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**Andy R** · 02-18-2002, 07:23 PM

Over the next few months I will be posting information about my 1961 Airstream Bambi here. She was the 128th Bambi ever made in California! I purchased her from a fellow in Idaho who father had owned it and has passed away.

Pictures

Roadside View

Interior View

Grunt1210 · 02-26-2002, 09:20 AM

Hi Andy,
Looks good! Ours is an Ohio model. Our floor plan is a flipped version (bathroom in the curbside rear corner). Sorry, don't have the serial number handy, she is located about 35 miles away in the driveway of our mountain place. We'll be relocating her to our new (old) farmhouse which has loads of room. Don't know what the neighbors will think about us having four Airstreams in the yard.
If you get the opportunity, check out Bud and Bettye Cooper's '63 Bambi, it is really well done.

Gary and Sandi

**Andy R** · 04-15-2002, 09:49 PM

I have started the restoration process!

Here is a picture of her guts in the driveway:

Here you can see her insides stripped out:

More pictures coming soon!

**Andy R** · 05-20-2002, 04:20 PM

FYI - I just got done measuring the floor for vinyl installation. Even though the trailer is listed as 16'. My Bambi is 13' long and 6'6" wide on the inside of the shell.

airstreamcaravel · 05-20-2002, 06:39 PM

Andy,

Airstreams are usally measured bumper to ball.

diane4396 · 07-27-2002, 04:54 PM

This is my first post, reply or whatever. I am not computer literate and am not sure if I have followed the directions correctly.
Congratulations on your new restoration project. I am the lucky owner of two 1961 Bambis. One has A/C and the other does not. Thus, I use one for summer travels and the other during the winter. I am curious how you were able to determine your Bambi was the 128th manufactured? Is there a key to the serial number? I recently sold my 71 Caravel to a "chap" from London. I then purchased a l986 25 footer to accomodate my 89 year old mother and myself. She says the Bambi is just too small for her. I also have my Dad's l973 28' footer. My RV storage/insurance/license are rediculous, But I can't part with any of these trailers. My kids say some people collect ceramic frogs or tea cups...but my Mom collects Airstreams. I have had great fun decorating the insides of the Bambis and the other trailers. Unfortunately, I have no talent for the exterior restoration or maintenance. I look forward to this forum.

**Andy R** · 07-27-2002, 05:04 PM

Welcome to the community Diane!

Click Here to go to the "1961 - 1963 Bambi Serial # Guide" thread...

FYI - My serial # is 16TDSS1728 so that would make mine number #128 built in California.

Cheers,

Andy

83Excella · 07-27-2002, 09:02 PM

Diane,
On the main page of the trailer forums there are 2 links that will help you in figuring out your serial number. There is nothing wrong with 'collecting' Airstreams, alot of AS owners have several.
I too am interested how Andy got such details on his bambi.

John

diane4396 · 08-02-2002, 07:31 PM

When I first got Bambi #1 about 10 years ago, I practiced changing a tire in the driveway. I found it very difficult to get the tire in the wheel well. Foolishly, I had it partially cut away. Yes, I like the easy accessibility, but am sorry I altered the wheel well. But, then I had the idea of the 60's and how popular fender skirts were. Does anyone have any interest in fabricating a fender skirt for the Bambi that would run flush with the belly? I think it would be a handsome look. Let me hear from you. Diane

Marshall44 · 03-24-2003, 02:00 PM

Hello!

I just got my 1962 Bambi and my original title shows my VIN as 16TSS1860. Is that the same as the ID number, and if so, isn't there missing a "D" somewhere?

Perhaps this is just a typo? Any ideas?

Marshall

Inland RV Center, In · 03-24-2003, 02:24 PM

Marshall.

The serial number range for the 1962 Bambi's are 16TSS1848 to 16TSS1880.

We have the serial number records for some of the older production.

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com

Marshall44 · 03-24-2003, 02:27 PM

Thank you, Andy!

I'm clear now. We all appreciate your expertise!

