Making+the+new+dome+door

The original dome door was of no use and never worked very well when it was installed at Pex Hill. the original door was made of fibre glass and in two sections.

The new door would be in two parts. A large upper section and a smaller lower section. Both would be roll on the new dome rails. The lower section would not 'stick out' like on some commercial models. This is a hazard at night to anybody walking around the dome.

A new door was required along with a new drive system. The dome door was made from rolling 2" x 3" angle and sheeting with thin aluminium sheet.

The angle was rolled at Formes Alutek in Ellesmere Port. The also rolled the dome rails too. They were made very acurately and required not modifications, only cutting.

Stainless steel bearings were used as well as stainless steel nuts, bolts and washers. The door skin was sealed to the aluminum angle with exterior waterproof sealant before being bolted into place.

Image belwo shows the temporary door before the new door was installed. This was back in May 2004 when my son David was smaller than me.