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Topic: remove and replace fans and grateful thanks! (Read 239 times) previous topic - next topic
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remove and replace fans and grateful thanks!
Hello all,

We are a family of four with a new to us (as of November 2020) 2003 26.5 Mid Bath. We absolutely love it and have done a more than a month trip (to Lake Tahoe, Saguaro National Forrest, Quartzite, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, etc). We are heading out on a three month trip in the pacific northwest and will zoom work, zoom school, visit friends and relatives...and vacation! (leaving from Santa Barbara and headed to: Eureka, Portland, Olympic National Park, Glacier, Tetons, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, etc).

 This forum is an incredible community and resource and I am grateful for the information shared by all of you that has been huge in helping me do the projects I have completed. I have done my best to research and read posts about how to do things but may have missed a few details here and there and would greatly appreciate your thoughts and suggestions on a few things:
- Removing and replacing fans - I have an oscillating tool for sealant removal after the mounting screws are out. I am wondering what works best for getting sealant off the screws to be able to unscrew them? open to other general tips and suggestions on removing and installing fans.
- This is a bit random- I am wondering if it is possible to install a cabin air filter on the f450 air-conditioner/heater ?

Done:
-
  • Roof seams resealed
-
  • replace propane alarm
-
  • straitened entry door
-
  • New kitchen faucet installed
-
  • New shower head installed
-
  • Fixed outlet not working problem
-
  • Exit hatch replaced
In progress:
- [ ] Correct, polish and wax/seal paint
Next!
- [ ] Remove fan and install maxxair fan in  bathroom
- [ ] Remove fan and install maxxair fan in rear bed/sofa area
- [ ] Install Pepwave max transit duo cell modem/wifi router and antenna
   - [ ] router to be located in storage above dinette connected to 12v

 
2003 26.5 Mid Bath, gray. Family of four.
Re: remove and replace fans
Reply #1 –
Orin, congrats on your LD, it sounds like you are getting good use from it. When I replaced our fans, I found lighter fluid or acetone worked the best to dissolve and clean up sealant. Lighter fluid is basically the same as paint thinner, but you can’t buy paint thinner in CA, and lighter fluid is less than 1/2 the price of acetone. Also, acetone will damage paint if not removed immediately.  Once cleaned off, I ran a line of butyl tape on the underside of the vent frame and then 3M 4200 fast cure around the new screws and around the vent frame on top. Don’t use 3M 5200 because it’s permanent and will damage the surface if you need to replace fans in the future, same with eternabond. I also recommend putting a strip of 4” aluminum butyl tape around the frame on top of the sealant and frame. Not required, but makes it last longer. Don’t put a max fan with extended rain guard on the back unless you don’t have the ladder rail, it won’t fit (don’t ask me how I know). We really like our maxxfans and use them a lot. Enjoy!
SoCal-Gal  (Tracy)
1991 26.5 RB
Previous 1988 22’ LD Multi plan
Previous 1992 Six-pack Camper
Spare the sealant, spoil the job.
Travelers: Tracy, spouse Anthony, Coton de Tulear, Gabby and parrotlet, Indigo
Re: remove and replace fans
Reply #2 –
Hi Orin;  I just replaced my bathroom vent on my '99TK.  It is probably the same vent as you have.  I used a heat gun to soften the sealant (brownish) goo and a putty knife to clear around the screw heads. 22 screws about 2" long, 1/4 hex heads. A drill motor with a socket would seat on a warm head and unscrew each. My LD vent had a metal frame. The grey butyl acetate goo underneath a wide flange was soft enough to remove the old vent. Then I used solvent to get the goo off. Took the paint off too, but bare metal. Cleaned off the metal around the old holes to lay flat. The holes for the new Fantastic vent fan (exhaust only) didn't line up.  Pre drilled holes in the aluminum, pilot holes in the wood, pre screwed in with flathead 8 x 1" (provided) I used a few screws (not provided) to pre-form the threads, so as to speedup screwing down the new fan.  I used Dynaflex 230, my favorite. DYNAFLEX 230 Premium Elastomeric Sealant | DAP Products    I let it dry for the day, then coated the flange edge with 2" wide Eternabond tape. White spray paint over that onto the roof. It won't stick to the Eternabond top surface.  Have fun. It went slowly.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: remove and replace fans and grateful thanks!
Reply #3 –
Well, it looks like you're getting a good start on using a Lazydaze.  Nice PNW itinerary.  However, I don't think Mt. Rushmore is considered in the PNW.   But with a LD,  that's not a problem. 
Safe travels and see you down the road.
Maybe at Morro Bay 2022 when daylight savings time stars since you are in SB.
joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
 
Re: remove and replace fans and grateful thanks!
Reply #4 –
I’m late reading this thread, but what did you use to restore your grey paint?  The results looked great. Mine is in bad shape!  — Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