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Some advice on sealing the fridge vents

Posted: 04 Jun 2020, 11:45
by Ciaraneng
Hi all. I’m looking for some advice on what to do with the fridge vent openings on my camper. I had some rust marks coming from behind the vents so I took them off and cleaned the area up a bit.

There is no fridge in my camper and the kitchen area is sealed up with units so the vents serve no purpose. Should I get a patch welded in or how would you approach it?

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The vents that were on there just seem to be cheap plastic kitchen vents and caused the rust problem in the first place so I’m reluctant to simply replace with new ones. Is there a good vent I could use to avoid the welding distortion etc?

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Does anyone know who made this camper type? I have no idea who made the high top etc and it might help me to source parts etc if I knew who built the camper.

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Thanks guys!


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Re: Some advice on sealing the fridge vents

Posted: 04 Jun 2020, 11:48
by davidoft1
Don’t know the conversion, what’s the name on the front ? Look on eBay , there’s lots of fridge vents of varying sizes, pick one slightly bigger , but they generally cause the issues you have , welding is a good solution or bond a plate on

Re: Some advice on sealing the fridge vents

Posted: 04 Jun 2020, 16:42
by Ciaraneng
Thanks David;

That decal was just put on by the previous owner and is a family name. I saw no badge that indicates the maker.

I'll see if I can find a fridge vent on eBay that covers the two slots.

Re: Some advice on sealing the fridge vents

Posted: 04 Jun 2020, 19:21
by Plasticman
wouldnt weld it over , lots of hassle .distortion and not needed bond a plate over and to help blend in then get 1 or 2 new vent covers and rivit these on top
mm

Re: Some advice on sealing the fridge vents

Posted: 04 Jun 2020, 20:19
by Mocki
The roof is a Yorkshire conversions roof
But these were sold to the public for self fitting as well , so may not be any help

Re: Some advice on sealing the fridge vents

Posted: 04 Jun 2020, 21:16
by Ciaraneng
Plasticman wrote:wouldnt weld it over , lots of hassle .distortion and not needed bond a plate over and to help blend in then get 1 or 2 new vent covers and rivit these on top
mm
Thanks, it’s great to know that welding is not a good option. Great idea on the plate with the vent over the top. Would you use a steel or plastic plate? Is sikaflex good to bond with?

Thanks again.


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Re: Some advice on sealing the fridge vents

Posted: 04 Jun 2020, 21:17
by Ciaraneng
Mocki wrote:The roof is a Yorkshire conversions roof
But these were sold to the public for self fitting as well , so may not be any help
Thanks Mocki!


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Re: Some advice on sealing the fridge vents

Posted: 04 Jun 2020, 22:09
by davidoft1
There’s nothing wrong with welding ? I can weld a plate in there with pretty much zero distortion

Re: Some advice on sealing the fridge vents

Posted: 06 Jun 2020, 09:01
by Ant-t
Think the op wants to get rid of the vents not re-enstate them, welding in a patch and getting that looking right would be pretty skilled though.

Re: Some advice on sealing the fridge vents

Posted: 09 Jun 2020, 20:06
by Ciaraneng
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Some advice on sealing the fridge vents

Posted: 09 Jun 2020, 20:08
by Ciaraneng
Went with a patch bonded on in the end. Pretty happy with the outcome.

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I have a couple of (very expensive - £40 :shock: ) 20”x5” caravan vents on the way from flea bay. Could have gone with larger for cheaper but didn't want them to look out of place.

Re: Some advice on sealing the fridge vents

Posted: 16 Jun 2020, 20:36
by Ciaraneng
Here’s the finished article for anyone interested...
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Re: Some advice on sealing the fridge vents

Posted: 16 Jun 2020, 21:59
by davidoft1
Much better :)

Re: Some advice on sealing the fridge vents

Posted: 17 Jun 2020, 22:29
by Ant-t
Looking good! :D

Re: Some advice on sealing the fridge vents

Posted: 18 Jun 2020, 11:57
by Plasticman
excellent for the original brief , did it yourself and also better than trusting an "unknown" welder saving £££
mm :ok