Using VTS Service Vent Doors?

[worldinchaos]

One of my biggest challenges on the trailer restoration has been where to find new access vent doors for the water heater and fridge. However, now VTS seems to have something applicable, although with a white face...Service Vent Door - Large.

Anyone used this before? Can I strip the white paint and polish it?

I just sent their technical support an email as well since they're closed. I'm going to end up needing at least 4 or 5 of these (fridge+ water heater+ heater), so it is impractical to look through classifieds and ebay for vintage replacements.

- Peter

[tkasten]

Yes you can strip the white paint and polish as long as they are alum. I installed a window drip edge over the rear trunk door on my 65 Safari. I got it from VTS and it was white. I stripped with paint remover, installed with Olympic rivets and then polished. It turned out great!.

[worldinchaos]

That's kind of what I was thinking. I guess I should have asked "has anyone else" stripped it and painted it because I was curious how it polished out. I basically asked the tech guy if it was aluminum and what grade if known.

I'm hoping it is since the frame is aluminum and I'd be scared if they are selling dissimilar metal issues waiting to happen.

Good to know someone has used the drip caps too. I'm considering that for a storage compartment I might make.

[Melody Ranch]

I think there are far better choices out there.
Out-of-Doors Mart!, More Airstream Parts on-line than anyone!
for example.
Many of the surplus RV dealers in the Elkhart area have those type doors and panels.

[worldinchaos]

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

I think there are far better choices out there.
Out-of-Doors Mart!, More Airstream Parts on-line than anyone!
for example.
Many of the surplus RV dealers in the Elkhart area have those type doors and panels.

Is this the one you were mentioning?: Refrigerator Access Door. It's the only one I've ever been able to find on OODM, but I've had it bookmarked until recently as my backup.

The advantages of the ones on VTS are two different sizes and square corners, which will fit the style on my 1959 a little better. The disadvantages are having to strip paint first. Also, cost is significantly less, which makes me suspicious. Normally I get excited when it's cheap, but I want it done right.....

I'll drive over to Inland and see what Andy has first.

[Becky B.]

I think this is what Melody Ranch was talking about:

RV Surplus

[worldinchaos]

Originally Posted by beckybillrae

I think this is what Melody Ranch was talking about:

RV Surplus

Ah! A new site to add to my collection of links! Thank you so much, because even if I don't end up getting the vent there (which is much cheaper), I finally found tanks that fit between floor and bellypan, and I can have 26 gallons of graywater storage for under $200, as opposed to only 16 for over $200 on VTS. That's another item I can cross off my list.

[worldinchaos]

Just to confirm for anyone else who may find this thread in the future, got word back from VTS, and they are steel doors painted white.

Not suitable for polishing obviously. You could always take one and use it as a template, but at that point I would rather just follow along the steps on vintageairstream.com photo guide to build my own.