Marshall

aztlanco · 12-16-2005, 09:47 AM

Andy R;
I'm curious as to what is hanging below the rear of your trailer? Could it be a set of wheelie bars to protect a low hanging tank?
Ernie
'58 Traveler, 18ft.

downtime · 12-22-2005, 10:49 AM

Andy,
I've been a member of the Fourm for awhile but have never posted. I thought it was about time, so here goes...
I'm the third owner of 1724 (haven't given her a proper name yet). We've had her for about 2 years. She has most of her original stuff so as you know she's very tired and cranky.
My goal is to keep her lines and feel as close to orignial as possible while making her safe and pratical. This includes new axle and brakes. Partial floor replacement. (the original water tank leaked). Fix a leak in the grey water line. Try to replace the original water heater with a concealed ac unit. (We can heat water on the stove or install an insta-hot)
Finally, polish her up and install a theme interior.
I plan on relying on the wisdom of the forum to help me thuough the rebirth of 1724.
Good luck with yours. Merry Christmas
Mark (downtime)

InsideOut · 12-22-2005, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by downtime

Try to replace the original water heater with a concealed ac unit. (We can heat water on the stove or install an insta-hot)

What about showers? Do you only camp in campgrounds, like cold showers or forgo bathing while camping? I for one prefer the privacy & cleanliness of my own bathroom...one of the main reasons to have a trailer.

Shari

downtime · 12-22-2005, 11:42 AM

Shari,
I agree the only difference between a Trailer and a tent is the toilet, shower and being a foot above the ants. But let's face it, if we own bambi's and not the 2 or 3 axle Airstreams, we are willing to adapt.
Here's my train of thought.
The old water heater is too big for the value it gives. We can heat water in a tea kettle for dishes or to fill a 2 gallon 'sun shower' bag for a good, if not lenghty shower. This takes care of the hot water issue.
Now we will install the ac unit in the water heater space under the following conditions:

We find a sutable ac unit (one that fits)
The outside shell must remain unchanged. I want another bambi owner to think I still have the original hw tank.
We can get enough power to run it from a 2k Honda generator.

If it comes down to hw from the tap vs. AC, I'll take the AC. However I will not put an ac unit on the roof under any circumstances.
The small problem is that I do not know if this has been done or if it will work. But it sounds like a chalange and hopefully some fun.
Merry Christmas,
Mark

**Andy R** · 12-22-2005, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aztlanco

I'm curious as to what is hanging below the rear of your trailer? Could it be a set of wheelie bars to protect a low hanging tank?

I don't think they are to protect a low hanging tank because there is no tank at the back there. The only tank is the black water tank under the toilet and that is above the plywood. They are wheelies for protecting something though. I have found that the rear bumper would drag when going through some uneven terrain (like a big dip in the road) and then the wheels do a good job so the trailer does not drag. The bumper on my unit is extended out about 12" by a previous owner. I suspect that is when they might have added the wheels...

aztlanco · 12-22-2005, 01:23 PM

Andy R;Thanks for the answer. I get it now. I also think that is a very good idea, specialy if you do a lot of off-road camping. I might do that to mine in the future!Ernie'58 Traveler, 18ft.

InsideOut · 12-22-2005, 01:23 PM

"Wheelies" or skid plates to protect your single axle trailer in case of a flat tire.

Shari

Lone Rangerette · 05-20-2006, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by downtime

Andy,
I've been a member of the Fourm for awhile but have never posted. I thought it was about time, so here goes...
I'm the third owner of 1724 (haven't given her a proper name yet). We've had her for about 2 years. She has most of her original stuff so as you know she's very tired and cranky.
My goal is to keep her lines and feel as close to orignial as possible while making her safe and pratical. This includes new axle and brakes. Partial floor replacement. (the original water tank leaked). Fix a leak in the grey water line. Try to replace the original water heater with a concealed ac unit. (We can heat water on the stove or install an insta-hot)
Finally, polish her up and install a theme interior.
I plan on relying on the wisdom of the forum to help me thuough the rebirth of 1724.
Good luck with yours. Merry Christmas
Mark (downtime)

I am looking for vintage Bambi 16' and found one without air....since I live in Texas, air conditioning is a necessity. Did you figure out how to replace hot water heater with air unit? I like the idea keeping the Bambi as close to original look as possible.