'63 Bambi

[roadtrip07]

Hey everyone-I joined this forum a few years ago when my family acquired a 63 bambi from some neighbors who were moving, and I had some plans for it then, but I went off to college and those plans fell by the wayside. However, my interest in fixing up our airstream has come back! the bambi is in pretty terrible condition-the interior is basically completely trashed, and nothing has been used in at least a decade. I don't have the money or the know how to fix up any of the plumbing or LPG or anything like that, but i would like to get it road worthy. from what i've read, I will almost certainly need a new axle. please forgive me for asking what are most likely dumb questions, but-how do i know what axle i need? dexter axles seem to be the one everyone recommends. what exactly does axle replacement entail, specifically on a bambi like mine? is there a good reference for these kind of things? thanks.

[BIGED52]

Go to InlandRV.com. Andy R. there has a blog about axle replacement and what to check for on your trailer to determine if it needs to be replaced. He is also the exclusive dealer for the OEM axles from Henschel. They make axles for the A/S factory. Happy Trails, Ed

[easyride]

I replaced the axle on my 63 Globetrotter with an Axis axle,first you need to do some measurements,distance between backing plates,distance between the mounting flanges on the frame,you must tell them to reverse the mounting plates, so they can be mounted from the outside.
You will need 4 5/8 x 1.5 # 8 bolts,nuts & lock washers,a good 1/2 drill and 5/8 drill bit.
Soak your old nuts with PT Blaster for a few days,and hope they come loose,I ended up torching mine off.
Drill 2 new holes each side torqe down your bolts,and you have a new axle.You should order your axle with new brakes on it,cheaper that way than trying to rebuild old ones.
Good luck,Dave

[goransons]

Originally Posted by easyride

Soak your old nuts with PT Blaster for a few days,and hope they come loose,I ended up torching mine off.

Good luck,Dave

DISCLAIMER: Dave's speaking of the nuts that hold the axle on the frame, not any time of bodily harm

You can buy several brand of axles, some require more careful measurements. We've bought 3 axles from Inland RV and they take 100% of the guess work out, it will fit correctly (63 you'll have to drill a couple new holes) but you do pay a little more than the made to order stuff, but if you're entirely new to the picture in the long run it would be cheaper than an axle that doesn't fit. Is up to you, 6 ways half dozen the other.

Any pictures of your project?

[easyride]

Well,I was hoping he understood that part?? Dave

[roadtrip07]

another dumb question/statement: i don't even really know how to jack up my bambi. how the hell do i go about this?

[Stefrobrts]

I took my Caravel to a small, family owned RV repair business that had a good reputation and discussed it with them, and ended up letting them do the whole thing. Cost about $800 but it was worth it. Over time I also had them re-do the LP lines and other work I didn't feel qualified to do myself. Then most of the other stuff I learned to do on my own.

You're wise to look into the axle condition, they're not joking when they say the spindles can shear off - I personally knew someone that happened to!

Be careful where you jack it up - if you get the jack on the bellypan instead of the frame you can make a real mess of it! I'll let someone with Bambi experience tell you where to jack it up at.

[62bam]

Howdy roadtrip07.........We also have a Bambi (1962)......Check it out...click on the "images" over on the left side, in my Profile. I did the axle/tire test that is written about elsewhere in the forums.......and we passed, so we did not purchase a new axle. Good luck with your project, and I hope you have a great experience from start to end.

[roadtrip07]

i called inland RV to check about pricing on axles, guess it comes out to about 1000, with shipping across the country. that's unfortunate....especially for a college student. I will be going back home (i live near college, home is where the bambi is) this thursday...and i plan to finish gutting the interior. perhaps then i'll know if the floor needs to be replaced? it probably does. tell me what to do!

[goransons]

save every cabinet, even if junk, will be helpful as a template...

[BIGED52]

Take lots of measurements on existing interior and lots of pictures as to orientation of bulkheads and furnishings. Happy trails, Ed

[roadtrip07]

OK guys, im preparing to start the floor work tomorrow. i'm basing my process off this website, basically. 1956 Flying Cloud - Floor
although that restoration includes a full replacement of the belly pan-i don't know if i'm prepared for that. i'll take pictures tomorrow...