Dear All..
It appears that I am up the creek without a paddle..so to speak. I am hoping someone has replaced their Kool O Matic thermostatically controlled ventilation fan and has retained their rooftop vent cover. Everything else on the system presently works fine and I would like to keep it as is. Mike at Foretravel informed me that there is NO cover in the aftermarket that will work so I need to fabricate, which I wish to avoid. Anybody have the cover in GOOD condition or anybody have some GOOD INEXPENSIVE ideas?
Thanks
Rick
1992 Foretravel Silver Anniversary Edition
Rick Scoville The Texas Vagabond™ (http://followunclericky.blogspot.com)
Rick,
As you probably already know, it has been about 5 or 6 years since the last NOS replacement parts for these fans were available. Now, the only source seems to be salvage from older RVs which are being parted out. You will have to haunt all the RV wrecking yards and other places where used parts show up. You might get lucky!
The other possible solution is to find a talented sheet metal bending expert. I've seen some amazing duct work done by those guys. They might be able to build you a metal cover that approximates the function of the original. Paint it white...voila!
Good luck with your search.
Howdy Rick, If you go the RV Salvage route, try these guys: Colaw RV Used Parts - We Have Your Part... (http://colawrvsalvage.com/) They have a "ton" of stuff.
A few years ago, James and Rance were "talking" about "maybe" making up a mold and have some fiberglass replacements for the kool o matic. Link: Xtreme Paint & Graphics (http://www.xtremegraphics.net/) Might be worth an email or phone call to James
Good Luck, Dave A
Rick, why do you need another cover?
I like the idea of a quick metal fab shop. I too have a koolomatic and when it comes time, I think this would be the ticket. Just take off the shroud and take it to pretty much any fab shop and ask them to make you one. I would consider sheet aluminum. Painting white would be a breeze with some spray rustoleum. FWIW, Best of travels.
The one I have is old & brittle and has lost a couple of "cracked" pieces from detailers being too rough! It appears that the metal fab idea has caught my fancy because none of the salvage yards worked out. I will look into the "fab job" on my next stop..7/5/2015.
Thanks all for the interest, comments, suggestions, etc.
Rick
Rick Scoville The Texas Vagabond™ (http://followunclericky.blogspot.com/)
FWIW, I thought of something might work, and be relatively easy. Get some West system epoxy and if the cover is in fragile condition (not lost) use the epoxy to paint brush on several layers of the epoxy on the existing shroud. After coating with several layers, it would be much stronger with the epoxy and one could use some fibers/mesh also to further increase the strength. This would be kinda messy but after repair would be strong. Epoxy fiberglass is the desireable fiberglass for boats (not polyester resin). After coating with the epoxy, sand and paint to help protect from uv damage. West system epoxy is available from boat stores. I have used this West system epoxy multiple times for repairs and overall have been pleased. Best of Travels
Thanks Charles...
I actually have a great nephew here in Tequesta, Fl who details boats & land yachts (RV) coming Wednesday. He is going detail, wax, etc. & I will run it by him to see if he can do it before I leave on Sunday morning for Clearwater/Dunedin.
Rick
Rick Scoville The Texas Vagabond™ (http://followunclericky.blogspot.com/)