Added a roof vent to my fiberglass topper shell.

Yip,seems that the manufactures would have addressed this issue already.

 

If anyone is going to do it right, it is going to be you. I really like following the shit that you have done. Spot on through thoughtful decision making.
Good luck.

 

Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to some how seal up around the edges where that paper like product will be exposed after you cut it. Even if you fill that all with sealant before you drop the vent in.

 

Here's my thinking: water, water, and water! Install on top of shell will increase odds of water intrusion!

 

Thanks so much!

Great idea. What about using some fiberglass then maybe an epoxy sealant over that? When we were kids my brother would buy fiberglass repair kits for his surfboards. It would be sealed and rigid on the edge. I like that idea.

Lol yeah it's a fair assessment, but lots of people install vents in roofs so it can be done successfully.

As a side note it does not rain anymore in San Diego, so I only have to worry about the garden hose on wash day.

 

I'm good with that!!!

 

Should not be a problem to install.

These are pretty typical on work vans and trucks which you work out of all day so they wanna keep the temps down as well. We add them as we see fit on our vehicles. No leak problems ever unless it is a hard driving rain and you leave it open with the vehicle parked in the correct direction. Even then the water intrusion is not that large.

We just seal them off with our commercial stock silicon and call it done. We dump the vehicles after 5 years typically so it is not a worry. No leaks yet.

I would have two vents or you are not going to get any air flow exchange. You need to have a difference in pressure to get the air to move and with only one vent you will not achieve this.

You are correct on a roof vent to get the higher temps out. If you plan to be back there or your dog it is nice to get the heat out from up high.

 

What about butyl rubber tape as a seal? They use it on metal roofs around vents.

 

This stuff can get a little bit brittle. I have used it on a fiberglass top before to repair holes (that I won't talk about how the holes got there. )
When it gets old the edges can sometimes be the weak points too.
Just my experience with it.

 

Vent has been ordered. I hope to have it this weekend, and hope that all is well with it, so I can install it!

I read up on cutting fiberglass; lots of reading in boat forums!

I now have a jigsaw and various recommended blades for cutting fiberglass.

I also spoke with a 3M product specialist about products for sealing between the fiberglass layers. I think they may have the perfect product for this application.

$26 3M Bondo Fiberglass Resin Jelly, 00432, 1 Quart

Bondo fiberglass Resin Jelly. I found it locally at Wallyworld for about $12.50 a can. It comes with the hardening stuff too.

Despite it's name, it has a play-dough like consistency that makes it an excellent choice for vertical fiberglass repairs. It can be pressed into the voids, and because it uses an epoxy resin, when it cures it's waterproof!

If this works, I will select a different sealant for the vent, something not so aggressive, the vent vendor recommends a polyurethane construction sealant.

Lastly, I need to find some stainless screws.

 

Sounds like its gonna work out well.

 

I don't know about the California stores, but the Lowe's around here have a decent selection of stainless hardware.

 

Here is a route that you might want to take, I know when we would put Aluminum panels on composite skin for aircraft we would use cherry max rivets along with a double to go on the back side of the panel for reinforcement purposes. You already have a template for the hole pattern (the actual vent) and the rivets are easy to install and replace. Just make sure you have ample grip length for a proper buck tail, Now for sealing I highly recommend if you can find it is a product called skyflex. Once you put it down there is no chance of any water coming in
One thing we did find that is great to cut fiberglass is using a ocsillatting cutting tool

good luck with the mod

 

Project underway. Went full custom, I am installing an ABS pipe with low profile vent.

 

Bet you triple checked that measurement

 

You could say that. The Canplas ABS vent cap is made in Canada. Thought of you when I saw it.

Cut has been sealed now. Going to smooth out the glass and prep the joint for adhesive roof sealant.

 

Feel cooler with the hole in it?

 

I think it's going to work great. I laughed when i saw dust escaping through updraft while working. Once I'm all done I'll test by taking temperature measurements post install. Next week it's supposed to be 90 on Thursday so that will be a good day to measure.

I'll seal the vent in tomorrow and post picture. I think it looks good.