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Scott graham · 08-10-2018, 10:26 AM

Hello I own a 1965 Safari. I recently took it on its maiden voyage from the Bay Area to Seattle WA. It was a ton of fun, until my middle roof vent cap blew off in transit on I-5 as I was driving through Portland. I didn't realize it until our next camp spot. I have called Inland R.V. with no luck. Does anyone have any advice on obtaining a vent cover or any good alternatives for replacement. Thanks for all of your help. Scott

TG Twinkie · 08-10-2018, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott graham

Hello I own a 1965 Safari. I recently took it on its maiden voyage from the Bay Area to Seattle WA. It was a ton of fun, until my middle roof vent cap blew off in transit on I-5 as I was driving through Portland. I didn't realize it until our next camp spot. I have called Inland R.V. with no luck. Does anyone have any advice on obtaining a vent cover or any good alternatives for replacement. Thanks for all of your help. Scott

Does it open straight up or is it hinged?

Scott graham · 08-10-2018, 02:22 PM

The vent opened straight up with the twist openers.

Cochese · 08-10-2018, 03:29 PM

Vintage trailer supply has them

Joyflea · 08-10-2018, 03:46 PM

Is it rectangular or square ?

Scott graham · 08-10-2018, 07:39 PM

The vent is square about 14"X14"
vintage trailer supply sells a replacement lid with hinge top, could work, maybe I could modify?
I would prefer the original hardware if possible.
thanks for the input!
scott

Joyflea · 08-11-2018, 06:54 AM

I think that’s what they replaced mine with . They pop riveted the lid to the risers . The reason I ask is I’m replacing mine ,the whole thing in the next few weeks .

StevieB · 08-11-2018, 07:25 AM

PM me if your still interested, I may have one in the attic. I believe it is the whole unit.
Regards,
StevieB

J Ingersoll · 08-11-2018, 09:28 AM

I found our vent on our 64 Safari opened itself in front when going down the road, once when it was pouring rain. I wired the front twist opener closed so it only opens from the rear position.

crestonrv · 08-11-2018, 09:28 AM

astrodome or 14" x 14" ?

Scott graham · 08-11-2018, 10:06 AM

Hey guys,
the. vent is 14"X14' square
J Ingersoll that is exactly what happened to us.
I noticed that the vent was open on the front during a gas stop. I shut it, and was planning on inspecting it when we stopped for the night. I guess that goes to show. take the time right away to secure anything that might just fall off on the ride. I learned my lesson. probably.
Scott

NRFIII · 08-12-2018, 10:22 AM

Scott. I have an original vent cover that came from my 68 Caraval which I could part with if tryouts are interested in originality.

mykytiukr · 08-12-2018, 11:13 AM

If the screw risers are still there you are lucky as they are about $90 each!!! Ok, This also happened to me so what I did was - First thing, go to any RV dealer and buy a 14x14 vent cover. It is a standard one for most RVs. About $15. Next Go to a Home Depot or similar store and buy a piece of white acrylic at least 14x14 and about 1/8 in. thick. Thicker if they have it. The smallest piece I found was about 18x24. About another $15. Ok, next. Mine departed from where the “hinge” connected to the top center piece of the riser so one hinge was gone but I had the other one for the pattern to find and fabricate one. It is a small furniture hinge about 3 in. wide and the long part is about another 3 in. long. Buy at least 6 of these as you will have to trim and drill it to get everything in the right place and it may take some trial and error. I think $3.50 for a pack of two. Pick up a tube of clear RTV. Now mine has a similar but longer vent to see how was everything should be. You will have to drill out anything attached to the new vent cover. Then cut and trim the white acrylic to fit into the first step of the vent cover. Then....here is where gets tricky - put the acrylic in place on top of the trailer as straight an even as possible. Maybe set something heavy on top to hold it in place. Next get the risers lined up straight so you can trim the hinges. As for attaching the hinge to the riser I ground off the very top of the riser to make it all flat then drilled a small hole about 1/2 in. deep in the center post of the riser then drilled a hole in the hinge in the appropriate spot. Then used a stainless steel sheet metal screw to connect the hinge to the riser. I did mine so I could drill through both the acrylic and vent cover for attaching the hinges for more strength. Use the RTV to attach the piece of acrylic to the cover. If you have a similar vent on your trailer to use for reference you should be in good shape to make another one. I did it this way to retain more original stuff on the trailer. You could also just buy a complete vent kit from that RV dealer and install it if you are not concerned with keeping original. Good Luck!!!

Scott graham · 08-13-2018, 02:32 PM

Hey mykytiukr,
Thanks for the detailed response. This could be the rout that I choose to go with. Unfortunately my lid flew off with the lifters, but at least they make an expensive replacement.
Scott