1988 Bedford BAMBI – Mechanical

[fidunfi]

Hello fellow Rascals!

Very excited to be here... I'm the proud new owner of a beaut li'l 1988 Bedford Rascal Bambi

MECHANICS WORK – I’m a total novice when it comes to engines/technical stuff, and in the process of getting quotes. However, I’m v keen to hear the opinions of Bedford/general mechanic aficionados on the below list of confirmed/potential issues:

• NEW GEARBOX (Approx. £600 – It's kaput – the mechanic advised that a new clutch should also be fitted alongside, although I think the previous owner said a new clutch had recently been fitted – if so, I take it this latter fix would be unnecessary?)
• NEW IGNITION BARREL (£ TBC – Could I do this easily enough myself?)
• NEW CAM BELT – TBC – (£ TBC – Highlighted as TLC point by the previous owner – however, today's mechanic was unsure if the squealing that was happening when driving actually indicated cam belt replacement was needed or if was down to some other issue – he advised that if the cam belt did need to be replaced, the water tank should also be replaced alongside)
• STEERING ISSUE – TBC (£ TBC – Mechanic advised he'd need to get it up on the ramp to see what’s actually up; the issue is that when going over 45/50mph, the steering feels soggy/light/unresponsive, resulting in the van drifting across the road a little with no rhyme or reason. Whenever it did drift and I gently attempted to correct course, the steering would (again) feel light and would be unresponsive to a point and then sort of suddenly jerk/jolt in the direction I was steering it) The alignment of the steering wheel itself also seems off – it’s not central.)

Also...
BACK DOOR – The lock doesn't seem to work the way it should and I'm having trouble locking it; is it something that can be fixed, and easily enough by me? If it can't be fixed, is it a replacement jobby, and could I do it easily enough myself? If so, any recommendations on where I can source the part?
WINDOW HATCHES (COACH) – One of the Telescopic arms is broken, so the window falls out if lifted too high. Is it easy enough to replace these windows, and if so where's best to source them? I'd prefer clear ones (the current ones are tinted brown)
WINDOW CRANK HANDLES (CAB) – Rolling the windows down using their crank handles is tough as they're v stiff – is it easy enough to unstiffen? If so, how would I go about this?

 

[Feltwell]

Hello fellow Rascals!

Very excited to be here... I'm the proud new owner of a beaut li'l 1988 Bedford Rascal Bambi

MECHANICS WORK – I’m a total novice when it comes to engines/technical stuff, and in the process of getting quotes. However, I’m v keen to hear the opinions of Bedford/general mechanic aficionados on the below list of confirmed/potential issues:

I don't know anything specific about those little Bedfords, but in general mechanical terms:-

• NEW GEARBOX (Approx. £600 – It's kaput – the mechanic advised that a new clutch should also be fitted alongside, although I think the previous owner said a new clutch had recently been fitted – if so, I take it this latter fix would be unnecessary?)

Let the mechanic give you an opinion once the clutch & gearbox is out. Check the price of a clutch - it may not be that much anyway - and it has to come out and go back in again if the gearbox is being changed. If it's cheap you may as well put a new one in. The labour to change a clutch is much more than the clutch itself usually.

• NEW IGNITION BARREL (£ TBC – Could I do this easily enough myself?)

Can be fiddly but you could probably do it yourself. Beware some vehicles have security fixings to hold the barrel in that need to be drilled out. In the grand scheme of things, if it's in the garage for everything else and you're not mechanically competent then you may as well let them do this! Won;t be a big expense.

• NEW CAM BELT – TBC – (£ TBC – Highlighted as TLC point by the previous owner – however, today's mechanic was unsure if the squealing that was happening when driving actually indicated cam belt replacement was needed or if was down to some other issue – he advised that if the cam belt did need to be replaced, the water tank should also be replaced alongside)

It'll be the water pump they advised to replace, not a water tank. If you don't know when the cambelt was last done then it's wise to get it changed, they do age and if they snap it's major major engine damage in many cases, pistons hitting valves. Water pump is relatively cheap and whilst the cambelt is off it's easy to change, they do wear out so it's often considered good practice to change it whilst they're there.

