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bfk · 07-15-2006, 02:59 PM

I just looked at the serial number guide and realised that our Bambi was the 4th one made in California. Serial number16TDSS1604, built in 1/61.

Are there any other early Bambis out there? I'd love to compare notes.

For example the wiring from the TV goes into the bellypan just to the side of the A frame, but there is no inspection panel, wires just appear in other places as if by magic.

Cheers,
Brian

maxandgeorgia · 07-15-2006, 06:44 PM

ooooooooooooooooooo! That is SO cool

Maybe yours IS the oldest. We'll stay tuned to see what else turns up~G

CaddyGrn · 07-15-2006, 06:52 PM

Hi,

We have a "younger" Bambi, 1963 California mfg. You are certainly our "senior".... Ours just finished a restoration, new wiring, new floor, etc. We kept all the original appliances, most of the interior wood is original except for a few sections that needed replacing. You can find my husband's thread under "floor replacement 1963 Bambi"... lots of pictures and info there on ours...

We aren't even too far apart ~ just Northern California.

Nice to know there are others out there!

Mrs. NorCal Bambi (traveling in S Tardis)

bfk · 07-15-2006, 07:33 PM

I did read the floor replacement thread.
Scared me witless.
But great work.

flyfshr · 07-15-2006, 10:07 PM

My umbilical wiring does the same thing. No access panel inside the trailer. I wanted to replace the entire assembly by connecting inside the trailer but there isn't any access. Guess I'll put up with my tired and sun worn cord awhile longer. Another project for the off season, which means around here sometime between mid-October to mid-April.

Brad
FF

CaddyGrn · 07-15-2006, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfk

I did read the floor replacement thread.
Scared me witless.
But great work.

Thanks, I will pass that on to my hubby. (his computer crashed.... video card maybe....) He never did anything like that before either... but all the folks on the forum here helped him a great deal! Took 10 months.... from shell off to on the road... and he originally thought 2.

It has been quite a learning experience! But with the forum you aren't alone!

Mrs. NorCal Bambi (traveling in S Tardis)

hugheym · 09-05-2007, 04:34 PM

My wife and I own 16TDS/S1631. We are the third owners. We are currently putting a new floor in the rear of the trailer. I have pulled the frig, cook top sink and shower walls. Will be pulling the shower pan shortly. Will also be doing some frame repairs?? Plan to put a new axel before putting the Belly pan back in place.
hugheym

bfk · 09-09-2007, 11:12 AM

Pictures, pictures, pictures.

I'd love to see as much detail as you're willing to provide.

You might even want to start a new thread to keep it all together.

Cheers,
Brian

Lauerman · 07-30-2008, 06:40 PM

My wife and I just bought #1635, so I am assuming it was the 35th made in California. It is in decent shape and has been out camping all summer long!!!

hugheym · 07-30-2008, 10:30 PM

Lauerman,
Well I am replacing the floor. Humbeling to say the least. I am just behind the door. It has only taken a year to get here. Axel replaced / 2500 lb. New tires and wheels. Some tail section frame replacement. Still more to do at the door, leaked too long rusted out one out rigger infront of door frame.

jratti · 08-08-2008, 08:36 PM

Just got it today and am immersing myself in the Airstream world. Our door handle is snapped off. Any suggestions. I've scoured ebay and a bunch of the other airstream specific classifieds but haven't found anything yet and would greatly appreciate any ideas.

flyfshr · 08-08-2008, 09:26 PM

What door handle is it and do you have all of the part? Anyway to post a picture or two? That would sure help in diagnosing a repair.

Brad
FF

hugheym · 08-09-2008, 06:27 PM

That is great. Sorry about the handle. I think there is a retro fit. However it requires a modification to the door face. Might check wit vintagetrailersupply.com or Andy at Inland RV. Maybe, it can be repaired, we will be interested in what you learn. Our '61 is 1631 and was made in CA.

Hugheym

jratti · 08-10-2008, 03:58 PM

The handle had been broken before and put back together by the prior owner. It broke again just above where it broke the last time. Thank you for the leads to track a replacement down. Any other suggestions for a newbie are always appreciated. If you have a Facebook account you can take a full photo tour here.

jratti · 08-10-2008, 04:06 PM

I can't figure out how to get a photo inserted into the post correctly. The door handle photos and a picture of the trailer are the newest photos uploaded in the 1960s category right now if that helps.

alclad · 04-22-2009, 03:51 PM

hi

we have #3 california bambi -vin 16tdss1603. bfk started this with their #4. ok, so where's #1,2,5 to how many were made?

a ton of helpful information on these forums. thanks to all!

don & karen

safari62 · 04-22-2009, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alclad

hi

we have #3 california bambi -vin 16tdss1603. bfk started this with their #4. ok, so where's #1,2,5 to how many were made?

a ton of helpful information on these forums. thanks to all!

don & karen

How did the third Bambi get to the First State?

How about Ohio Bambi's with the same #?

Welcome to the Forums. I see you are from my hometown and also where my trailer was "found" Picture look like the campground on the inlet south of Rehoboth? And Trolley Square?

kaffe_1477 · 04-23-2009, 06:54 AM

I Have an Ohio Bambi...SN: 163T215 correct me if I am wrong... build date Jan. of 1963, Trailer 215? Maybe? Any way, it is in need of a lot of work. I have just finished building a storage shed to store the interior of the trailer in. I am thinking this will turn into a shell off job. NorCal has inspired me...I just hope I can get it done in 10 months.

Check out my blog for picture.
http://bambirestoration.blogspot.com/

Mike Leary · 05-02-2009, 01:38 PM

Saw this little dear today.

Yhottys · 05-02-2009, 03:39 PM

Wow! #3 and #5 on the thread. How cool!

Our 1961 Bambi, Sweetpea III, was the 147th sixteen footer built in California.

We purchased her in July of 2008. We had to do some floor replacement, using marine grade plywood (boy that stuff's expensive) around the front door. We replaced her tires-one blew out right before we able to back her into our driveway at midnight, after we picked her up, but now have to replace her axel. And, um, her electricity was working until we washed her really well (she had been sitting in someone's driveway for over four years and had moss growing on her) and then poof! Yes, "restore/trouble shoot electricity" is on our list.

She's all gussied up with some of our collection of spun aluminum and black Grainware pieces, curtains made from vintage fabric, a few shearling pillows, a hand made needlepoint pillow Gemma made when she was feeling rather domestic, and an original George Nelson for Herman Miller fiberglass saucer lamp.

Ah, it's a journey.