1961 Vintage Airstream Bambi Revealed and Explained 

Thank you very much. I am sorry to hear the world lost another Bambi, but I'm glad it protected you at least. It is one of my proudest builds for sure.

Thank you. This has been one of my favorite builds!

Thank you so much! Vintage trailers are incredible.

@@AZExpert Who's Vintage Trailers? I like the white wall tires on old school moonie wheels. They make the Airstream look timeless.

Thank you very much. Once it was done, I could not believe how big it felt inside, and we (Chad and I) spent about a year inside it. It was a very satisfying build.

Thanks for watching! :)

Thank you so much. I agree that there is so much more room inside than it should. When the owner picked it up, we had 5 adults inside comfortably. :)

thank you, it was so much work and I'm so proud of it too :)

Awesome, thank you!

I am very glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you!!!

that is pretty impressive, thank you. It seemed like a shame to throw the tank away.

Thanks! It was a labor of love for sure

Thank you. I really loved that floorplan and design. I couldn't believe how big it felt in there too.

Thank you very much!

I really am very proud of it. Thank you very much!!

WOW!!! Thank you so much, I really am very proud of it.

Thank you! It was a huge job but so much fun!

You and me both.

Thank you! 😊

Thank you.

It really was a ton of work, but the end results were enough to make it worth while. Thanks! She might be revisting me soon too!

Thank you very much. It really was a fun project!

Thank youvery much!

thank you very much. I am really proud of that build. Good luck!

Thanks!

Thank you

Many thanks!

I'm glad to hear it. I definitely, looked at google images and youtube myself to get a few ideas. The owner also gave me this book www.amazon.com/Silver-Palaces-Douglas-Keister/dp/158685352X which made me feel completely inadequte onceI went through it. Thanks!

Watch that genny exhaust pipe on right turns. Crunch!

It hasn't been an issue yet, but I would have prefered it to be directed toward the driver/road side but then I'd have to route it lower than the frame.

Thank you. I am always hoping to see the trailer at a rally.

I was happy to see it again. Thanks for the watching and enjoying!

thank you very much. It was a satisfying project at completion but it was a year long struggle that made me question my own skills.

Thank you!

Thanks for watching!! :)

Thanks!

Thank you....I really love that trailer too!

Thank you very much. This is a one of a kind trailer for sure.

@@AZExpert *You did a great job and the engineering involved with the front 'A' frame is perfect!* *All of that equipment in that small a space is quite something, and the ducting you did for A/C internally looks like it 'came that way' from the factory!* *Kudos for all that!* *If only it were mine, I'd want the 'Zamp' external 'P/V panels' for when I don't need the A/C on, and another AGM-batt. for dependable power when boon-docking*

no doubt that solar is nice....but I could never justify putting panels on the roof and ruining the profile of the design like that. I'd rather have ground panels first...beside there is hardly any room of the roof for a small panel and there was still a hole in the roof for the orginal skylight/vent. That ducted air was an incredibly difficult task, but still looks so much better than the standard roof intake plenum. Thanks again!!

@@AZExpert *I was thinking in terms of the 'folding-panels' that can be locked-down outside for the best exposure* *NOT permanently mounted roof-top!* ( *Two 'folding 80-watts each' should be plenty of juice coming-in...at 160-watt-hrs. that's enough for everything but 'toasters' etc* ) *Besides, there are plenty of 12-volt products that actually work as well as 120 a/c's in most applications* *Yeah, the roof-line would look 'snarky' with panels up there as well as having to secure them and the wiring-run and all that means HOLES and that's the last thing you want on a coach-roof that's all aluminum*

*ps...it's easy to make toast on the stove-top w/a non-stick pan and a little smear of butter so the bread will 'golden brown' properly*

I understand. Though I didn't want to install it, the owner wanted it. I would have refused installing solar on the beautiful roof though.

They have portable solar panels now you can out on a stand and have the wires run in the Bambi 🌻

Thank you!!

Thank you! It was a very difficult re-build and re-design of an iconic design....and one of my first. I really was surprised with the amount of room inside when it was all said and done.

@@AZExpert Why are there any negative thumbs? I'll tell ya why. 11 Dipshits starting watching this video, realized the guy is gay and decided to punish him for it. Awesome build.

