What is this thing on the outside of my burro?

[jenbooks]

I think this has something to do with the propane heater. It's sort of extended an inch or two on the outside of my burro. The problem is, it's chipped as you can see. How can I make it round again? Is there something I can sculpt that will harden and I can sand and it will look good? Or can I buy one somewhere? It seems like the first idea would be better because it's all of a piece.

Thanks!

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by jenbooks

I think this has something to do with the propane heater.

It is a cover to divert the airflow. Do you know the brand name and model number of the heater?
We might have something about it in the document center.

[AndyW]

It's the outlet for the heater. Mine was also broken - I cut out a piece of plastic/vinyl sheet and reused the screws. Since it's the heater outlet, it does get hot and the plastic deformed a little, but it still works.

[jenbooks]

Thanks. I am thinking I could get some kind of moldable putty that hardens, some plastic type thing that hardens, and sort of sculpt it and glue it on. Maybe I"m crazy. But it's like having a chipped tooth on a nice set of pearly white teeth. There it is on the front of my burro. :-(

[cpaharley2008]

I'd use a round piece of metal, painted. Go to hardware store and get a 4" round electrical outlet cover, made out of metal. May last longer being exposed to heat and elements.

[jenbooks]

Jim, thank you for that great idea. Will I drill holes in the metal for those screws? Remember, I'm a former New Yorker, a literary type, I have no clue what I'm doing neither does my partner! :-) And if I keep this little donkey for a while, I want to redo my cabinets, and want them white, and wonder what anybody recommends that is nontoxic and durable.

[cpaharley2008]

Use the old one for a template and drill holes, use the original bolts.

[jenbooks]

Ok. We don't have a drill nor do we know how to drill holes but there's a talented guy at the RV park who builds houses so he'll know.

[Green Frog]

Originally Posted by jenbooks

Ok. We don't have a drill nor do we know how to drill holes but there's a talented guy at the RV park who builds houses so he'll know.

Sounds like a plan, Jen. It will take less time to actually do the job than to go buy the steel cover plate, which will take less time than it took to get all of this figured out. Just be sure to be properly appreciative of your talented friend's work... perhaps a cool beverage or two of his choice will make the work go more smoothly!

Froggie

[Per Walthinsen]

Jen:

Unscrew that lid, put it on a piece of cardboard, trace the largest chip. Then cut out the cardboard, trace the chip between every screw, get a jigsaw with a fine-toothed blade and duplicate the chip. Get a piece of 180 grit sandpaper and smooth the edges.

Screw it back on again. If that doesn't work I'd get creative with duct tape or WD-40. If that doesn't work I'd replace the muffler bearing.

[RRJR]

And you'll need a "wijjit' to handle that !!

[jenbooks]

I gotta admit, I don't even know what you're talking about, Per!

Froggy, I'll definitely pay him.

[Andrew Gibbens]

Lazy suggestion - how about unscrewing that broken cover, rotating it half a turn and screwing it back on? If the broken edges were at the bottom, it might not annoy you so much.

[jenbooks]

Just curious why I can't do something like this:

Tips on Repairing Chips in China - Yahoo! Voices - voices.yahoo.com

[Donna D.]

I figure what do you have to lose but time in trying to repair it. But, I'm lazy and would find something metal that fits and call it good.