the aim of getting the body reinstalled to the finished floor/frame by late summer.
Late April 2019, we suddenly found out that circumstances dictated we’d be moving out of Bambi’s restoration home. So we’re hoping to sell Bambi ‘as is’ to her future restoration home.
Our Original Purchase In July 2013, we purchased Bambi online (ebay), and fetched her from just outside of Lexington, KY. She was described as not perfect, but solid, with excellent floor, solid frame, etc. However, when we picked her up, I could tell floor was a little spongy in places and could see some rusted frame, etc., though she did tow beautifully from Kentucky to Louisiana. Later, during strip down, we discovered Bambi was not solid. Although our purchase was not as billed by the previous owner, I absolutely believe he was sincere and just didn’t know how deep her problems were.
Restotation Efforts that are Complete Despite her condition on purchase, all restoration efforts done to this point, I am convinced, are rock solid. These include the two major foundational problems she arrived with, the frame and the sub-floor. In addition, they are plain-sight accessible for inspection. All details during strip down, as well as all restoration up to this point are thoroughly documented in restorer’s written notes and in pics. These details include the gage of metal used for framework, floor treatment methods, and hopefully anything else you can think of asking. For interested parties, I can provide such additional info at your request.
Frame work: - Replaced 5 of the 7 transverse frame members due to rust damage. 2 of the new frames, the forwardmost and aftmost, were replaced by 3” channel as I wanted to assure strength there. One was replaced by a new 3” frame member of similar construction to the original, although it was upgraded from the factory 1/16” steel to 1/8”. The remaining 2 transverse frame members were replaced with new 4” frame members to accommodate a gray water holding tank. Also increased longitudinal frame to 4” for this gray tank stretch (which coincides with the wheel well stretch). - Bumper as received was not original, but needed improvement. Replaced with better (to my eye) bumper made from 4” channel. Added a receiver for a hitch intended for carrying bicycles, or similar light cargo. - Replaced 2 rusted outriggers, similarly upgraded from 1/16” to 1/8”. - Cut off old leaf spring mounts and the remainder of the original axle mounting plates, and welded on new axle mounting plates. Yes, somebody along the way removed the original style axle and installed a leaf spring style axle. - Replaced all central longitudinal frame members, upgrading to 1” angle, 1/8” thick. Also upgraded from 1 to 2 longitudinal members for the forwardmost span, where the freshwater tank will ultimately reside under the forward gaucho. - Replaced front hold down plate, upgrading to 1/8” steel. - Installed new longitudinal 4” frame members designed to fit on each side of the gray tank. - Installed battery support, similar to other travel trailers, rather than relying on a mini battery as was used with the original Bambi. Moved propane tank mount forward. - Installed a spare tire mount under trailer tongue. - Installed 1” angle between the outriggers under the doorway to serve as mounting surfaces for a step (purchased from Vintage Trailer Supply). Step is to be included in the purchase. - All framework was well prepped, including cleaning, sanding, sandblasting, wire brushing, was degreased (POR-15 degreaser), and treated with POR-15 metal prep. It was then all painted using POR-15 rust preventative paint, and top coated with POR-15 Chassis Black topcoat.
New Axle: New #10 Dexter Torflex 3K axle installed. Consulted with and ordered axle from Andy from Inland RV. Lug spacing 5 at 4 1/2”
Wheel Wells: Reused the original wheel wells, although they required cleaning, treating existing rust, and replacing some rusted sections. They were also lightly sanded, treated with metal prep, and painted with Herculiner Paint. Sealed between the wheel well flange and the frame using 3/4” Butyl Putty Tape.
Floor work: Used 5/8” CDX plywood, as they didn’t have ACX or BCX, but the man was very accommodating and patient and I got to pick their best sheets. 5/8” matched Bambi’s original thickness, and I got the all-important exterior grade. Sealed with Pettit EZ wood sealer for penetration, and finished the surface with Pettit Flagship varnish. I used the old floor sections as templates in order to best replicate their shape, as well as their exact placement on the frame. I transferred markings for the angle steel mounts for the door frame and such things from the original floor sections to the new floor so as to not lose that info. However, I still have the original floor, and the buyer is quite welcome to take that as well, and any valuable information such as plumbing and wiring holes they contain. Floor to frame attachment was done with elevator bolts. Bolt heads are shallowly inset in all locations where flooring will ultimately be placed.
Gray Tank: Installed Gray Water Tank, 50” wide, about 17.6 gallons, purchased from Vintage Trailer Supply.
Next Steps that were Planned for this Summer, Parts to be Included in this Purchase
Although all future steps will be up to the future owner, the purpose of this section is to state my next steps for consideration as well as the supplies I purchased for those steps. These supplies will be handed over to the purchaser on pick up, and are considered part of the purchase.
The main purchase before we found out we were moving was the new belly skin and C-channel aluminum. I chose to purchase three 4x12 sheets of 5052-H32, .032 thickness aluminum. I purchased too much for the belly skin because I considered the material ideal also for C-channel. So I cut off some pieces and had them professionally shaped into C-channel, more than enough length to replace the old channel. The buyer will receive the new belly skin material, the new C-channel, as well as the old belly skin (template) and the old C-channel (labeled for position from which it came).
Step 1: Other steps that I expected to accomplish prior to the belly skin installation include running the sub-floor plumbing, drilling trailer wiring hole through C-channel and floor, installing insulating board under floor, and deciding on any additional holes that needed to be drilled prior to belly skin installation. No purchases were made for insulation, plumbing, etc.
Step 2: C-channel installation. (As noted, my proposed future C-channel material is included with the purchase.
Step 3: Belly skin installation. (Proposed belly skin, 5052-H32, .032 thickness belly skin material is included in the purchase.)
Step 4: Re-mount outer Bambi shell on floor/frame.