I just purchased a 1963 Bambi from right here on the Airstream Forums. Case, the seller, is delivering it to me tomorrow. It is going to need a little bit of work, but I am fired up to have such a sought after unit. It is a gem, for sure. I am positive I will have many questions once I get started tackling this babe, so stay tuned. You'll be hearing from me!
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Highcotton - Mike
The closest distance between two points is usually under construction.
Thanks to all. I am trying to decide on an A/C. It seems that most everyone is discouraging on it. I am going to have to have it, I am certain. I have read that my unit [1963] is prewired for it, and somewhere else I read that it wasn't. I called an genuine Airstream dealer about installing one, and it seemed that, with my limited knowledge, I know more about it than they do. I asked a couple of other questions re: hot water heater and a plumbing question, and he told me that they didn't do plumbing work. Imagine that from an Airstream dealer/repair facility. I am in the process of checking at another place in another direction, about the same distance, for this. I want to get everything done by February 1 so I can get out and about. I have a restored 1953 Chevrolet 2 door hardtop sport coupe with 40,000 actual miles, 235 blueflame 6., that I want to use to tow, but I am not sure it will do the trick. I have seen old ads that showed cars pulling bigger units, so I still have to find out about that. If it won't work, it won't work, though. I can always do it with a truck. I really look forward to having fun with the Bambi in the Spring.
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Highcotton - Mike
The closest distance between two points is usually under construction.
Yes, I am so pround of mine, too! After it around in my head to take the plunge, I finally got the nerve and no regrets so far. I hope to do the few things I need to do by the Spring, so I can start having a bit of fun with it.
I promise to get some pictures posted soon.
Tell us more about your's.
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Highcotton - Mike
The closest distance between two points is usually under construction.
As far as towing your Bambi with your 1953 Chev it should do the job as long as you don't expect too much. Towing to nearby old car events, at modest speeds (under 50 MPH) on flat ground.
For serious towing you will need a newer vehicle or at least a heavier more powerful one.
Thanks to all. I am trying to decide on an A/C. It seems that most everyone is discouraging on it. I am going to have to have it, I am certain. I have read that my unit [1963] is prewired for it, and somewhere else I read that it wasn't.
I can't answer the "prewired" question, but I have a 1960 price list and it lists "Duo Therm A/C" as an option for $425" under that is: "Double rib and wire for Duo-Therm... $30".
There is a note "*Must be ordered prior to time trailer is started in production."
I'm thinking that you can't assume there to be both extra ribbing and wiring unless they changed their construction philosophy in the three years that followed this info.
Hi Mike, I replied earlier to your questions concerning your Bambi and airconditioning. This thread perked my interest because you mentioned your Chevy. I haved pulled our 61 Bambi about 8,000 miles with a 1937 Ford that I restored and updated many years ago. You will be able to pull the Bambi but it will be at a leisurely pace. Your car probably weighs about 3200 to 3300# which is pretty close to the present weight of my Ford. I think your main concern will be stopping so the condition of your brakes on both car and trailer will have to be in perfect condition. With a 40,000 mile car you probably will want to keep it original which will determine how you will be able to pull the trailer. I had already gone to a late model drivetrain with 11"" disc brakes in front and larger drum brakes in back so I can barely tell the trailer is there. I did add a sway controll and air bags. I inflate the bags to 36# with the trailer hooked up and this raises the rear of the car back to normal height. With the sway controll tightened per instructions cross winds have never been any problem at all.
Good luck and enjoy!
Tom
Yes, I am so pround of mine, too! After it around in my head to take the plunge, I finally got the nerve and no regrets so far. I hope to do the few things I need to do by the Spring, so I can start having a bit of fun with it.
I promise to get some pictures posted soon.
Tell us more about your's.
The early Bambi and Caravel trailers are equipped with an undersized spindle on the axle.
In time, that spindle shears, cause tons of trouble.
Check you axle out. If it's original, it will fail. We ship a replacement at least once a week, typically to someone that's stranded.
Thanks, Andy, for that tidbit of info. I plan to check that straight away. I always appreciate hearing your advice and comments on here since I know what you are talking about.
I am looking forward to getting movement on getting my unit up to date. I wish there was an Airstream dealer or shop closeby that I could use to update a few systems. I might have to take it on the road to get that done. It won't be doing me any good until that is taken care of.
I finally got some pictures made of my unit, but for some reason they will not upload, with the system saying the files are too large. I took them with a Sony digital camera so I don't understand that... Oh well, maybe I can figure something out to put them on.
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Highcotton - Mike
The closest distance between two points is usually under construction.
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