• STEERING ISSUE – TBC (£ TBC – Mechanic advised he'd need to get it up on the ramp to see what’s actually up; the issue is that when going over 45/50mph, the steering feels soggy/light/unresponsive, resulting in the van drifting across the road a little with no rhyme or reason. Whenever it did drift and I gently attempted to correct course, the steering would (again) feel light and would be unresponsive to a point and then sort of suddenly jerk/jolt in the direction I was steering it) The alignment of the steering wheel itself also seems off – it’s not central.)

One for the mechanic to diagnose.

Also...
BACK DOOR – The lock doesn't seem to work the way it should and I'm having trouble locking it; is it something that can be fixed, and easily enough by me? If it can't be fixed, is it a replacement jobby, and could I do it easily enough myself? If so, any recommendations on where I can source the part?

Probably a strip it down, clean and lubricate job.

WINDOW HATCHES (COACH) – One of the Telescopic arms is broken, so the window falls out if lifted too high. Is it easy enough to replace these windows, and if so where's best to source them? I'd prefer clear ones (the current ones are tinted brown)

No idea but do check if the current tinting is just a film - if so you can peel it off. Try scratching at a corner with your nail.

WINDOW CRANK HANDLES (CAB) – Rolling the windows down using their crank handles is tough as they're v stiff – is it easy enough to unstiffen? If so, how would I go about this?

First step, the super easy one, get some silicone spray, wind the window down, and spray a quantity up and down the runners, the channels where the glass runs up & down. Wind it up & down a few times. If you're lucky, that'll sort it. If not, then it's a case of take the window and door handles off, that the door cards off, clean and lubricate the winder mechanism.

Silicone spray:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/31431094...d=link&campid=5338547443&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

Have you had a look online for an owner's club or facebook group? I bet there is one - there usually is for any quirky vehicle, and the little Bambi is certainly that!

 

[Phill D]

Hi and welcome

You’ve jumped in both feet!

Hope it works out well for you could be a great project

 

[PaulOH]

What a fabulous thing you have bought - have you checked out that toilet beneath the seat?!

Feltwell's advice is sound & sensible. Fortunately the vehicle is old enough that you may well be able to tackle things that you thought you might not be able to do.

I recommend searching, searching and searching again for information on how to effectively deal with habitation and component issues on a budget/DIY basis. Change your search parameters if you don't find the information you need. Ask us and post photos for advice.

FYI camper/caravan windows are very, very expensive new and can be v.hard to source secondhand - replacements to be avoided at all costs if you have an unbroken original window! Repair at all costs!

One final thing - after all your work, it might not be concours in a car show, but it'll work as your camper!

Can't help referring you to this:

 

[Cal54]

Re your query on the back door lock. Had a Bambi many years ago and I just replaced the back door lock mechanism. Bought the replacement at my local caravan accessory shop and did it myself so must have been easy to do!

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[MisterB]

Welcome to the world of £otorhoming ......

Hope everything works out and it's financially viable ... I do love to see older motorhomes being used but have never been brave enough (or allowed) to get on and do a project vehicle.

 

[Figaro]

Good luck with your project

 

[Manic]

NEW CAM BELT – TBC – (£ TBC – Highlighted as TLC point by the previous owner – however, today's mechanic was unsure if the squealing that was happening when driving actually indicated cam belt replacement was needed or if was down to some other issue – he advised that if the cam belt did need to be replaced, the water tank should also be replaced alongside)

I can’t think how a cam belt would squeal, it’s a toothed belt and not a vee, could it be an alternator belt slipping.
possible ask another mechanic opinion

 

[chaser]

I can’t think how a cam belt would squeal, it’s a toothed belt and not a vee, could it be an alternator belt slipping.
possible ask another mechanic opinion

Just what I thought

 

[Tonks]

Welcome, and what a great little van you've bought! You might find this video interesting viewing!

