TheSamba.com :: View topic - Idea on how to fix square hole in my roof

Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:03 pm

So the PO decided to make his own vent on this bus. He cut a square hole which is 15-1/2" x 15-1/2". I know that I want to keep some ventilation in this panel bus but his homemade unit is terrible. You can make it out in this picture. Any ideas to make this bus look acceptable from the outside. I don't want to patch it with steel.

Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:09 pm

That is one heck of a head knocking handle hanging down.

Metal is the only was if you want to close it off, fibergrass will not only look like a repair but crack (roof flexes) due to dissimilar material.

An RV supply may have a better looking or more practicle vent system to fit your hole.

Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:12 pm

yeah i was thinking rv store or a skylight with proper seals as well, steel would eb the best bet for getting it to look normal, other wise look for a boat sky light and use one of those, they have a good low profile design and have all the features you need to keep it water tight if done correctly.

Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:20 pm

Yep, I was thinking about a flip up style like you would see on a pop up camper. A flip up skylight would be nice. I don't want to seal it off, just put something better in its place. And yes you are correct, that nob has been imbedded in my head more than once!

Thu Jul 09, 2009 12:28 pm

if you don't want to patch it you will have to look for some kind of vent. A marine or rv shop would be best. You might consider aftermarket sunroofs and see if there is one that could fit if the hole was enlarged. Regardless it will be a place where water can get in so be prepared.

Thu Jul 09, 2009 6:12 pm

Check this link, not the exact size, but I bet if you searched around a bit you could find one to fit the opening you already have.

http://mobilehomepartsstore.com/Merchant2/merchant...ct_Count=0

Thu Jul 09, 2009 6:17 pm

The only issue with all those North American vents is they use a 14"X14" hole, unless you go for a truck camper escape hatch (even bigger and uglier) it's not going to fit. Sure it wasn't installed by whoever made it into a firetruck?

If I wanted to cover a hole and didn't want to weld I'd glue a piece of plexiglas over it with urethane.

Thu Jul 09, 2009 10:08 pm

I have the same problem with my roof, I am planning on using the skin from a beetle door to patch it. It will be a couple of months before I am able to try it.

Thu Jul 09, 2009 10:55 pm

busdaddy wrote: If I wanted to cover a hole and didn't want to weld I'd glue a piece of plexiglas over it with urethane.

Very good idea but use Polycarbonate sheeting as it is unbreakable clear plastic! Rivet in with PUR or silicone sealant too.

Fri Jul 10, 2009 4:15 am

Busdaddy,

No this hole had to be put in by the previous owner. No fire department would do this crappy of a job. Well after getting home from work last night I looked at the vent on my pop up camper and noticed that the flange on the outside of the camper was 17-1/2" square. The opening on the vents are 14 x 14 but this should cover the hole pretty well. I got on line and found a vent with a steel cover, not plastic, so it can be painted the same color as the bus when I paint it. It appears that this should work pretty well. I will seal it very well and worry about the inside head liner area when I get to the interior.

Fri Jul 10, 2009 7:10 am

I agree the one I put the link to is not the nicest looking, but glad you did a search. I found a few marine sites, but none of them had small vents. I think if you went that route, it would be special order and costly.

Glad you found something you like and will work. As stated, seal it well and screw it in to the roof, with stainless steel screws.

Fri Jul 10, 2009 7:14 am

Yep, I was surprised to find the one with the steel top instead of the plastic ones. At least I can try to hide it by painting it the same color as the roof. It only cost about $27.00 with shipping.