RV style roof vent in tintop

[tjet]

Has anyone installed a standard type RV roof vent in a tintop?

Something like this?

[Type17]

I have not installed one in a tin top but I have in my high top. Other than the difference between cutting a hole in fiberglass vs sheet metal the install should be exactly the same, also yours isn't 10 feet up in the air!

These RV roof vents are designed to be installed into an insulated roof an inch or thicker so you'll need to make an internal frame to take up the difference. Cut out a piece of plywood and coated all sides with exterior all in one paint/primer, glued that to the roof and screwed the vent into the wood through the roof to sandwich the fiberglass. I don't see why this same method wouldn't work on a tin top, in fact I've seen these style vents installed on Bay window busses, Ford vans, sprinters, etc.

You could also go without the wood frame if you don't mind not having a it flush internally with the supplied trim ring. I'm sorry I don't have any pictures of my install but I'll do my best to answer any questions.

[tjet]

Thanks for the input. Yeah the design on those vents really needs a thicker & flat roof. I also don't want to cut a hole where an internal structure frame runs across.

Still thinking about it...

[Vanhalla]

One of these might be better, http://amzn.to/1U5r4uD
A smaller footprint to fit between roof ridges or supports. I have one in our Astro and no negatives so far after about a year.
I'm also thinking about putting one in my tintop with temperatures today getting up to 100 and we're heading out camping as soon as the Mrs. gets home.
There will be an angry little bear in camp tomorrow morning.

I did a quick write up on our very behind progress website http://www.vangolife.com/vans/fan-install
It's not a Vanagon but the same principle.
_________________
1991 VW Vanagon GL

https://www.instagram.com/bjornthebus/

Parts wanted/needed - A high top. CLK wheels. A weekender rear cabinet and head banger.

[IdahoDoug]

TJ,

Consider installing a fan in the driver's D pillar where it can exhaust out through the plastic grille, or reversed it can draw air in from there. I am not sure I will have time with an engine rebuild on my hands, but this summer I was planning to install. With windows cracked, it can make a breeze through the van all night long and no worries about overhead leaks a year down the road, or car wash damage, rain cannot enter, etc.

Doug
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1988 Toyota Supra 5 speed targa, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

[tjet]

Yeah Doug, that's a better idea then mine. I've decided I'm not going to do my RV vent idea. I'm going to go a different route now with a bigger & much more expensive idea - haha....it's a sickness & I have it

[newfisher]

Sliding sunroof sectional install with new headliner! FTW

[tjet]

something even more functional...

[newfisher]

Wait! Are you leaking the tin top coalition and going to the dark side?

[madmax25]

Wanted to bump this thread, as I just bought the cheap metal vent as pictured in the OP. Getting ready to install it in my tintop above the rear bench. Will update with pics and progress as I dive into it, but wanted to see if anyone else has ventured into this territory recently and has any tips.
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-Elliot

'88 Vanagon GL "Big Red"
'90 Westy

[tencentlife]

I would be sure to put it forward of the C-pillar bow, so if the tintop is ever converted to a poptop, the van wouldn't have an extra hole in the roof to be dealt with.
_________________
Shop for unique Vanagon accessories at the Vanistan shop:
https://intrepidoverland.com/vanistan/

Please don't PM here, I will not reply.

Experience is kryptonite to doctrine.

[madmax25]

That’s a good point. I never plan on putting a top on it though, and it’s “till death do us part” for Big Red and I, so I’m not sweating that. I’ve got a 2/3 metal/wood rack on the roof that I plan on cutting enough slats out to clear it. Ideally on nice nights it’ll be a good port for seeing some stars while laying on the Z bed.
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-Elliot

'88 Vanagon GL "Big Red"
'90 Westy

[Zeitgeist 13]

How about a couple of moonroofs?

https://www.dkhardware.com/sfc-17-x-17-his-n-hers-...-15348.htm

Since I have factory A/C, I'd like to put one on either side of the tunnel, above the front seats. A screen could be made for the opening when camping.
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Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[termuehlen]

If I were doing this, I would cut a "standard size" RV rough opening like 14-1/4" x 14-1/4". That way you have many choices of standard vents, powered vents, or likely even a solar powered one. If you don't like what you install, you will have other options in the future using the same opening.

A couple of options:
https://www.easternmarine.com/RV-Roof-Mount-Vents-Fans
_________________
1988 Westfalia automatic Subaru OBD1
1986 syncro tintop wbx

[djkeev]

[madmax25]

I have the larger size of that universal moonroof up front, and it’s one of the best mods I’ve done for daily driving and camping (except when I leave it open overnight during a surprise thunderstorm). They’re great too, because you can very easily unclip the hinges and remove the whole glass for the ‘full experience’.

The downside as I said, is that you can’t have it open at all when it’s raining/snowing. Also it does tend to dribble a few drops even when closed. Not good right over our faces while sleeping lol. I’m hoping this metal lid vent can be at least cracked in non-blowy rain without it gushing in like the all-glass flush design. Mostly looking for an extra vent in back when we have the pass through curtain in place (just behind the front seats) and the mr. Buddy heater going on cold days, and for the swampy Missouri summers.

_________________
-Elliot

'88 Vanagon GL "Big Red"
'90 Westy

[madmax25]