Odd Roof Latch Skinning Over Help

[MaxnMag]

Hey Guys!

Hope this is the right spot to post this. I own a 1984 MCI MC-9, and as some of you may know it has very odd emergency hatches, no where near the 14x14 inch standard.

It also has a raised lip on the roof of the bus, so even if I take the hatch off it makes it quite difficult to skin. Wanted a second opinion before I go cutting random holes in the roof.

Goal: Install Maxxair fan (14x14) in roof hatch access
Unfortunately due to roof "real estate" for my solar panels and roof deck space, as well as layout, the front roof hatch is the only logical spot to put it.

Issue: Sheet metal with not cover hole well with lip, Unsure of how or IF I am able to grind off or remove the upper lip of the latch. I feel that my only option may be to see if I can remove the entire section where the hatch is and skin over, but that would require additional ceiling bracing and I am not entirely sure it can be removed without removal/cuts of the central support beams. Will update once I look.

If someone can help out or give me their 2 cents, much appreciated! I will attach pictures as well for reference. Showing overall size, thickness and lip.

Thank you in advance to any comments!

[john61ct]

I would drop the MaxxAir,

jury rig a fitted plate maybe on a drop down hinge

with 3-4 server fans into the existing hole

and keep the OG hatch as is.

Big downside, have to close up in the rain, no good for the PNW.

Otherwise, chop it out completely, weld in a standard nice clean 14x14 hole

and rely on MaxAir for its fulltime built-in rain guard hood