Travelin' Ted thank you! I hate videos like this that drag on

Thank you. This video needed editing

@@declanvillar5557 Wrong - There are a LOT of us who love to geek out on every detail. Ya know, those of us who actually love these things and love to learn about all the various systems in them, build methods, details, etc.

No doubt the generator added tongue weight, but it only weighs 130 lbs and it's a very light trailer. Thanks!

Thank you!

I would gladly link to something to help. What are you looking for? The fenders are just overlays cut and shaped with a bead roller to repair the wheel wells, it's the same type of thing done on the rear cap which is mostly hidden by the compartment. Sometimes I've found beautiful and balanced patches to be a better repair :).

Thank you very much!!! There were so many man hourse on this job and I really wanted to give up about 3 times, but once the cabinets were made and installed it was very exciting to see it completed. I would not have recomend a permanent generator, but this little trailer is surprisingly roomy and incredibly functional while at the same time still reflects its classic design. I am a huge fan of small trailers so I like the Basecamp, but I think the new Bambi are more livable and functional. Rear entry's small trailers makes it difficult with more than one person as it's basically a hallway. Thanks!

Thanks, I am happy you enjoyed it!

I am so sorry for the dealy, RU-vid just sent me a slew of comments today from 3 weeks ago. This trailer had a rubber torsion axle so it could not be lifted, some torsion axles have adjustable spindles though. As far as the frame goes, these Airstreams have minimal structure and bracing so putting a tank below the floor would take a great deal of effort and still be very close to the ground. The black tank came from the factory above the floor, but there was no gray tank, so I just did my best. I can see if I can track down some photos of the frame and share them. Good luck with your build. Thanks!!

Yes, I had to do a great deal of alterations. Not only did I have to weld in a frame to carry the load in the middle, but had to rivet on a body panel to close up the larger opening. Of course its much easier when the interior is gutted ;) However, even with all the work and a lite 9k BTU polar cub A/C, the rear of the A/C unit still deformed the roof underneath and created a low spot which water eventually worked through and dripped. So the second time I had to add more bracing under the rear of the unit and seal the seams intensely. Thanks!

ibb.co/fS82NS

Thanks! Most RV dealers/parts supply shouldbe able to get it.But it's a Vanair vent from Ventline. Here are a few links: www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ventline+vanair www.etrailer.com/RV-Vents-and-Fans/Ventline/VP-543SP.html

Sadly, small spaces require compromises. We could have gone with a curtain to the bathroom of course, or a more narrow sofa bed. It is fairly simple to push the bed in if necessary. Thanks!

I understand what you're saying but customer requests are what they are and inverted generator are portable so would require a great deal more of fabrication.

It was a ridiculous amount of money. The trailer in horrible condition was $20k, before we did anything to it.

There's one on RVtrader in Ohio for $36,000 but it shows in the comments it needs some work which should already be done at that price point.

Thank you so much. It would be cheaper to buy new for sure.....but of course it's not as beautiful. Thanks!

yes, but there is a plastic coating that has to be removed first and its a big job to get that off

Thx

It is coroplast or corrugated plastic. The same stuff on modern trailers. Thanks!

@@AZExpert thank you so much!

Thanks for the comment. It sleeps 3, but only one comfortably for sure. I had four full sized adults in it without feeling cramped, but yeah if someone was cooking everyone else needs to stay seated.....or outside. :)

I did not buy this. I can say the owner paid over $12k for the trailer in very bad shape from New Mexico. He did put a great deal of money into it in components and labor, and I think the only thing original remaining was 80% of the frame, the windows/door, and 90% of the exterior metal. I think he could still sell it for $40 to 60k to the right buyer. That being said, it was just his desire to have this trailer re-built for him. Thanks!

Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed it. With vintage Airstreams the rule of thumb is the bigger the trailer, the less expensive they are. These Bambis are quite well sought after and can be $10 to $20k in bad shape. This owner wanted an exceptionally well outfitted Airstream and put quite a bit of extra into it, but it was a lot of money just in materials and appliances. Doing the work yourself will save money, but there's really nothing easy or cheap with vintage trailer restorations....no matter what some youtubers might say. The small size makes it seem like a couple weekend project, but it will take 1 to 2 years for a project like this. My best advice is to really assume the worst case scenerio and remember that once demo has started the RV has little resale value until it's finished. Good luck!

