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Old 03-13-2015, 07:29 PM   #1
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Screw or Rivet the Fantastic Fan Vent Cover?

I am contemplating adding a Fantastic Fan vent cover over my bathroom vent because I have kids, it does not have a rain sensor, and of course I am afraid it will be left open in the rain.

The install calls for what appears to be 4 self-tapping screws. So my questions is, because this is an Airstream, do I rivet it? It makes sense to me...I kind of feel I'll be doing a great injustice with screws because the brand is all about rivets.
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Old 03-13-2015, 07:39 PM   #2
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If it interests you I believe there are upgrades that will add a rain sensor to you current fan. A google search will find numerous sources, but I'd suggest calling FF.

Since fantastic fans themselves are put in with screws, I think you're okay with using screws !

By all means a rivet could be used, Olympics are okay, or you could used a closed end pop rivet, either way I'd use a sealant on top.
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Old 03-13-2015, 08:43 PM   #3
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Mine is screwed in with about a gallon of sealant slopped all around the base.
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Old 03-13-2015, 09:13 PM   #4
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Look at the Maxx Fan. You won't need a rain sensor OR an ugly cover to be able to use the fan in the rain. They work very well and even have a hand held remote with 10 speeds and temperature settings for thermostatic control.

When not in use, it is virtually flat to the roof. The bug screen comes off with the twist of 4 retainers, not the 10 screws that you need to remove with the F/F.

Check it out!
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Old 03-13-2015, 09:53 PM   #5
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The FF cover is a very easy install. You remove four of the existing screws and secure the mounting brackets with four new replacement screws. The cover then clips to the mounting brackets. You will need some sealant for the screw holes and for the top of the screws.

Good luck.

Ron
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Old 03-13-2015, 09:56 PM   #6
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I used the screws with my install but covered those in caulk as well. Besides, I don't think you'll have any rivet inspectors on the roof
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Old 03-14-2015, 07:19 AM   #7
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If you're talking about just a cover that goes on top of your existing vent cover, the ones I have seen mount to brackets which are screwed into the side of the vent. This means no holes in roof and no need to worry about sealant or leaks. They take about 10 minutes to install, work well and can be removed without anyone knowing one had been installed and no worry of future leaks. Downside is that while installed they stick up 10-12 inches above existing vent but I personally think they look fine. And to answer your original question, I think screw attachment works fine.
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Old 03-14-2015, 07:57 AM   #8
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I don't think screws vs rivets matters much. They just hold it in place for the caulk. I used Tempro Vulkem. Don't use silicon. and use caulk instead of the foam gasket that comes with the fan.
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Old 03-14-2015, 04:24 PM   #9
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Wink

JC uses screws to crack the plastic FF vent flange & covers.

Use care when tightening......by HAND.

I didn't use rivet's...inconsistent tightening, no control.

Bob
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Old 03-14-2015, 04:50 PM   #10
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"I didn't use rivet's...inconsistent tightening, no control.

Bob"

I agree with Mr. Cross.

I used SS screws and plenty of Trempro, urethane sealant
and mineral spirits to clean up.


-Dennis
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Old 03-14-2015, 05:00 PM   #11
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Given the above 2 posts I take back my post about rivets being OK.
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Old 03-14-2015, 05:13 PM   #12
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I'd use screws and tighten carefully. Then cover the edge of the frame with Eternabond Alumibond.
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Old 03-14-2015, 05:52 PM   #13
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Pan head Stainless Steel screws. The holes in the Fantastic Fan are counter sunk, if you rivet and do not oversize the head, the rivet will grab less of the FF lip than the screw will, and yes Tempro and blue tape for clean lines, plus WD 40 to smooth it out and give you a finish you will be proud of.
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Old 03-14-2015, 07:45 PM   #14
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my solution

This is how I secured a Fantastic Vent but I respect other opinions more than my own. Since self tapping screws seemed inconsistent with AS construction and rivets lack control over tightness, I chose #8 machine screws with lock nuts. Also added flat stock aluminum fore and aft to stiffen the skin. See photo.
Jim
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Old 03-14-2015, 08:29 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JRF0st3r View Post
This is how I secured a Fantastic Vent but I respect other opinions more than my own. Since self tapping screws seemed inconsistent with AS construction and rivets lack control over tightness, I chose #8 machine screws with lock nuts. Also added flat stock aluminum fore and aft to stiffen the skin. See photo.
Jim

I like the flat stock backing. Great idea!

I still like SS screws over machine screws with lock nuts, because in the future, that fan can and will fail.
Replacing a fan with screws, simple.
Replacing a fan with machine screws and lock nuts, not so simple.
Just sayin.



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Old 07-06-2015, 09:11 AM   #16
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I have ordered the Vulkem. What length for the Stainless Steel Screws? I guess I need to know the depth of the space from my aluminum outer body and the interior on my '69 Sovereign. This would be to replace the damaged Refrigerator vent cover.
Thanks, Bill
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