Quote:
Originally Posted by micaso
Hi Airstream People!
I bought a 1963 Tradewind out of a field in Wyoming this summer and I've started renovation -- it was gutted and rotten. My current trouble is the old astrodome was essentially a wood/alumimum framed hole. The original aluminum frame was there encased in wood, but tragically, no lifters. I have one completely original (and working!) Herr vent in the rear. I've already put a fantastic fan into the middle vent, after removing the disgusting old AC unit.
So here is my question: Can I put another fantastic fan in the rear hole, re-purpose the lifters up front in the astrodome and buy a new cover from vintage trailer supplies? Does this sound viable? Will the lifters from the back work up in the front astrodome?
-Mark
P.S. My blog is AirStream Padawan - Blog
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I'm not clear what you mean by "lifters".
Problem #1:
The Herr vent is 12" square, and the Fantastic vent is 14" square... sou you would need to cut out the Herr vent in order to install the Fantastic fan/vent.
Problem #2:
Herr vent is aluminum, trailer skin is aluminum, Fantastic fan/vent is plastic.
The difference in temperature coefficient of expansion for the different materials (plastic vs aluminum) is going to cause a lot of maintenance to keep those transition areas leak proof. Generally you will need to clean off old sealant and reseal every 2 years to avoid leaks. With aluminum on aluminum that service interval is quite a bit longer (5-7 years)
Recommendation:
Use the Herr vent if you can, find missing parts from people on this forum...
I can probably hook you up with someone I know that is parting out one of similar vintage (68, 28-30'). Don't wait... some parts will go fast. (A tree fell on it but there is a lot of good stuff including at least 2 of the Herr vents... plus vintage skin material, etc. I have interest in some of the parts myself.)
Chuck