Overhead Vent Covers

[AH-1 Cobra Pilot]

I finally decided to do something about my overhead vent covers.  I have one in unbroken condition, and the other three are/were definitely missing sections.  They are an incredible PITA to remove, and this one took a beating getting it out.  You need to get a 1/4" lock-nut off from the top of the knurled knob.  I put a wrench up through the vent hole and could turn it a little at a time.  There has to be a better way!  Does anyone have a special tool to accomplish this?  It needs to ratchet and be able to meet some weird angles.

At any rate, I designed and printed a cover.  The tabs are too tall and too sharp, so I will fix that next iteration.  I used PLA, (less expensive), but will use ABS for the final pieces, (stronger and paintable).  Hopefully, this one will fit fairly well, so I do not have to adjust the size too much.  It may need a little larger filleting, too.

I know somebody sells the covers online, for $50/each, but they use vacuum forming and mine never seemed to work that well for directing air, anyway.

I will test this one and write all about it.

[carusoam]

I think the original purpose of those parts was to look official…

Even in good condition… I don’t think they could change the flow or direct the flow of air any…

The solid printed part will do a much better job of looking official and may even adjust some flow!  

Nice work AH-1

Best regards,

-a-

[Yetti]

Heat your wrench and bend....   Or maybe these

 

I think I would miss the rattle if I fixed them.   They might need a nylon washer to be right.   After all these years I have not bothered to paint them.

[Ragsf15e]

Jeez, can’t the bolt drop in from the top and screw on a knob/nut from inside the cabin in the comfort of your seat?

Your new covers are awesome!

Edited October 17, 2021 by Ragsf15e

[AH-1 Cobra Pilot]

On 10/16/2021 at 11:19 PM, Ragsf15e said:

can’t the bolt drop in from the top and screw on a knob/nut from inside the cabin

Nope.  See below.  How do you get a wrench on that nut from the other side, let alone turn it?

[PilotX]

1 hour ago, AH-1 Cobra Pilot said:

Nope.  See below.  How do you get a wrench on that nut from the other side, let alone turn it?

A. You break it you buy it.

B. Don't do it.

C. Hold my beer.

D. All of the above.

[Ragsf15e]

4 hours ago, AH-1 Cobra Pilot said:

Nope.  See below.  How do you get a wrench on that nut from the other side, let alone turn it?

Yeah I see what you’re saying with the original hardware.  I was thinking to drop a 1/4” or whatever bolt from the top and screw on something like this.  If you seatch, you could probably find something similar to the original?  It wouldn’t be “approved”.  But yeah, I’m reaching.

Edited October 20, 2021 by Ragsf15e

[Igor_U]

I’ve done this years ago so memories could be fuzzy…

but on my plane vents are flexible enough to pull it down and reach the nut with open end wrench and make it tight. YMMV

[AH-1 Cobra Pilot]

I am getting closer.

[Yetti]

There is a better solution. 

 

[AH-1 Cobra Pilot]

25 minutes ago, Yetti said:

There is a better solution.

Just do not ask the price...

[Ragsf15e]

15 hours ago, AH-1 Cobra Pilot said:

I am getting closer.

These look real nice!

[Utah20Gflyer]

21 hours ago, AH-1 Cobra Pilot said:

Just do not ask the price...

I just bought some eyeball vent assemblies from Wisconsin Aviation for 60 each x 4 plus shipping….so probably about 270 dollars all in.  I didn’t think that was too bad.  

[AH-1 Cobra Pilot]

2 hours ago, Utah20Gflyer said:

I just bought some eyeball vent assemblies from Wisconsin Aviation for 60 each x 4 plus shipping….so probably about 270 dollars all in.  I didn’t think that was too bad.  

The last time I had heard of a price for them was from my dad on his T-210 about 20 years ago; over $1000 for a pair.

[Robm]

Reviving an old topic, I have the same problem. Sadly vents in my M20J are falling apart. Did anyone complete this project?  Are the STL files available anywhere?

I'll report back on how I fix it...

[AH-1 Cobra Pilot]

Mine have been working for several years now, so I am reasonably confident they are good.  I can make either the vents or the eyeball fixtures.

PM me if you are interested.

[Robm]

Update phase 1 (front) done.  They look great and feel like a huge upgrade. I installed them as owner produced parts (14 CFR 21.9(a)(5)) and preventative maintenance (14 CFR 43.3(g) and Appendix A(c)). I think these will last longer than my head liner.  Next step, back seats... 

 

[A64Pilot]

In my opinion I don’t think anyone is going to worry about whether a non critical interior part came from Mooney, is otherwise approved or not.

Think the Kool air scoop that goes in my ice window is STC’d or otherwise approved? I would hope not.

Yes I know Rosen STC’d their visors, but surely that was some kind of marketing ploy?

[TaildraggerPilot]

On 3/15/2025 at 10:27 AM, AH-1 Cobra Pilot said:

Mine have been working for several years now, so I am reasonably confident they are good.  I can make either the vents or the eyeball fixtures.

PM me if you are interested.

Do the eyeball vent adapters fit reasonably well into the existing air plenum system?

[EricJ]

On 3/15/2025 at 7:27 AM, AH-1 Cobra Pilot said:

Mine have been working for several years now, so I am reasonably confident they are good.  I can make either the vents or the eyeball fixtures.

PM me if you are interested.

Oh, I missed these when you first posted them.   How much are you thinking for the eyeball fixtures?

[AH-1 Cobra Pilot]

2 hours ago, TaildraggerPilot said:

Do the eyeball vent adapters fit reasonably well into the existing air plenum system?

They attach with one bolt through the existing hole the old vent assembly uses.

[TaildraggerPilot]

On 5/27/2025 at 9:22 PM, AH-1 Cobra Pilot said:

They attach with one bolt through the existing hole the old vent assembly uses.

I’m assuming the adapter is mounted first, then the eyeball vent ($$$ from Spruce) is attached. 

[AH-1 Cobra Pilot]

2 hours ago, TaildraggerPilot said:

I’m assuming the adapter is mounted first, then the eyeball vent ($$$ from Spruce) is attached. 

Yes.  It is too difficult to reach the hardware, otherwise.
I do recommend attaching and removing the vent to the adapter prior to installing the adapter, just to ensure it goes in easier once you have it on the ceiling.

[TaildraggerPilot]

4 hours ago, AH-1 Cobra Pilot said:

Yes.  It is too difficult to reach the hardware, otherwise.
I do recommend attaching and removing the vent to the adapter prior to installing the adapter, just to ensure it goes in easier once you have it on the ceiling.

Ok, well I’m interested