replacing Astrodome on 1966 Safari

[mrmotom]

I am trying to find instructions for replacing the Astrodome on my 1966 Safari.

[centennialman]

Originally Posted by mrmotom

I am trying to find instructions for replacing the Astrodome on my 1966 Safari.

Hello....what would you like to know? Do you have all the parts etc... so that you can replace it? The job is fairly easy and takes about an hour to do if you have everything on hand.

[mrmotom]

i have all the parts from the old one,( new one should be here any day) and the cranks work fine. I can not remove the t handles to gain access to the screen. will i need to remove the cranks completely or can they stay in place to install new one. i am in a fog in regards to this. BTW, i like your 1966 airstream.
and thank you for any help you can give.

[FLYNCLD]

To remove the screen, try holding the shaft of the crank with a pair of pliers (you may have to use needlenose) then unscrew the handles. Make sure there isn't a set screw holding them in place. You will then have to see how the cranks are attached, and either unscrew or drill out the rivets. If you are replacing the plastic Astrodome itself, you will need to remove and replace the cranks to the new one. The handles are normally riveted in place.

[mrmotom]

The set screws are the really small screws in the sides of the t handle on the cranks right? or are these just really small push pins that need to be tapped out?

[FLYNCLD]

Originally Posted by mrmotom

The set screws are the really small screws in the sides of the t handle on the cranks right? or are these just really small push pins that need to be tapped out?

Not sure on your model, could be either. Sorry!

[Sixty3TW4US]

This thread might help, has some nice pics. Not sure if you have the same or not?

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f455...der-52258.html

[mrmotom]

Yes, i have been reading this one, and yes it is help full. Thanks, still trying to decide how to remove t handles, i think they are pins holding t handles. now to find suitable something to tap them out with.

[Silverhobby]

Pull the handles on your 66 straight down. They are held in place by friction, no tapping necessary.

[mrmotom]

Very good. I will try when i get home from work. now when the screen is off, do i need to take the old astrodome with the cranks attached out completely? or can i just take the astrodome off and leave cranks intact to attach new astrodome in place?

BTW: thank you to everyone chiming in on this, you are all so helpfull!

[centennialman]

Originally Posted by mrmotom

Very good. I will try when i get home from work. now when the screen is off, do i need to take the old astrodome with the cranks attached out completely? or can i just take the astrodome off and leave cranks intact to attach new astrodome in place?

BTW: thank you to everyone chiming in on this, you are all so helpfull!

When I changed mine out, I took the dome off, along with the cranks and the put everything on a table to reassemble and rivet. Then installed.

Let me know if that doesn't make sense.

[centennialman]

p.s..... There are probably two layers of plastic in the new astrodome. Be sure to rivet through both of them. You don't want it to blow off while going down the road.

[mrmotom]

Yes i think that it makes sense, i was just trying to minimize how much stuff was coming off. i don't want to mess it up and break anything. Aside from having to replace old cracked astrodome, it works very well.
The astrodome i have ordered from "vintage trailer supply" is one piece lexan, thicker than original one that is doubled up. I am expecting it to arrive any day now, and wanted to be able to hit the ground running in regards to installation.

[centennialman]

Originally Posted by mrmotom

Yes i think that it makes sense, i was just trying to minimize how much stuff was coming off. i don't want to mess it up and break anything. Aside from having to replace old cracked astrodome, it works very well.
The astrodome i have ordered from "vintage trailer supply" is one piece lexan, thicker than original one that is doubled up. I am expecting it to arrive any day now, and wanted to be able to hit the ground running in regards to installation.

Keep posting your questions....we are here to help.....once you get into it, just take your time and organize your parts. It's a fairly easy job and you will be proud of the results.

[mrmotom]

OK, rest assured i will be posting more on this, Waiting for the replacement astrodome, i will try to remove t handles & screen late tomorrow after work, thanks for the assist.

[mrmotom]

I finally replaced the Astrodome. And to anyone out there about to do this, don't worry. It went fairly easy.
First i removed the T-handles from the cranks (they just pulled off) Used a screwdriver to pop out cranks, and removed the screen. Then i removed old Astrodome and placed on the table. After measuring old Astrodome and marking drill points on replacement Astrodome, i drilled and riveted the old cranks to it. I also cleaned and lubricated cranks. Then replaced Astrodome in opening. Success!
I am very happy with the replacement. Thanks to everyone who chimed in.