Old oven or new oven

[ehodg66]

I'm currently trying to collect parts as I do my frame off. My trailer was gutted when I bought it, so I have no appliances. I plan on a new refrigerator, ac unit , and water heater but have read a few threads on newer stoves not being that much better than the older ones.

I've come across a 60's bambi oven in mint condition on the inter-web, but before bargaining, I wanted to get some forum input on the best choice (old or new)

They seem very basic but what are problems I should look for on an older oven?
Are new replacement parts compatible with old?
What would be a fair price for a 60's oven?

thank you

[HowieE]

I think the only difference you will find in the ovens over time is that newer ones are 3 burner tops and the older are 4 burner. Something to keep the "Do Gooders" happy.

[Bunkroom]

Based on the images at the document archive, Document Archive - Airstream , the Bambi unit will be 3-burner. I assume you are looking for an oven/cooktop combination unit vs. an oven only unit? Starting in the 60's, some of the longer trailers had separate oven and cooktop. Some had the oven mounted up higher (Wall oven-style) which could be nice in certain situations. You may want to consider these different options depending on your layout and what type of cooking you are going to be doing. Many of the new cooktops on the market are two burner and take up less counter space. These can be had for around $150. You can buy a complete range (oven+cook top) for under $400. Based on this, I wouldn't spend more than that on an old unit unless you are going for a vintage look. Also, Bambi stuff probably brings a premium price, so compare it in price to other units as the fact that it came from a Bambi is not likely to matter to you.

Newer units will have piezo ignition and no pilot light. Old units will require a match or lighter to get them going. Many of the new ranges and cooktops have a single solid grate on top which makes it easier to slide your pans around.

Finally, in general, the older it is the harder it is to get parts.

[ehodg66]

Thanks Bunkroom, that's the info I was looking for

[Lakeannajoe]

Hello ehodg66. I'm also trying to decide on a new stove or scrub up the old one. Did you find a source for new ones. I have a 65 Tradewind 24'.

Thanks

[idroba]

Some oven controls from the old days are very hard to come by from what I understand. If you have a stove and it is working, keep it, but I would not buy a used one and expect to be happy with it over the years.

BTW, the older Suburban ranges used in the '70's Argosy line were terrible stoves. Airstream of the era used Magic Chef ranges but used Suburban's in the Argosy to save a few dollars. I have had a couple of them and the ovens don't work well, plus the cooktops have small burners and poor heat output.

[ehodg66]

Lakeannajoe,

I was able to pick up a virtually unused 3 burner magic chef off of craigslist for $100. (see attached pics)
The owner was shipping a 70's Globetrotter overseas and the buyer had no need for the stove.

Except for a little surface rust, this is a very clean stove,cook top. I don't think I should have a problem getting it to work. A little elbow grease and some new paint, and it should be good.

I don't know alot about these older ovens, but I don't see why you could not retrofit SOME newer fittings into an older model.

1. I would rather recylce an older model, if possible, instead of buying a newer stove.
2. I remember reading somewhere on the forums that some of the newer stoves just don't work as well.
3. I for see my self using a grill a lot more when camping than the oven.

p.s. The forum will not let me upload pics

[ehodg66]

Finally able to upload pics.