TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sat Feb 02, 2008 9:33 pm

The vents on the outer ends of the dash on Vanagons typically get stuck in the closed position and can also get stuck in the open position. Since I had my dash apart today I decided to see what I could do to keep the butterflies from sticking. On inspection I decided that it was necessary to limit the travel slightly in both directions to stop the jambing. I ended up gluing little pieces of wood inside the vent housing to act as stops, one working in each direction. The vent mechanism still operates 100% with the mods. It opens completely and closes completely, it just can't be forced so far as to jamb.

Sat Feb 02, 2008 11:46 pm

That's clever. I took mine apart when I was rebuilding them, mine were missing parts, and washed them all in the sink. When that was done, I sprayed the moving surfaces with a silicone lubricant, and let it dry before I reinstalled them. They've never given me any trouble since.

I hope this fix works and lasts!

Best!

Sat Feb 02, 2008 11:55 pm

What's the procedure for getting the vents out? Please don't tell me I have to take the whole dash off... Just my driver's side needs fixing.

Thanks!

Sun Feb 03, 2008 12:27 am

slunk33 wrote: What's the procedure for getting the vents out? Please don't tell me I have to take the whole dash off... Just my driver's side needs fixing.

Thanks!

The easiest thing to do is just remove the grill section. Stick a knife blade or small screw driver into the end gap and pry it out. You can clean and lube the vent easy enough with just the grill pulled.

To pull the entire vent is harder. There are four tabs that must be depressed of which several are hard to get your fingers at. The lever also needs to be in the open position to successfully depress the one tap. The right vent is the easiest to remove as once you drop the glove box you have more room to get your hand up there and fiddle with the taps.

Sun Feb 03, 2008 12:31 am

Thanks, I'll try tomorrow. I do have the fuse panel dropped, is it easier to reach with the panel "kind of" out of the way? Any tips on getting a little more slack from the panel?

Thanks!