Dissection of a Bambi II water heater

yukionna · 09-29-2005, 10:36 AM

We recently replaced our leaking water heater in our Bambi II. Rather than getting rid of the water heater, I'm thinking it might be useful if I "dissect" the water heater, take pictures and post them to the forum with the hopes of helping others down the line. I'm thinking a good place to start would be to cut it in half.

With that said, can anyone offer up any advice on the best tool to use (I have a sawz all) and the best angle to make the initial cut through?

balrgn · 09-29-2005, 05:31 PM

Hey. If you want, I can cut it in 1/2 at work, we have really big toolz

JUst bring it along to the rally?

yukionna · 09-29-2005, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by balrgn

Hey. If you want, I can cut it in 1/2 at work, we have really big toolz

JUst bring it along to the rally?

I will take you up on that offer! How big and what kind of tool would you use? (just curious)

balrgn · 09-30-2005, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yukionna

I will take you up on that offer! How big and what kind of tool would you use? (just curious)

We have Vertical band saws that can cut up to 2 feet.

NorCal Bambi · 09-30-2005, 09:41 AM

I have a 63 Bambi that I am currently restoring. The water heater is a Bowen model. I have completely taken it apart. The aluminum tank has a split in the top weld from freezing. I plan to repair this heater. How would you like to compare notes? Attached is a fun picture I made using the aluminum inner tank of the heater. thought I'd share it with you.
UFO sighted over Northern California
I was working out back on my 1963 Bambi in the hot sun when I made the sighting. I ran and got my camera and snaped this image of the UFO. I have included the picture so you can see what hard work will get you.

- Give karma

yukionna · 09-30-2005, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCal Bambi

I have a 63 Bambi that I am currently restoring. The water heater is a Bowen model. I have completely taken it apart. The aluminum tank has a split in the top weld from freezing. I plan to repair this heater. How would you like to compare notes?.

Cute photo...thanks for sharing.

We didn't realize that water heater's could be repaired so never considered it. Can you direct me to the best means to take it apart as I may want to actually repair it (if the task isn't too daunting).

NorCal Bambi · 09-30-2005, 05:41 PM

My tank had the top cut off to check the inside for oxidation damage. It was in good shape. The top was heli arched back on. Cost $90. My General Controller #11000-e is in bad shape. It will probably be hard to impossible to find. But I' going to try. Does your old tank have one and would you be willing to sell it?
Thanks Don

yukionna · 10-01-2005, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCal Bambi

My General Controller #11000-e is in bad shape. It will probably be hard to impossible to find. But I' going to try. Does your old tank have one and would you be willing to sell it?

Let me take a look at what I have when I open it up. Can you post a photo of what a General Controller #11000-e looks like so I know what I'm looking for?

**Pick** · 10-01-2005, 05:48 PM

If you were way down he-yah in the South, you would cut one of the ends off, and use the tank as a peanut boilin' pot.

balrgn · 10-01-2005, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pick

If you were way down he-yah in the South, you would cut one of the ends off, and use the tank as a peanut boilin' pot.

What the heck do you do with boiled peanuts?

**Pick** · 10-01-2005, 06:12 PM

Why you eat them, of course! Here in the South, boiled peanuts are very popular. Green, or immature peanuts are boiled in salt water, with and without seasonings, such as pepper and garlic, until they are soft or semi soft. To a Northerner, the first time you try them, you probably will not like them. It is an aquired taste, like scotch

Most peanuts are boiled in aluminum pots, or beer kegs with the tops cut off.

NorCal Bambi · 10-02-2005, 10:31 PM

Has no one else ever taken apart a Bowen water heater? MY UFO's are the tanks inside a Bowen heater. Maybe this is a sign of how much (good sence) I may or may not have. My wife said it looked like a flying saucer. When I was taking the primary pictures a passerby stated,( You have too much time on your hands). Well it's late I think I'll get some rest.

NorCal Bambi · 10-23-2005, 07:06 AM

On the Bowen water heater the tank is made of aluminum. The first thing one needs to do is take the tank to a certified welder and have the top cut off to see what the condition of the metal is inside the tank. Corrosion is a major factor. My tank looked really good inside. So I had the tank re welded and pressure tested. Included in the pictures is the inside tank and the outside tank parts. To remove the outside tank one must first remove all the items connected to the outside of the tank. Then the galvanized lid can be removed using a large, 1", cold chisel and a hammer. Start by placing the chisel in the grove that surrounds the tank on the part of the top that wraps around the sides of the tank. Continue taping and moving around the tank. You will probably have to go around the tank several times until the top will pop off. If you tap too hard you can puncture the galvanized metal. Not hard enough and you will get no where. Start soft until you get a feel for what you are attempting to do, and then move on. The bottom will come off in the same way. Remove all insulation and then remove the inner tank from the outer. The inspection and welding of my tank cost $90. My guess so far is that I could have probably replace the tank with a new on for about the same cost. However my goal is to try ant keep the trailer as original as possible. The UFO project just seems to go along with the 50's and 60's.

markdoane · 10-23-2005, 09:36 AM

Here is another thread on reconditioning a Bowen.
http://www.airforums.com/forum...3&postcount=10
(You can read the rest of the thread by following the link in the upper right corner.)