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SSanders · 09-30-2009, 08:33 AM

I am brand new to this blog. I have a Bambi that I want to restore. I don't even know what I'm doing so I may need to hire someone. Who would I call in the Austin, Texas area?
Is this something I could do on my own? I wanted to gut the inside and start over. The floor needs to be replaced. I'm not sure how to get started. Any advise? I think the year of my Bambi is a 61 but I'm not sure, I'll have to look it up on the title.

silverleeper · 09-30-2009, 09:00 AM

Hi Susan, Welcome to the forums! You can find the serial number on a plaque on the right hand side of the door as you enter the trailer. Should start with a number like 16. You will find lots of information here http://www.airforums.com/forums/. This is also a good place for restoration resources VintageAirstream - Restoration Resources. Post some pictures if you have them and don't be afraid to ask questions. Good luck!

VIKING · 09-30-2009, 10:36 AM

Welcome Susan!
There are some awesome 'streamers in the Austin area. If you go to the member list at the top of the page and search for people in Austin you will find them. Most members here seem to do their own restorations, but you can find people to help you or companies that are Airstream specific. Check out utee94's blog. It's called "Austin aluminitis" and has excellent information. You will probably see him pop up here soon if he's paying attention.
Best of luck to you.
Rich the Viking

lmassa · 03-02-2013, 05:08 AM

Hi susan, do you still have your Bambi. I live in Austin TX and just finished restoring mine. Don't hesitate to contact me! Laurent

Melody Ranch · 03-02-2013, 08:04 AM

Restoration Rally in Albuquerque...Take the Bambi...eventhough it needs work. Get new tires and have the wheel bearings done...hook up and come "camp out" with us. You will make Airstream contacts and learn exactly where you stand with your project....teaching by the best.
Here in Texas, our area, people to help are ones I personally know and trust. Look at "Top"....thats code for Lance in the Belton area. Pat McDowell in Wimberly and Paul Maheux in Paradise. (I love that "lives in Paradise"}

utee94 · 03-02-2013, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lmassa

Hi susan, do you still have your Bambi. I live in Austin TX and just finished restoring mine. Don't hesitate to contact me! Laurent

Well, I guess I missed Susan's post 3.5 years ago

, but I'd be interested to see pictures of your restoration, Laurent. I live in Austin as well, and am about halfway through my own reno on a 63 Overlander.

-Marcus

Melody Ranch · 03-02-2013, 09:01 AM

Damn! Time flys.

lmassa · 03-03-2013, 05:24 PM

Marcus,

Just took some pictures of the Bambi this afternoon, will post tomorrow. Also, went through a full restoration of a 1971 Overlander last year. Will post pictures too. Nice meeting you Marcus and we should exchange notes/get together. I am in Westlake.
Laurent

VEJ · 05-22-2013, 03:45 PM

Susan,

I hope you restoration is going well!

-If I may hijack your thread?-
I too have a 61 Bambi. I am looking for someone reputable in the Oregon/Washington/Northern California/Idaho area that can do a restoration that looks as good as Imassa's!

I have some somewhat minor exterior damage to the rear access door and rear panel area that I wouldn't even know where/how to begin repairing.

Does anyone know of any business that they can recommend within this region?

I'm in the Eugene, OR area.

Thanks

lmassa · 05-23-2013, 08:26 AM

Susan,

I am in Austin and I can be of help to you. Yes you can do a lot yourself but you may want to use a pro to change the floor. I know one that I use for my trailers (6 of them!). In any case, call me and we can chat. Laurent (415) 309-0616

Kenny James · 04-20-2021, 01:34 AM

Hello I know I'm in the wrong place but couldn't find the right one. I am replacing the refrigerator in my new to me 1961 bambi I have all

It's not that it don't work although it is old. I just wanted to step into the 21st of this month
The fridge is original equipment

