Cabinet over front window

[JimC]

My 67 tradewind has a plastic insert that fits into the fiberglass interior skin over the front window. The wood door assembly then fits on the front of fiberglass and plastic insert. The plastic was so brittle that it has fallen apart.

Anyone know where I can get a replacement insert? If not, then what do I do?

[InsideOut]

First off, welcome to the AirstreamForums Jim! Yay! Another vintage Coloradan!

I've never heard this one addressed before...you might try Andy @ Inland RV. He visits the site regularly and may know how to advise you.

Shari

[Inland RV Center, In]

JimC

The original rooflocker inserts did become brittle in time.

They are no longer available.

However, all is not lost. You can fabricate a replacement using plywood or aluminum.


Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com

[JimC]

Thanks Andy.

I suspected that I would have to rebuild, but was hoping for the easy way out.

I will figure out how to send pictures when I'm done.

[pap]

I have no idea of what the insert is ,but is it made of the same "plastic" crud as the interior dome caps and kitchen window return and so much other stuff in our trailers?

If so is all the above destined to brittle up and fall apart?But come to think of it most I have seen are already 35 plus years old and holding up fairly well.

Would there be an advantage in oiling the stuff with say the stuff we use to keep our auto dashes from splitting? Can't think of the name of the stuff right now, but STP and others make it and it apparently moisturizes dash panels and assorted car parts.

If I had a chip of it I'd put it under a microscope and see if it has any pores.Most plastic does not, but maybey vinyl does??Who knows??

Almost every vintage unit I see has at least little splits somewhere in the interior end caps. I assumed they were from travel stress or out of balance rock & roll.

[pap]

I got no answer on this one before it slipped away. I still wonder about the similarity between this and DavidZ71s (Craig) dome crack problem.

[ALANSD]

Between temperature changes and vibration a lot of the old plastic is destined to crack especially if left untreated.
The STP and other plastic treatments may be of some use to help the plastic retain its flexibility, but how much they will help remains to be seen.
I do use treatments regularly on the vinyl and plastic in my 25 year old car where it has retained its shine and flexibility, and I use it on the plastic in the Airstream, but I inherited cracks from the p.o. We discussed the repair possibilities in another thread, I am still working on mine, but it appears I have at least stopped further cracking.