@@AZExpert Hi again!! Wow! Now I’m more excited! Honey, thank you so much for the information. I will continue to follow you so I’ve subscribed to your channel. My husband is handy with building things. He has been in building contracting for years! We may still need your advice, so I hope it’s ok if I contact you again! And now... as Buck Owens said...”The Race Is On!” 😀

This had a fixed torsion axle and there is not much clearance for sure. But it does very well and it would make me very sad if it was taken offroad. Thanks!

Спасибо

Ventine makes it. It's a van roof vent. Thanks!

@@AZExpert been looking on google and eBay for ventine vents and can't find any. Should it be ventline?

This one? www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00407CK5W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=gs2&linkId=491b5f22b274da32c5bcb9c9d0d1155e&creativeASIN=B00407CK5W&tag=cycle04-21&creative=9325&camp=1789

Yes that is it! Sorry for some reason youtube keeps holding your comments and not sending them to me. You can also email me at azrvextpert@gmail.com. Thanks!

You are correct. Small spaces require compromise. Thanks for watching!

Justin Hettigoda, Minor nit pick. Open the door... Show us how it SHOULD have been done.

Minor nit pick? Horrible design by today's standards. There's a reason why all newer Bambi trailers have one of 2 significantly improved floorplans.

As the designer of the floorplan, trying to incorporate the needs of the owner, available space and original layout(ie holes in the roof), I disagree that it is a horrible floorplan. Even comparing it to a modern Bambi, 65% is the same. While a full sized bed is great for camping, it limits hosting, sitting, and conversation space for people when tailgating at a game as the dinette is the only sitting area. Most people feel uncomfortable sitting on other people's bed. I also strongly believe that bathrooms in tiny trailers are rarely used as much more than closet space. Thanks!

@@AZExpert Hey. Couldn't agree more with your rationale about the bathroom v seating/sleeping options you have provided. You have designed the space for maximum useability. I love the choice of grey (wool/linen ?) slubby fabric with red piping on the cushions and the metal trim on the wood cabinetry. You have retained the wonderful 'retro' aesthetic of the 1960's but totally brought the electronics into the 21st Century. The choice of grating you have laser cut over the a/c vents and dinette light fittings is perfect too. What a wonderful 'refreshing' of this Bambi. Thank you for taking the time to film this. I have noticed that You Tuber armchair 'experts' get very anal when it comes to toilets in campers - constantly complaining about proximity to either eating/sleeping/ accessibility ad nauseum. I would be grateful to have the option (if needed) as long as it was as well designed as yours is. Great for hanging wet outdoor gear to dry/extra closet space too.

I'd say it was much lighter but we added a great deal of weight so 3000 sounds about right

Still a little lighter than brand new Bambi 16🌻

The customer used it more as an office

Yeah, I don't like the look either. The GoPro was difficult to keep in the right mode, so I did abandon the fish eye look. Thanks!

My understanding is driver side toilet is California. I took lots of photos and it has the original emblem. I am fairly sure it is a California make. Thanks!

It most definitely is a California model. Under the front window what you called a tool box held the 12volt battery which was a special type that fitted that long narrow box. You did a remarkable job.

That's true. Small spaces just require compromises in floor plans I guess.

Maurice Powers, minor nit pick. Show us how it SHOULD have been done!

Maurice, what are you, a little girl? You're camping! Go outside and find a tree!

Thanks, there is a great debate in the vintage trailer world about the white walls. I mean they really improve the look, but the cost is huge especially with two axles. They also have softer sidewalls because they a mostly for cars......hence the debate. I recently tried a white wall paint from Iceland and will be posting a video on that soon. So far I am quite happy with the paint!

It is pretty loud for its size especially compared to a Honda, but there is no setup or tear down needed, and the self-contained "cool factor" does make up for it. Thanks!

Sadly, I do not like the sound of my own voice but thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed the trailer!

Oh Donald! Donald, Donald, Donald...

It makes me very happy to hear that!