Bedford Rascal Campervan Restoration

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[jockaneezer]

As others have said, first thing to do is to find yourself a competent mechanic as the one you've got at present isn't filling me with confidence.
You said the gearbox is kaput, but then you say you can drive the van at 50mph, so what are the actual gearbox symptoms ?
Steering issue is hopefully just worn ball joints or bushes, but you don't want to be driving it any where in case a ball joint lets go, you could easily loose all steering control.
Please keep us informed how you get on with your new adventure !

 

[L' Hobo]

I would get it on a ramp, drop the engine and gearbox, give them both an overhaul +new clutch and while they are out, your mechanic can have a look at the steering but, if it was empty and you were doing 45/50mph, it's possible that the wind resistance was just lifting some of the weight off the front tyres?
Unless you have documentation to indicate otherwise, I would check over and change fluids on everything starting with the brakes.
Then you will have a starting date for future reference.

Good Luck, it look like a nice little project.

 

[Spriddler]

I had and maintained three Bambis over maybe seven years when I started motorhoming nearly 25 years ago and toured all around Europe towing either my classic motorbikes or a dinghy. One trip was to La Rochelle (and back!) towing my 26' racing dinghy which was twice the length of the Bambi.
There is an owners club which is very helpful.

Bambi Owners Club

The website for owners of the Autohomes Bambi Motorhome

bambiownersclub.com

Briefly, to add to other points..........
Steering may be a suspension (Macpherson strut)/shock absorber issue (which should've been picked up at the MOT). The top fixing of the Macpherson strut is a rubber cone which are known to soften/deteriorate/break up.
My memory's a bit vague now which sort they are but telescopic window stays are available at caravan accessory shops or online.
Get the clutch replaced. With the engine and gearbox under the cab floor they are a pain to work on and replacement of just the clutch at a later date would be costly.
Replace the water pump for reason stated above and have the engine and rad flushed to remove any sludge. The cooling rad is also set back under the floor and they do suffer from overheating which results in a distorted cyl head and blown head gasket which is a devil to replace through the small removeable floor panel.
I only sold mine due the rust and and corrosion issues on these relatively old campers which I cut out and chased whenever necessary but if they were made today I'd definitely have another.

 

[Feltwell]

I'm presuming there is very much an upper limit of size of user for one of those?

I can't see me at 6'2" and 19 stone being a natural fit inside one! Habitation or the cab, come to think of it.

Mind you, I managed to fit in an Isetta bubblecar not long ago - just - now that was a squeeze.......

 

[Spriddler]

There was an ebay seller of the owners manual who may still be able to supply:

BEDFORD BAMBI Camper Van Owners Manual Autohomes Rascal, Vauxhaull, Suzuki etc | eBay

All the utilities are covered in a comprehensive manner to help you enjoy and get the most out of your beloved Bambi, including the fuse box layout, use of your 2nd battery, how to use the facilitys such as the cooker and fridge, removal of the waste water, how to access the engine itself and...

www.ebay.co.uk

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[Spriddler]

I'm presuming there is very much an upper limit of size of user for one of those?

I can't see me at 6'2" and 19 stone being a natural fit inside one! Habitation or the cab, come to think of it.

I don't think height would be an issue but leg length and rotundity might be as there's little rearward adjustment of the seats, although presumably the OP sat in it before buying.

 

[Feltwell]

It's not on the shopping list!

Mind you, I did see a converted Toyota Yaris once, with a bed where the passenger seat & back seat would be. The lady driving it was no more than 5' tall.

 

[scotzsue]

Good luck with your project.

 

[danielf]

Hi fidunfi

That takes me back. I had a Bambi as my 2nd campervan … my abiding memory is rev the hell out of it to get anywhere and have fun !

I recommend a Haynes manual of you are doing anything yourself on the base.

