Horizon/Vectra Front AV Cabinet heat build-up

[CoolJudy]

We have a mid-coach TV but the Switch box, DVR, etc controls are located in the overhead cabinet above the dash which are either carpeted or metal with not venting. Obviously it gets very hot up there so we are keeping at least one door open in each section to help the heat escape.

Has anyone either installed rear/bottom vents or replaced the wood door center panels with a "grate" type front? Is it a DIY project or should we work with a cabinet maker?

[BigSkyBob]

I experienced the same problem with my satellite receiver, DVD player and switching gear in the front overhead cabinet. So I purchased a small (3x3) 12 VDC fan and fabricated a Styrofoam box to hold it and placed that in the rear of the cabinet. When the ambient temp is higher I run the fan to removed the heat and so far it's been successful. The fan is very quiet so it's not been a distraction.

[AFChap]

Quote:

Is it a DIY project or should we work with a cabinet maker?

it depends ...
...on your cabinet doors...
...on your comfort level...

Mine were very easy. My cabinet doors had glass panels held in with clips secured by screws. I bought light weight aluminum "disposable grill toppers" from Camping World, cut them to size for my four doors with edges doubled over to fit securely in the plastic edges on the original glass panels, spray painted the aluminum grates, then replace the original glass with the black aluminum grates. They look super, and allow lots of air circulation inside the overhead cabinets.

[CoolJudy]

Did you have an existing 12V plug in or near the cabinet? We only have 115 power in the area. We found a small ac/dc fan at Wal-mart tonight but the AC adaptor is not included. Off to Radio Shack tomorrow.
Judy