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campism Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2007 Posts: 4491 Location: Richmond VA
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Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2017 3:46 pm Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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What did you do to fill or cover the routed slot in the front of the upper cabinet that the back edge of the plenum used to fit into? _________________ '87 Westy in Wolfram Grey Metallic |
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avernon82 Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2015 Posts: 292 Location: Richmond,CA
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Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 9:57 pm Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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I got a new front from Louis Warfield at Rhino Design Studios |
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campism Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2007 Posts: 4491 Location: Richmond VA
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Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 6:12 am Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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Ah, I thought you originally meant the black grille only and not the full front panel of the cabinet. _________________ '87 Westy in Wolfram Grey Metallic |
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dsdunbar Samba Member
Joined: December 19, 2014 Posts: 564 Location: Crozet VA
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Posted: Wed May 02, 2018 12:55 pm Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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Digging this up from the archives.
I just had my AC overhauled to R134a. I am seriously considering removing the plenum for all of the said benefits, but I'd like to add a louvered grill, such that if the back passengers complain of it not being cold enough, I can redirect air down.
I was thinking of something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LSDYF90/ref=psdc_13400071_t1_B006J2VDPY
But I do not know what the dimension of the opening is when the plenum is removed.
Other design constraints I am not thinking about with this approach? I would need to have enough depth for the louvered vanes to move...Not sure if that will be an issue.
thanks _________________ '89 2WD Westy "Grey Goose" - Manual 4spd
Crozet VA
Vanaru EJ25, Peloquin |
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bobbyblack Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015 Posts: 4349 Location: United States, Iowa
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Posted: Wed May 02, 2018 1:47 pm Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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I like your idea of making some vent directors, BUT, if your fan works anything like mine, the folks in the back will immediately tell you to turn it down from freezing them and the hurricane wind if you put it on fan #3 or #4 _________________ '87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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Steve Arndt Samba Member
Joined: August 01, 2005 Posts: 1780 Location: Boise, Idaho
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Posted: Wed May 02, 2018 2:56 pm Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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What is the best way to deal with the wiring harness that runs front to back on my 87 after plenum removal. It isn't going to be fun... |
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dsdunbar Samba Member
Joined: December 19, 2014 Posts: 564 Location: Crozet VA
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Posted: Wed May 02, 2018 3:04 pm Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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Not sure what you mean. Take a look at Kam's pdf to ensure we're talking the same parts:
http://oldbluesblog.com/files/RemovingthePlenum.pdf
Steve Arndt wrote: |
What is the best way to deal with the wiring harness that runs front to back on my 87 after plenum removal. It isn't going to be fun... |
_________________ '89 2WD Westy "Grey Goose" - Manual 4spd
Crozet VA
Vanaru EJ25, Peloquin |
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Paulbeard Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2015 Posts: 2604 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Wed May 02, 2018 6:34 pm Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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dsdunbar wrote: |
But I do not know what the dimension of the opening is when the plenum is removed.
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I just measured mine, since I was measuring something else…
I make it 3 5/16 x 13 1/8. _________________ Currently -> Frida: 87 Tizian Red (mostly) Vanagon GL Westfalia w/ 2.0L ABA conversion
Formerly -> Steward of a 73 Super Beetle (Beater) and 67 Beetle 1300 (Little Max) both names by POs
— dhaavers |
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dsdunbar Samba Member
Joined: December 19, 2014 Posts: 564 Location: Crozet VA
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Posted: Wed May 02, 2018 7:04 pm Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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Awesome, thanks PaulsBeard!
Paulbeard wrote: |
dsdunbar wrote: |
But I do not know what the dimension of the opening is when the plenum is removed.
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I just measured mine, since I was measuring something else…
I make it 3 5/16 x 13 1/8. |
_________________ '89 2WD Westy "Grey Goose" - Manual 4spd
Crozet VA
Vanaru EJ25, Peloquin |
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Reckless Amateur Samba Member
Joined: March 16, 2009 Posts: 218 Location: Philadelphia, PA
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Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2018 1:57 pm Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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Plenum removers:
I got a new front panel from Rhino Design after removing the plenum, but I'm not quite sure how to install it. Looks like I have to take the evaporator box down and maybe there's L brackets or some such that attach the front of the box (where the speakers are). Or what? Help appreciated. _________________ 91 Bostig-powered Westy (automatic)
Philadelphia, PA |
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pinetreeporsche Samba Member
Joined: June 11, 2009 Posts: 752 Location: Falls Church, VA
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Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2020 5:09 pm Post subject: |
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Paulbeard wrote: |
[From several years ago, just read it pondering the job]
I turned on the fan post-removal and almost hit my head on the windshield, it was blowing so hard. It's hella gusty at 4 and very solid at 2. So that thing is out for keeps. Assuming the a/c itself is any good, I might see if there isn't a way to bring some of that lovely coolth upfront more directly with some diy ductwork. |
I have been considering putting a 2 inch round or rectangular tube into the 'spice rack', to deliver a small blast directly to the driver's side of the front cab area. Has anyone done that?? |
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campism Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2007 Posts: 4491 Location: Richmond VA
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Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2020 5:46 am Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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I don't recall hearing of anyone trying that but knock yourself out. It would need to funnel a portion of the blast into something like 2" PVC tube that snaked down into the spice rack and you'd need to punch out the front end or snake the tube out again to get it near the driver's head. Might affect the goodness of the airflow. Experiment with a mockup before making irreversible cuts, of course. _________________ '87 Westy in Wolfram Grey Metallic |
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jimf909 Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014 Posts: 7466 Location: WA/ID
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Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2020 7:22 am Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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I saw a neat solution here but can't find it. Someone made a fabric duct that ran from the back ac cabinet straight to the front. When it wasn't needed it was folded up. It's been on my mind but the plenum removal increased the airflow so much it's not as important but it would still be nice to get more cool air in front of my body. _________________ - Jim
Abscate wrote: |
Do not get killed, do not kill others.
