What to do with with vent in the roof?

[58BUBBLE]

I have a 58 Bubble and the roof vent is gone. Any suggestions on best replacement for these? What about these fantastic fans people are installing? I do have the original lifters but they don't work to well anymore.

[overlander64]

Greetings 58Bubble!

Originally Posted by 58BUBBLE

I have a 58 Bubble and the roof vent is gone. Any suggestions on best replacement for these? What about these fantastic fans people are installing? I do have the original lifters but they don't work to well anymore.

I have Fantastic Vents in both of my coaches as well as a pair of their Endless Breeze 12-volt box fans that I carry in whichever coach happens to be the getaway vehicle. My Overlander has a pair of Fantastic vents while my Minuet only has one since it only had one roof vent. Needless to say, I am a VERY satisfied Fantastic Vent customer. The vents in both of my coaches were installed by factory representatives at WBCCI International Rallys - - the Overlander received its pair at the WBCCI International in Dayton, OH (1999), while the Minuet received its Fantastic Vent at the WBCCI International in Lansing, MI (2004). They are truly a "Must Have" for rallying at sites with limited electric as they do help significantly with keeping the coach comfortable.

http://www.fantasticvent.com/

In your situation with the '58 Bubble, my only concern would be getting the needed 12-volt to the location. Since the '58s didn't have as much 12-volt wiring there may not be any 12-volt wiring near the vent to tap into.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[rluhr]

Practically speaking, you really only have two choices: find a vintage replacement from another similar unit; or install a Fan-Tastic Vent. The latter will provide great cooling, as Kevin suggests, and the former will keep your Bubble authentic. It's your call.

If you want to try to find a replacement vent, try the classifieds on this forum or www.airstream.net (Vintage Airstream Club). Rally flea markets are another good source, but a '58 part is going to be a long shot in any case.

[flyfshr]

Recently, there have been these aluminum vent covers on Ebay. As rluhr says though, its a matter of authenticity or comfort. If I didn't have the original covers I'd go with the Fantastic Fans.

FF

[58BUBBLE]

Hi Guys, I've been working on my floor so put this on hold for a while. Anyway, If I decide to go with a fantastic fan what is the best way to run the wiring up to the vent? Do I have to remove skins?

[markdoane]

First, be sure there isn't a wire there already. My '59 had wiring for a vent fan, hidden behind the screen frame. It was painted to match the frame, I didn't know it was there until I took the ceiling down.

[flyfshr]

If I remember correctly, Fantastic Fans are 12 volt and not 110 household current. If you plan it out thoroughly, you probably won't need to remove the skins. Should be able to go up inside a cabinet and from there run inside the skin using a coat hanger to feed it through to the vent opening. I did this for my AC with a three wire 120 volt circuit.

FF

[58BUBBLE]

Duh! I didn't even notice the ceiling light is only about 6" away from the vent. In that fixture I have 2 sockets, one a/c and ond d/c. I'm sure I can do it from there. Thanks for all the feedback!