I've searched through Fan-tastic Fan postings and I'm led to believe I would have to remove my existing original and well-preserved Hehr vent covers and operators to install one. Has anyone looked at the possibility of installing a basic Fan-tastic model or something comparable in a way that would allow the continued use of the original vent covers while still getting the fan's benefits? See, I want to have my cake and eat it too.
Dacia , don't you have a center fan ? My 60 has a fan under the Hehr vent
cover in the center of the trailer ,and an Hehr vent with no fan in bedroom
but has the wiring right there at the same location as the other vent fan.I
am going to install an early fan setup like the middle one if I can get it .
the vents really are part of the vintage theme ,valuable also .No trashing
allowed .I believe you could get a fan installed in there under the vent .
You may want to look at alternative RV vent fans ,not just the fantastics.
I cannot see losing those Hehrs unless you want me to have them !!!
I would sell the Hehr vents for whatever they bring and move on. They are cool and necessary if you are preserving your Airstream for resale or show but they don't move much air, compared. Retrofitting is a waste of time, but that is me, not you. Camp in your Airstream and be comfortable, that is what is important. There are purists waiting for you to sell them though.
I sold all my curved windows years ago because they were hot for sale and I didn't mind Lexan and knew some kid would put a rock through one. Before I bought Lexan, sure enough Steve made the glass available again so keep that in mind, people are thinking behind the scenes.
We too removed our Hehr vent (not a fan) and replaced it with a Fantastic Fan. We held off doing this until this summer because we wanted to keep the vintage feel of the trailer intact...but I'll tell ya, I much prefer the feel of the Fantastic Fans! However, we are keeping the original vent for resale with the trailer someday.
Shari
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Sorry, I didn't mean to make anyone's mouth water with the possibility of working original Hehr vents on the salvage market! But I knew if someone had been able to install a more efficient fan and preserve the old vents they would be here on the forum somewhere. Evidentally, its not possible.
Quote:
Originally Posted by scottanlily
Dacia , don't you have a center fan ? . . . . the vents really are part of the vintage theme ,valuable also .No trashing allowed .I believe you could get a fan installed in there under the vent . You may want to look at alternative RV vent fans ,not just the fantastics. I cannot see losing those Hehrs unless you want me to have them !!! Scott
Scott, I do have a center and rear vent, both with fans installed. The rear may have been an early aftermarket install. But the center fan no longer operates and the rear fan is way too nosiy to keep on at night. I agree with you that the old Hehr vents are part of the vintage feel. That's why I want to keep them. My roof line is nearly pristine and I want to keep it that way. As much as a like you Scott, you aren't getting my vents!
So here is my decision. I'm going to go with a Fan-tastic 12V Endless Breeze portable, look into repairing the existing fans, and convert one of them to 12V. Call me stubborn, but I can't bear to part with my Hehrs.
I looked at the fantastic fan site on travel trailer link .looks like it would be
400 dollars for 2 units and whatever $$ for insallation if you don't do your own work so 500 dollars plus ,more than a new dexter axle costs. I like the vintage flair and the original vents /fans .The fantastics are nice and all but
too much for me to pay .im surprised so many are spending so much for these fans .
Scott, since I had to replace at least one fan, I really wanted the functionality and low amp draw of the Fantastic. But I'm not into spending a ton of money and sacrificing my desirable original equipment either. I picked up a Fantastic Endless Breeze 12V portable for $60 from an online RV supplier. I probably won't do much boondocking in 90+ temps and humidity anyway and the window A/C unit is fine for campgrounds. Unfortunately, the original owner removed the front window and installed plexiglass with A/C sometime in the '60s. I replaced it with Lexan and a new unit last month. I haven't had a chance to look agressively for a replacement window. The original owner had saved the hardware and window operators. As far as roof ventilation, I'm researching my options. Not finding RV equipment with low draws like the Fantastic, but there are some promising at John's link.
Dacia
Having low current draw fans is a good idea ,That is important .im going to
research that myself for my second fan .the original stays .The fan pulls
hot air out of the trailer .I see the original fan does that pretty good.If Iwant
a breeze ,id go for a portable as you purchased ,low draw 12volt .im sure the fantastics worked good ,still alot of money ,I think I would go with the a/c
if i had that 400 dollars to spare .cherokee Rv salvage in colorado had two
airstreams in for parts a couple weeks ago ,you might check with them for a window,I don't know the years they are though.
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But I knew if someone had been able to install a more efficient fan and preserve the old vents they would be here on the forum somewhere. Evidentally, its not possible. 
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