[A/S] solardome replacement help

["snickerdavis" <snickerdavis@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi,
I found this note in the VAC archives and still need some help.
I am replacing my solardome in my 1968 airstream because it was 
damaged by hail.
I have obtained a new solardome from inland rv with the gasket. I 
have written inlandrv twice asking for further 
explanation/instructions and have gotten no response so I am 
bringing it to you folks. As you know the solardome is larger than 
the original and it comes with a template for the corner application 
of the gasket. I see from the message below that someone has given a 
description for drilling holes for the clamps to fit into. on the 
old one, the clamps and holes were on the edge of the solardome. 
Since the new solardome is larger, the holes and clamps wont be on 
the edge but on the inner portion of the dome. Ok, if I have to 
drill holes in the dome, do you drill through both layers of the 
dome,(I think it is two layers, with an air space inbetween), and if 
so, then you have made a hole on the top and it could leak, so how 
do you fix it so it wont leak. Can the rivets be placed into the 
plastic of the dome, or is it another type of rivet.
In addition , the clamp on one side has rusted out and I need one to 
replace it. I see some clamps on the inlandrv site, but dont know if 
they are the correct ones, they are white, and mine were aluminum.
hope this doesnt sound too much like I dont know what is going on, 
but I dont. I asked inland rv, to send EVERYTHING that I would need 
for installation and all they sent was a dome and gasket, no rivets, 
etc, and instructions dont say anything about rivets. if they wanted 
to give you a template, I would think the template for rivets would 
be more important than the gasket. I got my dad to help with it and 
he looked and looked, and kept saying, there has got to be more 
instructions than what came with the dome or else it would blow off.
I appreciate any advice you can offer.
thanks
sara davis



Title: Re: [VAC] Solardome Replacement
Hi Louis,
I replaced mine as well. Actually, made a new one. The lifter 
mechanisms come off of the frame by prying them off at the base with 
a screwdriver from the two tab-like arms. Apply just enough pressure 
to pry the arm apart from the lift mechanism. Once the lifters are 
no longer attached to the frame, just lift up the cover and turn it 
sideways and it will come through the vent opening. Drill out the 
rivets which will remove the lifter mechanisms from the vent cover. 
Attach the gasket material. Put the lift mechanisms back in their 
places on the vent opening and put the new cover in place with the 
lifters in their lowest position, but still making contact with the 
new cover. Use a black magic marker, Sharpie works best, and mark 
where to drill the holes. Because you only get one shot at this, 
take it all off the trailer and set it up again and double check 
your marks. Continue to do this until you are comfortable with 
drilling out the holes in the new cover. If your new cover is 
plastic, consider backing up the rivets from the top with a small 
strip of aluminum to distribute the pressure from the rivets. You 
will probably need to trim the top edge of the gasket material where 
the hinge part of the lifters go. Take your time and test fit before 
drilling. You'll have a great new vent. Good luck.