Visit our Popular Forums

bwoodtx · 04-26-2012, 07:48 AM

I like a cheap, trashy girl every now and again

Seriously, looks like a great project. Have fun and do like you want to. It's yo traylah, man

Bambified · 04-26-2012, 12:06 PM

Hey what a great idea. I'll give it a try with a dental pick. I still have two more windows to do.

Unfortunately, one of my side windows has been removed. The window frame and original glass are gone. The prior owner removed them, cemented a solid piece of plexiglass into the window opening, and then applied generous portions of silicone around all of the edges. It looked like it was applied with a spoon. What a mess. I've managed to get some of it off, but it needs a lot more effort to get it all cleaned off.

The side window frames on my Bambi are 29 inches wide and 18.5 inches high. I don't know if that is a stock window size for any other vintage airstream. I'm thinking if not, I might be able to find a larger window frame from any old airstream and size it down to replace my missing window frame. Bambi parts are just impossible to find.

Here is what the missing window frame looks like.

utee94 · 04-26-2012, 03:32 PM

Ahh, the irony of silicone. Sticks to aluminum with almost desparate tenacity, yet doesn't stop a thing from getting through.

rumrunner · 04-26-2012, 09:01 PM

Check your local Lowes or home depot for silicone remover, VTS also has a good one i am told. Carefully razorblade off the thickest parts and the remainder goes a lot faster.
tim

Sodbust · 04-26-2012, 09:45 PM

Our Overlander had some silly puckey around a few window frames.. Don't know why no one else has done this but I do it all the time working in my farm shop to clean off old silicone.. A rag soaked in gas,, laid over it for around 20 minutes,,,, it just brushes off.. Another treatment of gas it will then rub off whats left with a towel. Watch out for static sparks,, and open flame but works like a charm..

Sodbust

Bambified · 04-26-2012, 10:21 PM

Hey, thanks for all these great tips and advice. I'll try 'em all.

Check out the custom paint on my Bambi's Airstream rear plate, courtesy of a zealous previous owner.

ND10CentCan · 04-26-2012, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckybillrae

Dental picks are a great help in removing silicone from crevices. Harbor freight has some that came in handy when I was in your nightmare!

I did the same thing and used dental picks to clean up about twenty five tubes of silicone off of various surfaces from windows to roof vents on our AS. I was telling my dentist about the use of these nifty tools and he said when they can't reuse or resharpen their dental tools, they clean them and then give them to people who restore furniture, work on engines, etc. I wish I had known that before I bought the sets I got, but in the end it all worked out well.

I also got the VTS silicone remover which does work but took a lot of time to work. No matter what you do, it all seems to take too much time. I have learned to really dislike silicone in the process and am willing to support a bill against its use in the United States and Canada and serious consequences for anyone slathering it on an Airstream.
Sandy

REDSLED88 · 05-05-2012, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bambified

Hey what a great idea. I'll give it a try with a dental pick. I still have two more windows to do.

Unfortunately, one of my side windows has been removed. The window frame and original glass are gone. The prior owner removed them, cemented a solid piece of plexiglass into the window opening, and then applied generous portions of silicone around all of the edges. It looked like it was applied with a spoon. What a mess. I've managed to get some of it off, but it needs a lot more effort to get it all cleaned off.

The side window frames on my Bambi are 29 inches wide and 18.5 inches high. I don't know if that is a stock window size for any other vintage airstream. I'm thinking if not, I might be able to find a larger window frame from any old airstream and size it down to replace my missing window frame. Bambi parts are just impossible to find.

Here is what the missing window frame looks like.

Looks like your moving along at a good clip. I was told by a mechanic friend of mine, that if you work on your trailer an hour a day, you can make some headway. That's what I try to do.... although some days it's 2-3, and 6-10 on the weekends.... Gotta love these things.

I have a thread going right now "65 Globetrotter floor on restoration"
check it out.... http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...ion-89528.html

I have 3 windows to do, and a couple of roof vents, don't forget the roof vents. I bought some silicone remover from VTS... I'm using it this weekend, I'll let you know.

What year is your Bambi? Put more info in your signature, helps when searching.

I just love that little rear window, it's so cool.

