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12-27-2014, 06:00 AM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member
1960 26' Overlander
Wervicq-Sud
, FRANCE
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 296
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Change a metal roof vent by a transparent roof vent ?
Good morning everyone,
On a 60' Airstream, is it possible to change metal roof vent by transparent roof vent ?
In order to have more light in the trailer...
I haven't found replace parts in web shop.
What do you think about it ?
Thank you per advance for your experience, your advices and your answers !
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12-27-2014, 07:09 AM
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#2
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
.
, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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You can, but it will probably involve removing the complete vent assembly and replacing it with a model that will accept a more see-through cover. A Fantastic Vent, for example, would have a see-through smoke-tinted lid. They do (or did, I haven't checked lately) make a vent without a fan, it simply opens and closes manually.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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12-27-2014, 07:33 AM
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#3
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Rivet Monster
1975 31' Sovereign
1980 31' Excella II
Sprung Leak
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 7,172
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I have solid metal vent covers on my 1975. Someone in the past cut a large square hole in the metal vent cover and riveted a piece of plexiglass in to provide additional light. It was well sealed and has lasted for quite a few years. The good thing about this method is that it is fairly easy to do and doesn't involve having to replace vents. You also keep the look of the original vent.
Aaron
__________________
....so many Airstreams....so little time...
WBCCI #XXXX AIR #2495
Why are we in this basket...and where are we going
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12-27-2014, 07:38 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
Princeton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
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Consider the Plexi idea. The plastic used in the roof vents will Age quickly resulting in cracks and or breakage from hale.
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles
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12-27-2014, 07:41 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2005 39' Land Yacht 390 XL 396
Common Sense
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,319
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If you do put plastic on the existing cover, use UV resistant Lexan. It will last a lot longer.
__________________
Regards,
Steve
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12-27-2014, 08:47 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
1963 26' Overlander
1961 26' Overlander
Central
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,919
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Is this what you are looking for?
Airstream Astradome
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12-27-2014, 08:57 AM
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#7
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4 Rivet Member
1960 26' Overlander
Wervicq-Sud
, FRANCE
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 296
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I'm embarrased to cut the roof in order to change the complete system... I'm afraid to modify the body and have a leak if I don't fix correctly the new system...
But good idea to cut in the actual vent and place a plexi piece... I keep in my mind this idea.
And of course, UV resistant Lexan, the same than persons use for the windows.
I have an other question about the Lexan, I've heard than it cans moved if the temperature is cold or hot, it's right or wrong ?
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12-27-2014, 09:00 AM
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#8
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Rivet Monster
1975 31' Sovereign
1980 31' Excella II
Sprung Leak
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 7,172
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It does expand and contract at a different rate than glass or metal, however due to the small sizes of the pieces I don't think it should be an issue. Mine have been in for over 20 years and are still leak free. I also suspect mine may not be UV resistant, because they are starting to show their age with some minor cracking.
Aaron
__________________
....so many Airstreams....so little time...
WBCCI #XXXX AIR #2495
Why are we in this basket...and where are we going
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12-27-2014, 09:00 AM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
1960 26' Overlander
Wervicq-Sud
, FRANCE
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 296
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV
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Actually, I have this system but the light can't enter in the Airstream when it's closed.
If I can change only the dome, it's perfect but I think it's impossible to find the same size than the original in transparent...
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12-27-2014, 09:04 AM
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#10
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4 Rivet Member
1960 26' Overlander
Wervicq-Sud
, FRANCE
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 296
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wahoonc
however due to the small sizes of the pieces I don't think it should be an issue.
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You're probably right, if my memory is relatively good, the extension is around 1%
So in piece of 30cm, it cans move between 28,5 an 31,5mm no more...
I'm afraid by a leak if I change the complete system
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12-27-2014, 11:04 AM
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#11
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Regular Guy
1978 31' Sovereign
Hot Springs
, Arkansas
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 603
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I did the reverse on mine. The transparent plastic was done for and I used 18ga aluminum and riveted it in place. It worked out great. You could do the same thing with a UV rated lexan. Trace the part out and any glass shop should be able to cut it to size.
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12-27-2014, 05:55 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1986 34' Limited
1975 27' Overlander
1969 21' Globetrotter
Conifer
, Colorado
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 8,278
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My 86 Airstream came with Lexan translucent vent pieces in the aluminum vent lid. Over the years they turned brittle and broke. I elected to replace them with aluminum sheeting like NavyCorpsman did. They did not add a lot of light as the vents are mounted over the ceiling light fixtures.
Many folks change out their old vents and fan motors for the more modern and effective Fantastic Fan or MaxxFan. You get a plastic cover and a much better ventilating fan.
David
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