They are very easy to work on yourself as all the components , even the gearbox , are small and light.

The hardest thing for me was as a 6 foot 4 person was driving it and servicing was a challenge folding myslef into the cab into the little engine holes to work on it.

Mine never needed anything other than regular servicing and as per other threads when I got it I flushed all the coolant and radiator and used a good antifreeze mix to prevent issues.

The only issue I ever had was with the manual cold /warm air intake to the carb. Mine flopped and when cold the carb would ice up. I fixed by making a new lever.

Daniel.

 

[Spriddler]

Hi fidunfi

That takes me back. I had a Bambi as my 2nd campervan … my abiding memory is rev the hell out of it to get anywhere and have fun !

That's very true and on the flat with a headwind I sometimes had to change down to maintain progress.

The only issue I ever had was with the manual cold /warm air intake to the carb. Mine flopped and when cold the carb would ice up. I fixed by making a new lever.

Yes, that reminded me that I had the same and cured it by diverting some of the engine warmth via a permanent hose to the carb intake.

An interesting point was that although it was a 12v system it had a 6v ignition coil. When starting up the ignition switch bypassed a ballast resistor thereby allowing the full 12v into the 6v coil, producing a stronger spark. When the engine started the ballast resistor was brought back into the LT feed to the coil, dropping the voltage to 6v. If you have starting problems it can be that the ballast resistor is faulty.

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[Tea Bag]

Hi.
Enjoy. Local delivery driver in Derbyshire had the Van version,allways thought it would be fun to drive. Well done you.
Tea Bag

 

[cyberyacht]

Don't expect any useful tips from Susan Calman though.

 

[tribalbrit]

My parents had one of those a few years back, they loved it until the drive shaft snapped in the Italian Dolomites on way back from Lake Garda. Mind you they got to fly back where I had to drive MH back. They were home three days before me.
I'd check yours out too.

 

[mitzimad]

Window doesnt need to be replaced just get a new stay

 

[pappajohn]

Now the bad news......you have more chance finding the holy grail as you will have finding a gearbox.
When was the last time you saw a rascal on the road.
In the whole of the UK there are just 183 which are taxed and 379 which are SORN.
Doubtful even scrap yards will still have any.
I don't know the engine but I doubt very much it will have a cambelt.....and even if it does it certainly won't squeal but the fan belt can.
Last thing, dump your mechanic.....if he thinks cam belts squeal he isn't very good.

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[Blue Moon]

Don’t just look for Rascal parts the Suzuki Super Carry is the same vehicle.

 

[Feltwell]

Now the bad news......you have more chance finding the holy grail as you will have finding a gearbox.
When was the last time you saw a rascal on the road.
In the whole of the UK there are just 183 which are taxed and 379 which are SORN.
Doubtful even scrap yards will still have any.
I don't know the engine but I doubt very much it will have a cambelt.....and even if it does it certainly won't squeal but the fan belt can.
Last thing, dump your mechanic.....if he thinks cam belts squeal he isn't very good.

You don't have to have a new gearbox though - you can get the current one rebuilt by a specialist. Find a decent one and it's a safer bet than a used box, they are always a bit of an unknown.

No idea where the OP is but this bloke is near me in Shrewsbury and is good, if grumpy!

https://www.djtransmissions.com/

 

[Tonks]

Don't expect any useful tips from Susan Calman though.

To be fair, she doesn’t pretend to look after ‘her’ van mechanically. It’s broken down on her at least twice. I think the first time the production team sorted out the issue. The second time, a recovery company got her back on the road. So perhaps her top tip would be to make sure you have decent breakdown cover!

 

[L' Hobo]

To be fair, she doesn’t pretend to look after ‘her’ van mechanically. It’s broken down on her at least twice. I think the first time the production team sorted out the issue. The second time, a recovery company got her back on the road. So perhaps her top tip would be to make sure you have decent breakdown cover!

Put in an offer for her gearbox perhaps?