Univolt floor vent

[Skamper1]

Decided to take univolt compartment apart and see how to replace torn screen in the bottom. The part is listed as 600682 Univolt floor vent. I have added three pictures. First is the compartment minus univolt and vent. Second is the Univolt floor vent upside down. Third is underneath the AS and shows torn screen. The floor vent is one piece of work. It appears to be sheet metal that has been welded together with the two different screens embedded on the top and bottom. Do I try to drill out the welds and separate the vent and replace the screens? The torn screen underneath the AS concerns me because that is a good place for varmits to enter underbelly. Appears to be the same sort of sheet metal/screen setup. Would appreciate any ideas. Thanks. Jack

[Aage]

Well, here's an idea that may sound crazy to you. I'm just throwing it out, but you can just throw it right back in if you like:

Get a modern converter and get rid of the Univolt. It won't last forever, it's not good for your battery (if you have one), plus if it's anything like mine, it hums like a sunnovagun.

Oh, if you do change it out, don't forget to cover the hole, permanently...

[richinny]

can you make a screen sandwich and use bolts/washers/nuts in the corners of the screen to hold it in place?

[Skamper1]

I did change out the univolt. It is my understanding the converter needs airflow to keep it "cool" since there is some heat generated. The converter/univolt compartment is located under the front credenza and is self contained therefore blocking the air supply would not be a good idea. Thinking about adding new screens to the outside of the floor vent and then securing with strips of aluminum.

[Splitrock]

If those wires have to stay there, I guess I'd make an accessible, removable piece to cover the old with space for a split grommet for the wires to run in and screen sandwiched between two pieces of aluminum. I'd roll the edges for a nice professional job.