1961 Astrodome Replacement Sources?

[PA BAMBI II]

Hello! I just purchased a 1961 TradeWind Double and it has a cracked Astrodome skylight. The previous owner wrapped it pretty well with Flex Seal tape to keep it from leaking through the winter.

What are the best sources to replace this skylight? I see it on Inland's website, but it mentions it fits 1962-1971:

https://inlandrv.com/product/airstre...e-vent-covers/

Will it fit my 1961?

VTS, as with just about everything else I need, is out of them.

Who sells the best replacement for this skylight cover?

This is only the tip of the iceberg for what this trailer needs, but sealing leaks on the roof seems to me to be job #1.

Thanks for your insight-

Ben

[batman]

Hello Ben,

I have a 64 Safari that has an astrodone inside frame measurement is roughly 14" x 25+".

I purchased mine from (Inland RV (800) 877-7311). Be aware quite a few people here on the forums have had trouble getting axles from Inland. Make sure they have what you need before you order.

If you need the total outside measurement I will pop out the astrodome and measure mine for you.

-Dennis

[putback]

Inland and VTS are the only place I've seen them, usually out of stock, always expensive and expect as delicate as original. Read VTS info, apparently there are two different styles' not interchangeable? I go a different route. I use two 14 X 14 metal vent lids, cut one side on each, join to ? 26 3/4 ?, seal seam, buck rivit. Add 3/8 foam/foil insulation board to underside, cover with 0.25 or 0.32 aluminum. Bulb seal on top edge of vent frame, reset lifters. Still fine after 9 yrs on a 1964, just ordered 2 metal lids on ebay for a '63. If you look close you can see its metal from the ground but the original Herh 14 X 14's are anyway so it matches! All this is dependent on both lifters being ok. Ways around that also but more involved.

[PA BAMBI II]

Originally Posted by batman

Hello Ben,

If you need the total outside measurement I will pop out the astrodome and measure mine for you.

-Dennis

Thank you, Dennis, for the response. Don't feel the need to take any measurements for me. I have access to my trailer. Just looking for options. Your input is very helpful!

[PA BAMBI II]

Originally Posted by putback

Inland and VTS are the only place I've seen them, usually out of stock, always expensive and expect as delicate as original. Read VTS info, apparently there are two different styles' not interchangeable? I go a different route. I use two 14 X 14 metal vent lids, cut one side on each, join to ? 26 3/4 ?, seal seam, buck rivit. Add 3/8 foam/foil insulation board to underside, cover with 0.25 or 0.32 aluminum. Bulb seal on top edge of vent frame, reset lifters. Still fine after 9 yrs on a 1964, just ordered 2 metal lids on ebay for a '63. If you look close you can see its metal from the ground but the original Herh 14 X 14's are anyway so it matches! All this is dependent on both lifters being ok. Ways around that also but more involved.

This sounds like a great plan. I was thinking there must be a way to "build a better birdhouse." I don't want a cheap (expensive) plastic vent if I can help it. I will either do as you suggest here (probably easiest) or have a full aluminum vent cover made by the metals fabrication students at school. We don't really like the light coming in through vents anyway, especially in the morning.

I was just looking up metal vent lids. Can you send me a link to the exact one you have used/will use? Thanks much for your input! Ben

[PA BAMBI II]

https://www.vintagecampers.com/airst...-1-2-x-25-1-2/

[Hittenstiehl]

We too have had to replace several Astrodomes. A 65, with replacements (ie two of them) from Inland and we picked them up in person to make sure we got the right size. Although they are very well made because we live in the Arizona sun at some point the plastic started to separate and bubble. That made it weak and susceptible to weather and it ripped off in a wind gust. (hence the second one). Getting ready to do a 62 and already have the replacement dome from Inland again. Went with the white one this time as they didn't have the translucent smoke color available. Currently we have an inverted cookie sheet on top of the opening and it's actually doing a fantastic job of keeping water out. We will need to do a 61 also and I think we are going to forgo the Astrodome entirely and go with a maxair fan even if we have to modify the sizing of the original opening. The domes are getting harder to find and are probably more suited to indoor storage.

[HiHoAgRV]

I made one from a single 14x14 lid and used a tempered glass insert


https://www.airforums.com/forums/f10...ml#post2146280

[putback]

Ordered from Ebay, RVcargo trailer roof vent metal, genuine ventline oem. Seller cat003, 10 availuble as of now. To attach the foam insulboard and alum faceing inside I use Locktite Window, door & siding POLYURETHANE sealant. In addition to the normal sealant/adhesive coating we use I cut a 1/2 inch hole through the insulboard near 4 corners and a couple down the center line fill with the sealant to insure bonding to both exposed surfaces. makes it a no show, last at least 9 yrs!

[guskmg]

Here is a company that makes skylights for Airstreams. The owner, also an Airstreamer, got tired of leaky and cheaply built OEM skylights, so he started this company. I have had twofer four 8 or 9 years and they are good. They meet the Date county, FL Hurricane Code requirements.

Maxim Skylights (Airstream skylights)
1630 Terre Colony Court
Dallas, TX 75414
888 222 4898
214 905 2021
Fax 1-214-905-2024