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Why did they delete the side windows in the tent?
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sped372
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 11:38 am    Post subject: Why did they delete the side windows in the tent? Reply with quote

I have no interest in creating another 'which tent is best' thread, I'm simply curious if anyone knows the logic behind why Westfalia removed the side windows on the upper tent for the later bays and Vanagons. Cost? Safety? Something else?

Coming from a '70 with the three window tent the reduction in airflow is dramatic!
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PDXWesty
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 11:43 am    Post subject: Re: Why did they delete the side windows in the tent? Reply with quote

I've never seen an original tent, Bus or Vanagon, with side windows.

Have any pictures?
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sped372
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 11:46 am    Post subject: Re: Why did they delete the side windows in the tent? Reply with quote

The early bays did for sure, don't know when they stopped. Our '70 had the original canvas when we bought it. You can see in the old literature archived on this website also.

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PDXWesty
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 11:59 am    Post subject: Re: Why did they delete the side windows in the tent? Reply with quote

Interesting. Thanks for the share!

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Last edited by PDXWesty on Fri Jun 16, 2017 12:01 pm; edited 1 time in total
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kamzcab86
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 12:01 pm    Post subject: Re: Why did they delete the side windows in the tent? Reply with quote

sped372 wrote:
You can see in the old literature archived on this website also.


Yep, how 'bout that?!

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Never really noticed that little detail. Embarassed

My guess would be, when Westfalia reversed the roof opening ('74?), the tent got bigger (longer) and a real bed was added, therefore eliminating side windows kept the cost down a bit.
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sped372
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 12:09 pm    Post subject: Re: Why did they delete the side windows in the tent? Reply with quote

I was wondering if it had something to do with the real bed up there, full width so you can roll over and put pressure on the sides. Early Bay is just the cot that keeps you off the sides.
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 12:16 pm    Post subject: Re: Why did they delete the side windows in the tent? Reply with quote

sped372 wrote:
I was wondering if it had something to do with the real bed up there, full width so you can roll over and put pressure on the sides.


Certainly probable. It could have been a combination of cost and safety.

Sure wish they had kept 'em... love my 3-window replacement and wouldn't think of going back to 1 window!
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?Waldo?
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 12:35 pm    Post subject: Re: Why did they delete the side windows in the tent? Reply with quote

My folks bought a '74 Westy new. From the factory it had the 3-window tent AND the full bed on top.
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 12:40 pm    Post subject: Re: Why did they delete the side windows in the tent? Reply with quote

Andrew A. Libby wrote:
My folks bought a '74 Westy new. From the factory it had the 3-window tent AND the full bed on top.


Judging by the brochures, '74 was the only year. From '75, no 3 windows.
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sped372
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 12:43 pm    Post subject: Re: Why did they delete the side windows in the tent? Reply with quote

Maybe somebody ripped through and fell out in 1974!?
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 4:29 pm    Post subject: Re: Why did they delete the side windows in the tent? Reply with quote

sped372 wrote:
Maybe somebody ripped through and fell out in 1974!?


And later in life, they burned themselves on McDonalds coffee 😁
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2017 9:55 am    Post subject: Re: Why did they delete the side windows in the tent? Reply with quote

My 2003 EV Westy came with side zipper windows new off the lot. I thought it incredibly strange that it didn't have front facing zippered window... Go figure.
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