Don't want to cut your roof? How to install a rear fan.
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- Опубліковано 3 лип 2023
- No cutting or permanently modifying your van!
We used this setup for years through all sorts of environments and weather.
1. Remove trim and window. Trim pops off, remove nuts, clips, bolts, SLOWLY pry glass away from door, heat or a hot day helps soften the butyl.
2. Separate glass from frame, will need to reuse frame
3. Trace outline onto 1/8" plexiglass, could use clear, I wanted backout, cut with very fine tooth saw blade on jigsaw, dremel also works well. Drill holes for plastic frame.
4. Add more mounting locations to ensure plexiglass is fastened tightly to the door and there are no leaks. Doors have holes for more than the few bolts your window was mounted with. Buy more bolts and washers. Rubber washers under the steel fender washers to soften impacts/vibrations and to seal around the bolt. Recommend use stainless steel.
5. Prepare the fan for mounting. Depending on the fan, it might need to be trimmed down for mounting in a thin wall.
6. Make wood frame to support fan in plexiglass, 3/4 thick, matches outside and inside of fan frame, also painted black.
7. Pre-drill holes for mounting fan into plexiglass so screws don't split the plexiglass (acrylic)
8. Assemble and seal as you install onto the van door. Screws go through fan flange, plexiglass, into wood. Screws pull wood, clamp plexiglass and fan. Silicone on the screw heads to keep water out. Don't tighten anything! Plexiglass does have some flex to it but could crack if not careful. You could use heat from heat gun ($15 from Harbor Freight, or try a hair blower on high), to relax the plexiglass while mounting. Test on a scrap piece you cut to get a feel for how much heat it needs to become pliable. When it cools, it will be permanently set in that shape. Doing this will get a better seal. I didn't do this and had to reseal the top of mine. When all looks good, tighten nuts slowly, and alternate to keep the pressure uniform.
9. Connect electric power. I ran the wires behind the door trim and through rubber accordion sleeve to van interior. I also added insulation to the plexiglass. Replace the trim.
10. Test it out! - Авто та транспорт
Thank you
I always appreciate projects where you can return to it to original if you don’t like it
Agreed! 💯
Brilliant! This is on our to do list for sure!
Go for it!
Guys, i think it was a good idea love it thank you for share ❤😊
Awesome idea ! Better the plywood because you can still see out if need be
That's a great idea, and very nice description of the install !
I agree 👍. Definitely the perfect solution to NOT cutting a hole in your van. Just subscribed.
Isn’t laying this directly on concrete scratching the heck out of it?
Thanks for your concern! ❤ The concrete in my garage is very smooth, even slippery. Even so, I wasn't concerned since I'm not going to reuse these. I took this out to install pop-out rear windows!
which model of Hike Crew fan did you use?
This model is no longer available. Anything similar should do the trick!