fixing the antenna

barbwire · 11-12-2002, 07:13 PM

Price,

My antenna was stuck in the down position. I put a ladder at a shallow angle with a towel underneath to avoid scratching the paint, and my wife braced the bottom of the ladder. You have to get the little cover off the top of the gearbox. This is not easy if the screws are tight and the antenna is in the down position. I had to use a drill on one side. When you get that off you will see that a horizontal pin has not dropped into the slot in the gearhead. If you move the gear it will drop in and you can raise and lower the antenna. Mine was just covered with dust. Try a good cleaning. I would do this before buying new gears.

Barbwire

74Tradewind · 11-12-2002, 07:39 PM

Mine is in the down position and the handle is frozen and won't turn, push or pull.

With the rain we had last week I did find that even though it doesn't work it does LEAK!

I have no life, only repairs and honey do's

Do you have a diagram of what is inside???

Ciao, Brian

74Argosy24MH · 11-12-2002, 08:55 PM

Skyliner breakdown

http://www.airstreamphotos.com/photo...php?photo=1387

Parts list. Check out those prices (don't forget the shipping).

http://www.airstreamphotos.com/photo...php?photo=1386

John

thenewkid64 · 11-12-2002, 09:04 PM

John,
Do I order the parts from you??? You must be using a real slow boat to offer those kind of freight rates!!

Seriously, I wonder how the adjusted for inflation prices compare to current pricing of available parts???

I wish I still had my factory installed Skyliner

I have one of those "my favorite martian" ones that LEAKS, and does not extend well at all. Based on stuff I have read on the web I think I am going to have to go with a Batwing replacement.

74Argosy24MH · 11-12-2002, 09:16 PM

The parts price page was too much to resist when I posted the breakdown. It is hard to believe a flat $1 shipping charge then when first class starts at 37¢ now.

John

**Chuck** · 11-13-2002, 11:45 AM

check out this link: http://www.mytravco.com/SkylinerAntenna.htm

hard to read, but there are parts diagrams and everything there. I was able to find a replacement gear and worm for mine. one of the legs on the antenna itself was broken, plus the gear and worm were trashed. I removed the antenna...trying to figure out how I'm going to remove the broken leg and replace. I picked up an alluminum tube at HD that is almost exactly the same thickness as the original; just have to figure out how to attach it. but anyway, once this jammed gear was removed, the base plate and crank handle was able to move freely.

ed moller · 01-10-2005, 08:07 AM

i have a good gear set, old antena for parts

garry · 01-10-2005, 12:02 PM

If it's a Winegard go here and down load the manuals for free (Installation & repair).

http://www.winegard.com/

Swanny · 05-18-2005, 11:11 PM

Hello everyone. My Excella 500 has a Skyliner antennae that can be raised by either a crank handle or electric motor. Neither currently works.

How do you approach getting on the roof of the AS with damaging it?

Mitch

Peter&Denise · 05-19-2005, 08:50 AM

Mitch - stabilize the trailer, lean a ladder against an awning rail or something else solid (to avoid dents), and climb on up there. Once on top, don't stomp around and try to step on the rivet lines. I've been on the roof of our '81 a few times and never had a problem. P.

Gunnyusmc · 05-19-2005, 08:54 AM

I use an extention ladder with a padded 2X4 taped across the ladder, this spreads the wieght across several ribs. You shouldn't need too get onto the roof as you can reach out far enough to remove the unit.

Don

PS Where is Windcrest?

Pahaska · 05-19-2005, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swanny

How do you approach getting on the roof of the AS with damaging it?Mitch

I use a padded ladder against either aginst the awning cover or against the eyebrow above the door. Once on the roof, step only on the rivet lines and there will be no damage. Stay off of the end caps; first, they will not bear your weight and second, you will slip and fall.

Anon · 05-19-2005, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter&Denise

Mitch - stabilize the trailer, lean a ladder against an awning rail or something else solid (to avoid dents), and climb on up there. Once on top, don't stomp around and try to step on the rivet lines. I've been on the roof of our '81 a few times and never had a problem. P.

I had myself and my brother on the roof of my 1977 Minuet. I had to cut a hole in the roof for the new A/C and I had to set the A/C unit up there. We did just fine and I have noticed to damage to the roof.
My dad used to get up on the roof of his 73 Sovereign. He was 6'4" and weighed 240lbs.

rluhr · 05-19-2005, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swanny

My Excella 500 has a Skyliner antennae

Before you re-install that Skyliner or a replacement be sure to do a careful inspection of the roof where it was attached. We have discovered that the base of the Skyliners can corrode the aluminum roof over a period of decades, especially in some environments. This causes leaks.

The corrosion is such that it is not readily apparent until you wire brush the roof to remove the weakened aluminum. See the thread "Dissimilar Metal Corrosion" for details and pictures.