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Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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Steve Arndt Samba Member
Joined: August 01, 2005 Posts: 1780 Location: Boise, Idaho
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Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2020 9:39 am Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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jimf909 wrote: |
I saw a neat solution here but can't find it. Someone made a fabric duct that ran from the back ac cabinet straight to the front. When it wasn't needed it was folded up. It's been on my mind but the plenum removal increased the airflow so much it's not as important but it would still be nice to get more cool air in front of my body. |
https://www.amazon.com/Juvale-Pack-Agility-Tunnel-Accessory/dp/B01N0UIV7V/
That would almost work _________________ Steve
Steve's 87 Syncro project |
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bobbyblack Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015 Posts: 4349 Location: United States, Iowa
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Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2020 10:01 am Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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Y'all know there is a duct already running from the back to the front, right? And, to boot, it goes right into the front air box. Its controlled by the part of the dash levers called Rear Vents. Plug those overhead outlets, and stop the fresh air from entering at the very front of the outside air inlet (top grill, kit by Vanistan is good for this) and the passenger door lower vent slider, and Bob's Your Uncle. Just got to drop the A/C cabinet, cut an access on the passenger side, and cut your way into that duct. I'd look for an in-line high pressure fan to place in the A/C cabinet to force that cool air up the duct. There is a ready-made spot of unused space there, behind the PS speaker.
On a side note, the fabric idea works. I've used such a "sock" made out of a bed sheet that I sewed into a 30' sock starting about 12" (to match my wood stove's blower duct) and then stapled the sock around the lower edge of my music studio wall (well, its a garage really). Turn fan on, sock inflates and oozes warm air. When needing to record, just kill the blower fan, and its silent.
If you want to have a blast of air, make an opening. _________________ '87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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Syncronoid Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2012 Posts: 1111 Location: Stanford, CA and Bend, OR
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Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2020 11:16 pm Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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Pulled everything out over the last two days. Compressor, all the plumbing to and from the condenser, drier, exchanger, electrical and every little part associated to the AC. Taking the remaining cabinet to Rhino Designs Monday to have a new cabinet and/or face made to turn the space into usable storage. I never used the AC in the 9yrs I've owned it. Au revoir!
Used these leftover wood wine boxes to support the cabinet et. al. as I carefully unscrewed everything. Didn't know what to expect. _________________ '90 Syncro Westy w/GW2.5L |
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VWagabond Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2011 Posts: 272 Location: Charlotte, NC
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Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2020 10:38 am Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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Man if you lived here in the south you wouldn't be taking it out, you'd be making it work before it gets hot & steamy.
Be Cool
Tom _________________ The Road Goes Ever On & On……...
VWagabond
87 Camper GL
87 Syncro GL |
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khughes Samba Member
Joined: July 13, 2013 Posts: 747 Location: Phoenix AZ
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Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2020 1:36 pm Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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VWagabond wrote: |
Man if you lived here in the south you wouldn't be taking it out, you'd be making it work before it gets hot & steamy.
Be Cool
Tom |
Amen brother!! _________________ '86 Westy FAS GenV Turbo (Marvin) |
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pinetreeporsche Samba Member
Joined: June 11, 2009 Posts: 752 Location: Falls Church, VA
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Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2020 3:18 pm Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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Synchronoid: The inserts (looks like) in the windows- are they some kind of thin insulation foam? What keeps them in their window-frames. Looks great, anyhow. If they keep you cool/war, that's even better. |
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Syncronoid Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2012 Posts: 1111 Location: Stanford, CA and Bend, OR
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Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2020 3:46 pm Post subject: Re: Westfalia A/C vents & removing plenum |
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Nope, that's just the textured side of the house.
pinetreeporsche wrote: |
Synchronoid: The inserts (looks like) in the windows- are they some kind of thin insulation foam? What keeps them in their window-frames. Looks great, anyhow. If they keep you cool/war, that's even better. |
_________________ '90 Syncro Westy w/GW2.5L |
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