Ben and Lynn's Bambi II Re-do

[PA BAMBI II]

Wiring for 12 volt and 120 volt has been run...tail and marker lights tested...everything works!!

Second layer of Prodex has been started and rear end cap has been installed!

Yesterday Lynn (with help from Emma) scrubbed all of the interior skins with Bon-Ami cleaner and the garden hose. The pictures tell the story of the absolute filth!! We wish we had scrubbed the rear end cap before hanging it, but I was too caught up in the process of actually reinstalling the interior that I overlooked it.

After several touch ups on wiring runs and some last minute details, tomorrow's plan is to cut a few more strips of styrofoam and then hang the front end cap and both main ceiling panels.

The pictures tell the story...one that is getting more captivating each day!

[65CV]

It's a great feeling when it starts to come together, isn't it?

Just a reminder -- now is the time to really, really document your wiring behind the panels. I've found the best method is to slowly make a film with your smartphone. With commentary, it's an invaluable resource later in the project.

Highly recommended for those of us older than you. My iPhone has a much better memory than me these days!

[PA BAMBI II]

Originally Posted by 65CV

It's a great feeling when it starts to come together, isn't it?

Just a reminder -- now is the time to really, really document your wiring behind the panels. I've found the best method is to slowly make a film with your smartphone. With commentary, it's an invaluable resource later in the project.

Highly recommended for those of us older than you. My iPhone has a much better memory than me these days!-

On point 1: YES!!!!!
On point 2: PICTURES, LOTS OF PICTURES...NO FILM, NO SMARTPHONE
On point 3: IN ORDER TO STAY SMART, I DO NOT OWN A SMARTPHONE... Just a personal thing

[PA BAMBI II]

All of the interior wiring has been run, tested, and finally covered with the second layer of Prodex. All of the inner skins are riveted in place. The aluminum refrigerator vent chimney has been hung. I also finished a section of subflooring that had been neglected and ordered tires and bellypan skin!!

The wheel well covers are installed and the trailer is beginning to feel "finished" again! Talk about a long four year process just to get back to a usable shell!!

Lynn spent the past two days prepping for paint and we would have had the primer painted on this evening had we not gotten torrential storms in our area!

Tomorrow is another day and we hope to have the primer and first coat of aluminum paint applied before the end of the day.

As the trailer is so clean right now, my little inspectors came to check things out! I think they are saying "let's go camping!!"

[55AS]

Your Bambi ii looks a bit different than mine. I do not have rear marker lights nor do I have the two compartment doors next to the entry door. Mine is a CA version. Was yours built in OH?

[PA BAMBI II]

Originally Posted by BambiTex

Your Bambi ii looks a bit different than mine. I do not have rear marker lights nor do I have the two compartment doors next to the entry door. Mine is a CA version. Was yours built in OH?

I believe the rear marker lights were on there from the factory. I suspect perhaps the backup lights were added. I was fortunate that a company is offering exact replacements for those.

The two access doors to the side of the main door are for refrigerator access/control. I just insulated the three small access doors the other night. The biggest one was insulated (I re-did that one after removing what I believe is the last holdout of fiberglass insulation in the trailer!) but the others were not.

Mine was definitely built in Jackson Center. I know there are pretty significant differences in the California built trailers. I have even seen some California built Bambi IIs with three streetside windows.

[Becky B.]

You sure have gotten a lot finished recently! Looking forward to your pix with the ugly colored walls painted :-)


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[tsunami]

For insulation and sound deadening, a company called Lizard Skin makes spray in products that are used for after market Custom Car, Hot Rod and Street Rod builders. It gets good reviews. Always wondered if any of the AS remodelers have tried either of these products.

[PA BAMBI II]

Originally Posted by beckybillrae

You sure have gotten a lot finished recently! Looking forward to your pix with the ugly colored walls painted :-)


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Becky- I actually grew to like the tan Zolatone once it was clean! Still, Lynn is out right now painting the first coat of Rustoleum Aluminum paint on the interior. Pics tonight...

Thanks! We are working hard every day. We plan to use the camper in mid and late August and then again in October...even though it will not be finished. It is good that I work in education and have the Summer "off."

[PA BAMBI II]

Becky- as promised...Lynn delivered with a first coat of aluminum paint (over primer) all in a very long, hard day's work!

[Becky B.]

Aaahhh..... She looks fantastic! I love the silver so much more than the drab tan! Nice job, Lynn!


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[PA BAMBI II]

Originally Posted by beckybillrae

Aaahhh..... She looks fantastic! I love the silver so much more than the drab tan! Nice job, Lynn!


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Becky- did you end up clear coating over your platinum paint? We like the aluminum with two coats...but it seems every time I touch it, my fingers get a bit of metallic on them. We have not allowed it to dry completely yet (only been 24 out of 72 hours so far)and we are not rushing things...I have plenty to do outside the trailer...but just wondering what your experience was?

[Becky B.]

This is the paint I used:

And I did use the clear coat that was recommended to go over it. It's VERY tuff stuff!


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[PA BAMBI II]

I don't know what my last update was, but all interior panels/trim are in and painted and I built the long-awaited bunk bed frames!

These exist where part of the old kitchen and closet were. They are big enough for me (I am 6'2), so I am thinking they will grow with the girls. BTW, they and Mommy approved!

We are taking the old Bambi II camping next week- four days at the beach! This will be the first time since 1984 the trailer was officially on the road, and exactly 50 years after it was built! I just installed new tires this morning. I am excited even though she will serve as a silver tent for a while...much to finish up (like electrical, plumbing, and about 88% of the interior!), but we have waited long enough. Let's go camping!!

[Minno]

Looks nice!

Kay

[Becky B.]

Glad you got the girls beds finished! Camping is what it's all about!


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[PA BAMBI II]

Lynn has been burning the midnight oil (sometimes the 2 and 3 AM oil as well!) sewing yards of fabric into cushion covers. The front sofa/bed was the worst...so many compound curves, odd shapes, etc. It took her almost a week. Hoping the cover that was on the old cushions would help as a pattern was a joke. She did a fabulous job!

We also got some of the 12V lights installed, the fridge cabinet built, as well as the PO installed, home made front overhead cabinet. Pics of some of these items included...more to come!

Also included are three pictures of our first camping trip in the yet-unfinished AS to the beach in Stone Harbor, NJ. What fun we had!

[reinergirl]

Tell Lynn she did a GREAT job, it's not easy covering that gaucho, I did it for my sisters trailer here

The Midllife Crisis - 1960 Airstream Restoration

I practically tore my hair out given that she chose an asymmetrical plaid .

Your wife done good! And the new bunk beds are beyond cool

Happy camping!!

Ps is your wife a quilter, cause that cutting mat is neat!

[PA BAMBI II]

Originally Posted by reinergirl

Tell Lynn she did a GREAT job, it's not easy covering that gaucho, I did it for my sisters trailer here

The Midllife Crisis - 1960 Airstream Restoration

I practically tore my hair out given that she chose an asymmetrical plaid .

Your wife done good! And the new bunk beds are beyond cool

Happy camping!!

Ps is your wife a quilter, cause that cutting mat is neat!

Thank you, thank you! I think she did a great job, too. She is not a quilter, but does enjoy her time behind a sewing machine. She is currently (as I type) sewing special sheets for our fleece sleeping bags so we have them ready to sue for Labor Day weekend!

[aceflys]

Hey Ben

Is your wife going to have her sewing machine with her this weekend? I would love to pay her to sew tabs on a shower curtain for my AS. I have the tabs. Looking forward to seeing all the cool vans this weekend. Lisa and I will be there Fri. Frank and his family are coming on Sat.

Ace