76argosy · 06-05-2021, 03:55 PM

Hi, new to the Bambi. I ran across a 61 or 62 Bambi today, going tonight to view. They say original? What is a good price for it? I know the family and feel they honest about being original with no leaks. Thanks LT

thinktankair · 06-06-2021, 10:33 AM

Wow - this post is buzzing! Harps RV in Lincoln California does great work at a reasonable price. They specialize in vintage. I have a "61 Bambi that I restored to original, but updated the inner workings (put pex in instead of copper that was leaking, put in a new water heater but kept the outside shrouding original. I kept the fridge because it was original and it was working. The thing about a propane fridge is it will work anywhere! I have a website where I documented all the steps I underwent www.bambiairstream.com. To those buying - famous last words are,"It worked last time I used it" (which means it hasn't worked in a while), "The previous owners said it worked" (I haven't used it and it probably doesn't work), and "It doesn't leak" (they all leak if not kept up by sealing each seam over a period of time". Having a vintage airstream is so fun but takes a lot of work unless you do a complete overhaul. Of course, I like the original look. An original, unrestored Bambi would easily go for over $20,000 now. It is fun being on the forum and there is so much help!

Hittenstiehl · 06-06-2021, 11:15 AM

Thinktank

So true, reading the adds and translating the key words.

Nice job on your build site great pictures and explanations for any vintage of that era.

Gypsy Girls · 06-11-2021, 06:48 AM

Hello,I have a 1962 Bambi and am a newbie to this forum.Can anyone in the Winchester,Va. area help me evaluate and learn about my Bambi? I bought this trailer in Austin,Texas and have had a trailer person look at and try all the systems.This person was not an Airstreamer and says my trailer is all original with a few exceptions.I would like to find someone to advise me before I make a mistake that I regret.Any help or advice will be appreciated.Thanks in advance.Gypsy Girls 😊

43687269734F · 07-30-2021, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinktankair

Wow - this post is buzzing! Harps RV in Lincoln California does great work at a reasonable price. They specialize in vintage. I have a "61 Bambi that I restored to original, but updated the inner workings (put pex in instead of copper that was leaking, put in a new water heater but kept the outside shrouding original. I kept the fridge because it was original and it was working. The thing about a propane fridge is it will work anywhere! I have a website where I documented all the steps I underwent www.bambiairstream.com. To those buying - famous last words are,"It worked last time I used it" (which means it hasn't worked in a while), "The previous owners said it worked" (I haven't used it and it probably doesn't work), and "It doesn't leak" (they all leak if not kept up by sealing each seam over a period of time". Having a vintage airstream is so fun but takes a lot of work unless you do a complete overhaul. Of course, I like the original look. An original, unrestored Bambi would easily go for over $20,000 now. It is fun being on the forum and there is so much help!

Thank you, just saw this post and your website, we're still *slowly* renovating our '62 Bambi and love to see everybody's projects. The only appliance that works on our Bambi is the Princess stove, which we'll clean up a bit.

Take care,
-Chris O

markdenise · 02-19-2022, 08:59 PM

I am not the original poster although I have the same last name!! I just received a '61 Bambi for Valentines day!! I am so excited. It is already almost gutted, except for the bathroom. -sadly it was a mess. So, I have a couple of questions that I hope you can help with. How does the water from the shower get to the holding tank ? The shower pan seems lower than the tank-so how does that work ?

markdenise · 02-19-2022, 09:08 PM

Thinktankair
- You are doing a great job. Thank you for sharing. Looks as if your Bambi made it from Ohio to California ! Mine is a California made one. It is interesting how some go far and some do not! Thank you for the pictures-it is so hard to find interior pictures of these old trailers.

Bubba L · 02-19-2022, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markdenise

I am not the original poster although I have the same last name!! I just received a '61 Bambi for Valentines day!! I am so excited. It is already almost gutted, except for the bathroom. -sadly it was a mess. So, I have a couple of questions that I hope you can help with. How does the water from the shower get to the holding tank ? The shower pan seems lower than the tank-so how does that work ?

You may be looking at the black tank under the toilet. Capturing grey water wasn’t required until, maybe 72.

markdenise · 02-20-2022, 07:19 PM

Bubba-duh, I never even thought about that-what a nitwit I am. I can't believe myself!! Not only have we renovated a '67 Safari but also a '52 Cruiser ! We added a grey tank to the Safari (and a new black tank) and the same for the Cruiser which had no tanks at all. In the Cruiser-you were supposed to dig a hole and then park so the toilet was over the hole. You'd think that we would have know that a '61 does not have a grey tank. Thank you so very much!!