Good luck,
TIMK

Scott J-24 · 05-05-2012, 12:36 AM

Good luck on the project. Looking forward to seeing the completed Bambi.

Bambified · 05-21-2012, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REDSLED88

Looks like your moving along at a good clip. ..............
What year is your Bambi? Put more info in your signature, helps when searching.

I just love that little rear window, it's so cool.

Good luck,
TIMK

My Bambi is 1962, Built in California in July 1962. Number 16TSS1881. This VIN # is supposedly a 1963 built trailer per the VIN # Directory most often referenced by vintage airstreamers. However, as can clearly be seen on the VIN ID plate, the production date is 07/62.

Bambified · 05-21-2012, 11:00 PM

I've had a little minor setback. My motor on my tow vehicle finally tanked after about 200,000 miles. The little V6 in my 59 Rambler Super Wagon just finally pooped out, so now I'm doing my research for an upgrade to a small block Chevy V8.

Unfortunately, It will be necessary to defer my attention away for the Bambi for a few weeks to complete the engine replacement in my tow vehicle. Here are a few pictures.

Spoilson · 05-22-2012, 12:06 AM

I'm in search of my dream Bambi so your thread has been helpful in what to expect! I love the " cheap and trashy" ! She's lovely!best of luck , I'll continue to follow your progress !
Alison

surfpod · 05-22-2012, 12:50 AM

She's a fine looking specimen. How's the floor and chassis frame. Looks like a great project!

tinman54 · 05-22-2012, 07:39 AM

The bambi will look great behind your tow vehicle!

TouringDan · 05-22-2012, 01:05 PM

Neat looking tow vehicle. I am a car guy and I have always had a soft spot for old Ramblers and Studebakers, although I mostly like German stuff.

I am curious about your design plans for a "hidden AC". I have recently bought a 5k AC so I can install it in the rear window of my TW and operate it with my 1,000 watt Honda genny. I am only going to cool the back half of the TW. I will remove it before I tow, and will store it in the bottom of the bathroom closet- it is only 16x12x15D and weighs 39 lbs.

I am going to the Delfest Music festival this weekend, and I may try out my AC as it is suppose to be 98 on Sat and I am dry camping.

I like all your plans for your new Bambi and I am looking forward to following your progress.

Dan

Wazbro · 05-22-2012, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bambified

My Bambi is 1962, Built in California in July 1962. Number 16TSS1881. This VIN # is supposedly a 1963 built trailer per the VIN # Directory most often referenced by vintage airstreamers. However, as can clearly be seen on the VIN ID plate, the production date is 07/62.

I believe the Directory is referring to the model year not the build year.

Heck a big difference between build and model year was the 1997 F150s, to be competitive in the Nascar Truck series they rushed the 1997 out and had them on the road in December 1995.

REDSLED88 · 05-23-2012, 10:56 AM

Should be a great looking setup with the Rambler.
Yeah, sometimes other projects take precedence

TIMK

Bambified · 05-26-2012, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TouringDan

Neat looking tow vehicle. I am a car guy and I have always had a soft spot for old Ramblers and Studebakers, although I mostly like German stuff.
Dan

This is my current "German" project. It is going to the cabinet guy next month for installation of a birch interior in the rear passenger area.

JodyoD · 05-26-2012, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bambified

This is my current "German" project. It is going to the cabinet guy next month for installation a birch interior in the rear passenger area.

LOVE the Vdub!!!!!
Like the beach chairs in the back of the wagon. READY TO GO!!!

Bambified · 05-26-2012, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfpod

She's a fine looking specimen. How's the floor and chassis frame. Looks like a great project!

The floor is as soft as pudding. The frame is rusted. It will need to be blasted and additional framing support will need to be welded in place to ensure it is supportive. As I mentioned, this Bambi is rough. Needs a lot.

I am piddling around with the windows and doors right now. Once I have bumped out the dents in the shell and I am satisfied that I can make the doors and windows all operate and seal satisfactorily, I will be lifting the shell off of the frame and transporting the frame for refurbishing.

I think the axle, with its old leaf spring design, will not need replacement. However, I am leaning toward electric brakes, so I might just replace the whole axle assembly. Not sure yet.