TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Oct 16, 2014 4:48 pm

Starting to install new carpet in my 66 but I can't figure out how to remove the Univent valve on the kick panel. From the installation instructions here:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/bug_univent.php
it looks like it should be as simple as removing the snap lock washer, but I can't get it to budge. Not sure if whoever installed the Univents glued them in or not, doesn't appear that they did, but it won't budge. Being probably 40+ year old plastic I'm afraid to get too rough with it for fear of snapping or breaking the plastic.

It also appears that I am missing the gasket.

Does anyone who may have removed the valve in the past have any tips, secrets and/or compound swear words that might work in removing the valve?

Valve from the inside of the cabin

View from beneath the fender to where the valve attaches

Fri Oct 17, 2014 5:37 am

The outlet/deflector simply slide into the duct under the fender.

Plastic does funny things over time... It can swell.
And....who knows what a previous owner does... Could be glue or a screw through the duct joint to hold the outlet.

Look closely under the fender for any screws added through the joint.
If none.. try a little heat with a hair dryer under the fender while gently pulling on the duct.

Lubrication is your friend as well.

I have a full set out of a car now.. Ill try to remember to snap some pics

Here is one from the gallery

Sat Oct 18, 2014 7:02 am

Thanks for the response Volkswagnut. I tried your tips and still was not able to remove the outlets from the duct. I don't see any screws, nor do I see any evidence of any glue, so I don't know what's keeping it from sliding out. Perhaps it's just been fit together so long it's become one piece.

I was able to slip the snap washer back a little from the neck of outlet which allowed me to push the outlet farther into the cabin giving me enough room to slip the carpet over outlet and get the carpet installed. Not the best way to do it but it worked.

Sat Oct 18, 2014 7:06 am

Looks great to me.. The plastic must be swollen tight...
Tis common

An aftermarket accessory that IMO looks as good as it functions.. (So simple..)

Why VW did away with the real crotch coolers.... I never understood...

Sure helps keep things.... ventilated...

.

Sat Oct 18, 2014 7:27 am

VOLKSWAGNUT wrote: Sure helps keep things.... ventilated...

.
Amen to that! They are lifesavers on those sweltering summer days!