Ben in the square

[dbuettner]

I found aluminum in 4x10 sheets at a metals recycling center today. They come painted tan. not the color of choice but will look good.
The price was very low, by weight it came to 44 bones a sheet. I think I'll still use the lexan for the build. However, the lexan will be 40x60" and I'll keep a spare $22 48x60 sheet of alum just in case I change my mind.

By the way, the metals company in San Jose California is Simms on Monterey rd.
Disclaimer, I have no affiliation to this or any supplier I have used.

Dave

[rebapuck]

I like the name Star Gazer. But a clear roof will surely mean early mornings. Maybe you like that sort of thing.

[dbuettner]

Good point. I could use your opinion.

The thought of sunshine, moonshine (not the stuff from a stil) or an annoying light in a campground got me thinking. The convertible campers use a vinyl snap on roof. I'm thinking of creating a snap on vinyl cover out of marine grade vinyl for the lexan roof.
I found material in a tan color to match the aluminum. I have also seen curtains used an another convertible teardrop. So I'm hoping a two piece curtain covering a 60x45 area on the ceiling could help with light when the cover is off.

I get to look to the heavens and still have a roof with privacy and uv protection.

Any thoughts from you or other experienced builders would be very helpful

Thanks, Dave

[dbuettner]

Well, it's been a couple weeks and I have a lot done but haven't had time to post. I'll add some pics and comments over the weekend.

Dave

[RandyG]

I'm using a 30"x36" piece of acrylic for my sun roof with some leds, check it out in my build below.
Nice work so far, I'll be watching for now on.

[Glenn Butcher]

Loving wife has expressed the mandate that whatever I build needs a skylight, as she is a bit claustrophobic. So, I'm also contemplating a lexan roof section. My thought for coverup is to put a piece of FRP in h-channel aluminum attached to the roof edges to make a slide-over cover. To do that, I think I'll need to run a strip of wood down the center line of the window to support the cover.

[dbuettner]

I opted to make a vinyl snap on roof to cover the lexan. however, I'm building outside and had some screen around the house so in trying to beet the winter storms I just used screen. I'll tray the convertible top with screen and if I dont like it then the lexan will go on.
We had a wind storm a couple weeks ago and I was away at the time. My blue canopy wound up down the street and left some dings in the finish on the sides...@#$%^&.

Anyway here are some more picks

[dbuettner]

Aluminum is on front back and top. All three doors are on. screen is attached, still needs screen trim inside front and rear.

[dbuettner]

The floor will be carpeted and I have insulated panels for the walls.

[dbuettner]

Well, a pics wouldnt post. I'll try and get some of them on my next post. You can see how far I am on the build from the last few picks.

WOW this is a lot of work. Six weekends of 4+ hours three days a week.

I hope to take it on its maiden trip in two weeks. It wont be complete but I have a trip to the central Calif coast Sat and Sunday following Thanksgiving.

I'm so glad the weather held as well as it has. Rain in the Santa Cruz Mountains can be.. well.. a b$#@%. Where the trailer is it stays wet til march following the first real rain.

I'll let you know how I like the hybrid convertible top after the trip.

Dave

[Glenn Butcher]

Dave,

Thanks, your photos have been of really significant assistance at our house. Loving wife has seen them and is now totally on-board with a skylight build. You also sold a couple of doors; between them and the skylight, it almost looks like a glassed-in porch in front.

Now, it's time to organize my build thread...

[clermont cubby]

Dave

Nice job. Really like the screened roof.

Larry

[dbuettner]

Well the rain started and the sky gazer is sealed up. Just made it. I still have a few days work but none to do with weatherproofing.

glenn,

I'm glad my pics helped keep peace in your home.

Ok, it may not have helped that much but if your wife is onboard with a build then she may want to go on some adventures with you in your tear. YEA

[dbuettner]

Clearmont,

Thanks for the support. I have few woodworking skills to help with this build so your positive comments are appreciated.

Thanks
Dave