DeeJay
29th January 2012, 03:22 PM
I recently had to do a 4 hour trip in a 41 deg day &, without air conditioning, the cabin heat was nearly unbearable, the 350 Chev obviously has contributed to the problem. Unfortunately the dash has no vents due to a previous owners revised dashboard, so it was out of need that I did this conversion. Still, it may appeal to someone..
Marking out the cut, I removed the lid of this vent, purchased from a caravan supplies place, sometimes called a scupper vent.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/192.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/193.jpg
Once the hole is cut - I used a 5" grinder with thin disc, use a drill to mark out the interior corners, put a bit of an angle as you need a slightly larger inside hole.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/194.jpg
Then mark out the inside.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/195.jpg
Most can be cut using the angle grinder. Some with whatever means available..
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/196.jpg
You need to source some 57mm wide angle, steel or aluminium, I had scrapped an unsafe aluminium ladder & kept some steps that were perfect.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/197.jpg
It is then a case of cutting/ forming the sides, then glue
/ sealastic in place. I found Selleys 3 in 1 perfect for this.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/198.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/199.jpg
There is no need to infill the left ( above) side. Then simply a case of replacing the vent cover & rivitting/ sealing in place.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/200.jpg
Doesnt protrude beyond the side rails & should capture some airflow.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/201.jpg
I might trim off the inside but it's not looks I'm after.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/202.jpg
I'll probably have to take off the flap again( I can drive out the hinge pins) & extend the internal lever so I can kick it open & shut. If I open the rear window - its a ute cab, that should get plenty of airflow. All up this job took 6 hours, but it's my hobby, I love metalwork.. Now to do the passenger side !!
Marking out the cut, I removed the lid of this vent, purchased from a caravan supplies place, sometimes called a scupper vent.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/192.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/193.jpg
Once the hole is cut - I used a 5" grinder with thin disc, use a drill to mark out the interior corners, put a bit of an angle as you need a slightly larger inside hole.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/194.jpg
Then mark out the inside.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/195.jpg
Most can be cut using the angle grinder. Some with whatever means available..
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/196.jpg
You need to source some 57mm wide angle, steel or aluminium, I had scrapped an unsafe aluminium ladder & kept some steps that were perfect.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/197.jpg
It is then a case of cutting/ forming the sides, then glue
/ sealastic in place. I found Selleys 3 in 1 perfect for this.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/198.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/199.jpg
There is no need to infill the left ( above) side. Then simply a case of replacing the vent cover & rivitting/ sealing in place.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/200.jpg
Doesnt protrude beyond the side rails & should capture some airflow.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/201.jpg
I might trim off the inside but it's not looks I'm after.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/01/202.jpg
I'll probably have to take off the flap again( I can drive out the hinge pins) & extend the internal lever so I can kick it open & shut. If I open the rear window - its a ute cab, that should get plenty of airflow. All up this job took 6 hours, but it's my hobby, I love metalwork.. Now to do the passenger side !!