Tkdplayer said:Has anyone cut through their high top roof on their van to install a a fantastic fan, etc? Is this a bad idea or not even big deal?
OpenSpaceman said:I have two fantastic fans in my fiberglass roof.
Tkdplayer said:Has anyone cut through their high top roof on their van to install a a fantastic fan, etc? Is this a bad idea or not even big deal?
highdesertranger said:there should be instruction with the vent. do not screw into the fiberglass with wood or sheet metal screws. the fiber glass will crack. you could use bolts with washers or use wood furring. if you go with the wood furring you can use wood screws. drill the holes though the fiberglass a little larger than the wood screw, you don't want the wood screw biting into the fiberglass but into the furring.
as for the butyl tape there is no cure time it's ready to go as soon as the vent is screwed down. we used to use paint thinner to clean the surface before the tape, but alcohol should work. make sure you get high quality butyl tape there is a wide range of quality when it comes to tape. I have a link for good tape I will see if I can find it later.
nowadays they usually Dicor around the flange as a double seal. hope this helps. highdesertranger
This part of the high-top as I remember was 1/4 inch thin. Looks like puitting in a roof fan took alot of structural stregnth away, but worth it for the always-there ventalation.MrBob said:I've done quite a bit of work on boats and I've installed about a million screws into fiberglass after drilling the proper pilot hole, so I guess I've had a different experience. I don't know how thick his roof material is but if it's in the 3/32" range he should be fine with 3/4", #8 stainless steel screws installed about every 3" or 4".
debit.servus said:This part of the high-top as I remember was 1/4 inch thin. Looks like puitting in a roof fan took alot of structural stregnth away, but worth it for the always-there ventalation.
I piloted holes in the center for future screwing. This vent was installed on a curved bulkhead which meant creative sealing. I didn't screw the vent down.
If one can't afford a FANTASTIC FAN in vent, acquire just a vent and install that for as low as $50. The fan can be bought later, and installed in the vent.
There are two spots selected for future vents on the flat part of the high-top. Planning at least one clear dome over the bed to view the stars at night, and stream natural light in during the day.
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