Visit our Popular Forums

AWCHIEF · 01-08-2012, 07:27 AM

I made the drive over to Florida to take a final look at a 1964 Bambi II that I have been considering. Inspection was made, went over the unit from inside and out with the PO and the deal was made. I ended up driving it home to Biloxi, Mississippi yesterday. 370 miles as a first experience in towing anything larger than a small sail boat. Not totally uneventful. The PO had pop riveted a tin box underneath to hold the pump out hose. About half way back it fell off in the middle of the interstate. I managed to get stopped and was walking back to pick it up when it got ran over by an idiot in a pick-up truck. I call him an idiot because he actually drove over from the other lane to hit it on purpose and gave me a big stupid grin and wave as he drove by. Box was trashed but the hose if fine. The box was pop riveted on with very small rivets and half of them were not expanded at all. Very sloppy installation job. I will not be making the same mistake.
Back to the Bambi, everything works more or less. One issue is the shower hose leaks when hooked to city water. I am assuming (dangerous thing to do) that it only needs some new gaskets in the valve assembly. Also the gasket needs to be replaced around the door. It is pretty much gone from the middle down. The PO polished the exterior 3 years ago and it still looks nice and shinny. Just needs a little TLC to bring it back to glory. The PO never used the brakes so I need to get those looked at by the local Airstream dealer and get a brake controller. No problems on the drive back but I am not comfortable not have a working brake system. Also some sort of weight distribution system might be in order.
Every time I stopped someone would come over, take a look and start the questions. I loved it, made me feel like some sort of rock star. Some folks from Michigan with a large triple axel Airstream came over and gave me a package of information about the WBCCI and invited me to join. Also they told me about this forum. I told them that I was already a member and my screen name.
I soon as I can get some proper pictures taken and figure out how to post them, I will.
I am sure as I get into the unit that I will find a ton of little jobs to do and the questions to go with them.

ROBERT CROSS · 01-08-2012, 07:42 AM

Soundz like a great trailer. Glad the trip home went well.
I guess you learned a good on-the-road lesson, there is no shortage of stupid people sharing the road with us, be aware allwayz.

Don't feel alone...I drove home from the dealer with the new Classic and had no brakes. The umbilical had separated and in the excitement I never noticed the warning light on the new controller I had just installed. This was after 18 seasons with our 63 Safari, stuff happens to us all.
POI..I now secure the cord with a zip-tie, lesson learned.

Sweet Streams

Bob

Becky B. · 01-18-2012, 11:29 AM

Congratulations! I'm glad you got her home safely. There are a few Bambi II's here & it's interesting to see what they all look like! Enjoy....

AWCHIEF · 01-18-2012, 11:42 AM

Becky, Thank you, It really amazes me how many Bambi II's are still on the road after all these years. Considering how few were actually produced. It says a lot for the quality of workmanship and pride that Airstream took when producing them 1964. Not to mention the pride of all the current owners in keeping them up and bringing them back to their former glory.