1962 Bambi 16

[Leo69]

Apologies in advance but I can't find it and fairly sure this question has been asked.

Is there a manual available for the '62 Bambi? I am the lucky new owner of one and it needs TLC... not sure where to start but a manual would help get the ball rolling.

Thank you in advance.

[PA BAMBI II]

Originally Posted by Leo69

Apologies in advance but I can't find it and fairly sure this question has been asked.

Is there a manual available for the '62 Bambi? I am the lucky new owner of one and it needs TLC... not sure where to start but a manual would help get the ball rolling.

Thank you in advance.

Welcome to the vintage Bambi club! To answer your question, there were no Factory printed "owner's manuals" until 1964. My '64 Bambi II cam with a plastic-spiral bound manual; my '61 TradeWind came with a huge folder of original paperwork for each individual appliance/system.

Do you have specific questions? Be happy to try to help. I also have two original Airstream factory repair binders.

Looks like we're not too far apart geographically (Allentown/Lancaster, PA). Let's get together and compare notes!

[Leo69]

Thanks... wow, no manual. That explains my inability to find one online!

There is no 110 electric 'feed' cable (not sure what to call it) so I don't know where it should attach to... I see what looks like an electric box inside the trunk door (front end of trailer / window side). Guessing there?


Also, plumbing... I was told there is no black or grey water tank in these... ? So where does the toilet 'go' to?

lots to learn!

That's good to know you are in this end of the world - I just have to get this thing road-worthy first.

Thanks in advance for any advice or knowledge you can share.

[PA BAMBI II]

Originally Posted by Leo69

There is no 110 electric 'feed' cable (not sure what to call it) so I don't know where it should attach to... I see what looks like an electric box inside the trunk door (front end of trailer / window side). Guessing there?

Also, plumbing... I was told there is no black or grey water tank in these... ? So where does the toilet 'go' to?

lots to learn!

That's good to know you are in this end of the world - I just have to get this thing road-worthy first.

Thanks in advance for any advice or knowledge you can share.

Of course!

You probably have a 20 amp electrical inlet by Bargman. It probably has a strange post pattern and possibly an old electric extension cord to plug into an outlet. I replaced both of my original inlets with 30 amp modern inlets. In my experience, go generic. Avoid Furion. Very pretty...and very proprietary with poor customer service. Many folks do like Smart Plug. I didn't use that brand.

You should have a black tank. It would be made out of fiberglass and the toilet sits on top if it. The tank is above the floor. There is a brass Thetford dump valve located in the bellypan with a pull handle through the rear bumper. This valve is obsolete and will need to be replaced. If your tank is in good condition, it does not need to be replaced. I was able to reuse the black tank in my Bambi II, but I needed to replace the fiberglass tank in the '61 TW. Vintage Trailer Supply (and other vendors) offer modern plastic tanks that you can customize.

NO gray tank. Back then, when folks weren't so uptight, you'd install a cover on the black tank valve (below the gate) that you could attach a garden hose to, then run that hose out away from your trailer...or under it...and let the water go into the grass. I added a subfloor gray water tank to both my vintage Airstreams. Lots of work, but make the trailers more useful in the modern world.

Possibly good reading (my pages):

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f14...-do-88942.html

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f11...ts-218294.html

Also consult the 1961-1963 Bambi pages on the Forums section of the Airforums page.

[PA BAMBI II]

Originally Posted by Leo69

I just have to get this thing road-worthy first.

This means a new axle. Lots of research for you to do here, but new ones are obtainable (Colin Hyde of NY is the main go-to expert/supplier).

The original Bambis and Caravels had cast spindles on the original torsion axles, and they can sheer and you could lose a wheel at speed. The rest of the axle is shot, so best to replace.