That Ugly Mewlon 180

This week, I'm to receive that ugly Mewlon-180 that pops up on Astromart every year or so. The original owner drilled holes on each side to install a small cooling fan and allow for air flow (see picture) for quicker cool down. I remember in one of the ads past, the original owner said he cut the holes back before he fully appreciated the ascetics and beauty of a Tak OTA and would not have done it if he had it to do over again.

My intent was to install some heavy white reflector tape to cover the holes, but am also considering going ahead and installing a small computer type fan. I live in the Houston area, so the temperature drops are not as dramatic as some places. The OTA will usually be stored in an outdoor building (no AC or heat) and set out for viewing. Any opinions on installing the fan (or not) or how best to minimize the cosmetic damage?

By the way, I purchased a Nexstar 8SE alt-az mount for this OTA with the intent of it being an easy to set-up combination for visual use only.

I did have one bad experience with colimation one of these, so I'm pressing on with the intent that I will get the knack of colimating this OTA, as I have been spoiled by refractors for the last several years.

Thanks for your thoughts.
Steven Jindra

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Here is a picture of the other side of the OTA.

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