Interestd in helping me restore my Bambi?

[Andy R]

I really want to get my 1961 Bambi to the point where I can enjoy her. When I moved to Dallas I had to park her at a storage lot since I moved into a highrise. Now I don't have anywhere (and not enough time) to work on her.

Are there any members that would want to team up on a project?

My goals for her are not text book layout. I have some innovative ideas I want to incorporate in the interior. I am hoping to create a unti that can function as a portable office (satellite connectivity & local 802.11b wireless) & over night sleeper (max 3 nights).

Obviously there are many different skill sets needed to get here where she needs to go. If I can find a guru to help, that would be great, but if any of you can chip in in any capacity, I would really appreciate it.

Project Info

• New Axles/brakes in 2002
• Interior is gutted, the old asbestos tiles have been scraped off and mostly belt sanded.
• The floor looks to be quite solid. I am araid that their might be some rot under the toilet/shower basin that has not been removed yet.
• I have not removed the belly skin to see the condition of the frame
• There are hundreds of non-standard rivets from a repair that was done before I got her.
• One panel looks like it was bent back into shape and honestly does not look that bad. There are scrates though and to get her to polish right would take some hard work. I gan get some new skins here in Dallas
• The curb side flat panel could probably use being replaced.

Any handy members want to team up? We'll need to dicuss budget, etc to see how much the various steps are going to cost. I think it might be cool to just do that in the open here on the forums. It would make for a great resource for projects to come.

[thenewkid64]

Andy,

If I lived closer.................

I think this is a cool idea. What better way to help support the forum and repay you for some of the effort you have expended on the forum.

If there is someway I can help let me know.

[Rog0525]

This sounds like it might be a fun project for members to get involved in. I'm also too far away to lend a hand physically, but maybe some of us could contribute ideas or suggestions.
One thing you're gonna need for sure is a blueprint/sketch of the proposed floorplan. Since the '61 Bambi had a rear galley, I'd suggest something like this:

I'm in Baltimore, but willing to contribute woodworking skills.

[Andy R]

Originally Posted by Rog0525

This sounds like it might be a fun project for members to get involved in. I'm also too far away to lend a hand physically, but maybe some of us could contribute ideas or suggestions.
One thing you're gonna need for sure is a blueprint/sketch of the proposed floorplan. Since the '61 Bambi had a rear galley, I'd suggest something like this:

I like that layout. Did you design that just now? If so, will you help in refining the layout?

[Andy R]

Originally Posted by Craftsman

I'm in Baltimore, but willing to contribute woodworking skills.

Thank you very much for your offer. As this porject moves along, we might need to take you up on your offer. Wouldn't that be pretty wild if she was towed around by various members and got that far!

[john hd]

hey!

what a concept!

you cannot get everyone to texas, turn the trailer loose and hand it off to groups of members.

perhaps 5 or 6 mini working rallys could be organized. one group does flooring, another polishes, wiring, interior etc.

this could be a very interesting project!

what does the rest of the community think?

john

[john hd]

andy,

also, what if manufacturers/ suppliers were contacted to sponser portions of the project?

for instance, dometic supplies a fridge in exchange for an equal amount of ad space on the forum. same goes for henchen, nuvite, atwood, goodyear etc.

AND dealers could be given the same deal for support, space to complete the project and a central location for members to meet for a "fix andy's trailer rally" it certainly would be an inexpensive way for dealers to get people on thier lots to look at new trailers, stock up on supplies etc.

john

[Rog0525]

Originally Posted by Organic Hosting

I like that layout. Did you design that just now? If so, will you help in refining the layout?

I have no actual engineering skills. I sketched that layout in my Paint program.
If you could provide the actual dimensions of the gutted trailer, perhaps one of our resident engineers could provide a more precise layout.
I would also encourage anyone who has spare appliances, fixtures, rivets, etc to holler out. I've searched through my scrap pile but haven't found anything appropriate.
Hmm, I wonder if Rich Luhr might be interested in this community "barn raising" effort as a future article in Airstream Life if we can get it underway. It would be neat to showcase the combined efforts of dedicated Airstream owners from start to finish of the project.
Andy, I think it would be helpful if you could post a series of "as is" photos in your album when you get that working again (hint, hint)

[Ken J]

Andy

If you live in Dallas, of course you have to make your way to Durango - so bring it on up!

Ken

[Andy R]

Originally Posted by Ken J

Andy

If you live in Dallas, of course you have to make your way to Durango - so bring it on up!

Ken

My Dad happens to live in Durango. I might be up that way for Christmas!

[Ken J]

Major cool - lets plan on getting together!

Ken

[uwe]

Originally Posted by Organic Hosting

Wouldn't that be pretty wild if she was towed around by various members and got that far!

I'm working a show in Dallas in spring 05. ( April, I believe)
I can bring the burb and take the trailer west, if there's volunteers out here in Ca. I am close to Los Angeles and InlandRV, as well.
Of course I can help you get a few things done, if you'd like.
Next trip after spring back to Texas would be in October 05 to return it.
Just a thought along the lines of the quote.

[Rog0525]

I'm posting this primarily to bring this thread back to the surface for those who haven't seen it. How better to repay a guy who has volunteered so much time, $ and effort in furnishing us this forum than to pitch in whatever way we can?
There are some nice pics of a '61 Bambi on Fred's Archives.
I'm attaching another proposed layout of the Andy Bambi which is closer to scale.