desertair27
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1967 Aristocrat Mainliner
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Post by desertair27 on Jan 27, 2016 5:12:25 GMT -8
I just picked up a Shasta Astrodome and I'm interested in as much info as possible on this cool little trailer. can someone steer me in the right direction? I can't find the vin yet but once I do find it how can I decipher it and determine the year. What I've read people aren't too crazy about this model of trailer for some reason. its missing the wings of course,is it best to buy them or is it something I can make? thanks for the help,I'm sure I'll have many more questions. Mike www.flickr.com/photos/desertair/? |
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turbodaddy
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17' 1965 Fan "Sunseeker"
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Post by turbodaddy on Jan 27, 2016 5:38:59 GMT -8
Welcome to VTT!
You are correct. For some reason the "Cutters" don't like domes, or "hangovers". (I have to admit some of them are a tad homely). But they do provide another sleeping area and a great place to stow sleeping bags and other stuff. The "hangover" does eliminate many tow vehicle options due to height considerations, you are pretty much limited to a pick up truck, and if there are more than two people it has to be a crew cab. If it is going to be a complete rebuild and the dome structure is a mess, maybe you should consider cutting? Show us some pics!
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SusieQ
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'62 Shasta Compact
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Post by SusieQ on Jan 27, 2016 6:22:37 GMT -8
Your Shasta vin will be stamped on the curbside of the tongue. There also should be a little metal plate inside the tongue on the streetside. There are pics here somewhere that will show you visually. Once you find your VIN, our member Ross can help you determine where your trailer was made and what year. You can pm him or post in the thread for finding VINs. Check this thread for info: vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/22/shasta-vin-model-database-includeThere is a diagram on the first page of this thread which will explain where the VIN can be found. It's possible to make your own wings but several people here have been very happy with wings by Tyler, there should be a link in the link section. He makes them for approx. $200 exactly scaled to the original size. Ten (member) and nccamper can also give you more details. And the cutters club are all nice people  I like the hangover, but they may change your mind. |
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Ten
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70 Shasta 16SC + 1964 Airflyte
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Post by Ten on Jan 27, 2016 9:34:20 GMT -8
First, welcome to our addiction. Second, rule around here is "photos or it didn't happen". (We're a terribly voyeuristic bunch here....) Where to start? Well,how about here: vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/29/shasta-astrodome-16sc Then maybe here: vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/5944/shasta-vin-locations The "controversy" that has surfaced concerning the Astrodome/Astroflyte models, and others like them, started some time ago. Personally I think the bunk over the hitch just screams "early-60's camper". Others that have worked on this model have kept it to preserve the originality of the trailer, as well as keeping the useful storage and sleeping space. The bunk design combined with the construction methods that lead to leakage over years make it a natural catchall for rot, on top of it being a towing problem for most types of vehicles. This has lead to the opinion that cutting the bunk off is the best way to proceed with rebuilding this design. The bottom line will always be "it's yours do what you want with it". We're here to help, purists and cutters alike. One of the best ways to research is to see what others have done with this particular model. Here are a couple for you. First, one of the finest examples of a "cutting" job remodel. This belongs to our friend schweetcruisers. He documented every step of the journey at www.schweetcruisers.blogspot.com/Before:  After: .JPG) I'll leave you with Tyler's blog of his restored Astrodome. www.nastyshasty.blogspot.com/search/label/My%20'64%20Astrodome%20Restoration Before:  After:  And of course, the page for his wings: www.nastyshasty.blogspot.com/search/label/WINGS%20-%20For%20Sale%20%28Shasta%29He has a great gallery of photos of finished trailers with his wings mounted. It is worth a look even if you don't like wings. (But be careful how loud you admit that...) |
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Post by vikx on Jan 27, 2016 21:28:43 GMT -8
Welcome! I like Domes.... well, to cutt them. Smile. Good info above, and we love photos.
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mobiltec
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I make mistakes so you don't have to...
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Jan 28, 2016 10:05:11 GMT -8
I looked at a dome once. The owner had started as most do with ripping out the paneling from the inside. Once I told him it was the wrong way to go about it we didn't have too many other words. But what I saw was the most amazing collection of rotted framing and curbing I had ever seen. There was enough left of said framing to be able to see how it was built though. With what he ad done to the thing there was going to be no way to piece it back together so we parted ways. That was on my Colorado trip by the way.
Domes seem to be water funnels and they all end up with lotsa rotsa. But if you disassemble it properly from the outside in you will be able to duplicate the construction. I would make some drawings with lots of measurements as I disassembled it and take LOTS of photos.
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I like the hangover, but they may change your mind. 
