TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon Apr 16, 2012 4:43 am

Hi all,

Quite some time ago I stumbled across an ad' here for USA-made vent 'extenders'.

They slot into the first vent on the side of the airbox and are then secured with the existing screw behind the last vent. They force the airflow down.

I've had no luck finding them with Google or Search on here.

Do any of you perhaps know where to find them? Are they still being made?

Thanks.

Nic

Mon Apr 16, 2012 5:13 am

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=741446

I went to homedepot, got a square piece of sheet metal and made my own. I have since trimmed the edges much nicer and painted it to match the fresh air box. But you get the idea. These things WORK!!! Actually had to close the main flap half way and redirect 90% of the air to the back of the bus to keep the breeze on top of my head at a reasonable level.

There is also an adjustable version.
http://www.autocrafteng.co.uk/productdetails.asp?pid=175&id=21&gmnu=60&cmnu=5

I too made one of these. Still using the same $5 piece of sheet metal!

Mon Apr 16, 2012 5:28 am

fluxcap, you rock!

Thank you.

They do like might simple to make...

Added incentive for those of us on the other side of the planet.

Mon Apr 16, 2012 6:45 am

The autocraft one's are awesome because you can select the amount of breeze hitting your head and vary the amount the driver/passenger recieve

Mon Apr 16, 2012 8:50 am

Any pics on how it was made? Did you simply bend it?

Mon Apr 16, 2012 9:24 am

61TXghia wrote: Any pics on how it was made? Did you simply bend it?

didn't take any pics while making them. But yes, for the fixed version, just cut and bend. You have to account for a few angles obviously, so you can't just cut a straight rectangle and bend it. Here's a rough paint sketch of the general shape of the template. Draw/cut it out on paper first and you'll get an idea of the angles you need.

I actually tried to order some of the ones in the classified above, but never got an e-mail back, so I just resorted to making my own. My bus is far from a show bus, so these work just fine for me. Probably not gonna get the shine and precision straight cut edges doing it by hand on sheetmetal though.

Mon Apr 16, 2012 3:43 pm

What are the autocraft ones? THere are some made that just slide in instead of bolting in. I will see if I can find them and post the link here.

Mon Apr 16, 2012 5:16 pm

Snoop Bob wrote: What are the autocraft ones?
I've got a link to them in my first post above. But here's a pic of them:

They look awesome, I just can't spare the extra $70 right now.

Tue Apr 17, 2012 2:54 pm

Nice. I think Nice Rack (Single Cab) Dave from FL was selling the other kind I was talking about. I can't find them for sale now. I don't know if he was making them or just selling them for someone.

Tue Apr 17, 2012 7:27 pm

Chris, if you find a set, let me know, I want a set as well.

Tue Apr 17, 2012 7:47 pm

Tue Apr 17, 2012 8:02 pm

I got a set from Chadd (ratlookvw) last year. You might want to check with him and see if he has any more.

Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:10 pm

I have a few sets left,need to check,sold a few at no dough. I think Chad got them from me.

Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:24 pm

fluxcap wrote: Snoop Bob wrote: What are the autocraft ones?
I've got a link to them in my first post above. But here's a pic of them:

They look awesome, I just can't spare the extra $70 right now.

Yah, they ain't cheap. :| I like the adjustability though.

Is there a tab on the back of those to slot into the first vent or is DIY-bending on arrival?

Thanks for the other responses, everyone. Still trying to make up my mind here. :lol:

Tue Apr 24, 2012 12:30 am

I've just sent AutoCraft another email. They don't seem to want my business...

Considering that I'm trying to match up my order to a relative visiting the UK for a few days soon, some urgency would be appreciated on their part. :|

Has anyone actually bought from them before?

Tue Apr 24, 2012 12:38 am

Update: Just got a very quick reply from AutoCraft.

It seems their website product enquiry form is buggy. Direct email works fine.

Thu May 10, 2012 2:44 am

Merlin wrote: Update: Just got a very quick reply from AutoCraft.

It seems their website product enquiry form is buggy. Direct email works fine.

Have you had any joy with AutoCraft yet?

If not i can get on their case seeing as i'm pond side...

When are you coming over?

Anton

Thu May 10, 2012 2:57 am

switch3sixty wrote: Merlin wrote: Update: Just got a very quick reply from AutoCraft.

It seems their website product enquiry form is buggy. Direct email works fine.

Have you had any joy with AutoCraft yet?

If not i can get on their case seeing as i'm pond side...

When are you coming over?

Anton

Hi,

I did get hold of them, thanks. It seems we had a lost email between us somewhere.

I was all set to purchase a set and have them shipped to a relative over there on business as we speak, but I developed a big problem with my car over this past weekend that is going to kill any excess cash for the next two months or so. :(

Thank you for the offer of help; is is greatly appreciated.

Nic

Thu May 10, 2012 4:35 am

Here's a pic of the type that Petrxl is using on his bus. No screws, they just sort of clip into the vent slots. IIRC, he bought them from someone in the classifieds.

Thu May 10, 2012 4:47 am

I like the look of those. It's cleaner.

I wonder if there's any rattling or if they fall out over rough roads...

Thanks.