Rear Window Vent - Foam Filter?

[1621]

I've been searching to no avail. I found some late model rear-side windows with the vent that I'm installing on my '85 for (hopefully) increased ventilation. Now I'm cleaning out decades of dust and dirt on the foam filter from the interior side of the vent. It's not looking so good.

Is there any reason for maintaining this material? Or can I ditch the foam without looking back? What difference does it make?

Since it's on the inside of the rubber flap, I can't imagine it's to prevent insects or anything.

Secondly, if it does serve a good purpose, is there anything I can replace it with that might hold up a little better, especially while I have the vents out?

BTW - It looks like the scrubbing part of a scouring sponge.
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'85 Westy

[spitsnrovers]

I posted a similar question about a week ago - about washing the foam, and got no real definitive answer - other than DON'T put them in the dishwasher!

But I'm curious, did you get your plastic framework apart in order to get the foam rubber out? If so, how does it come apart?

[allsierra123]

looks a lot like the fiber filters that can be found in an HVAC system. I would say its there to keep the vents free of debris from the outside.
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95 GMC Yukon 6.5 TD 2 Door Tow pig/ Daily driver.
91 Vanagon GL. 1.9TD Conversion Sold
81 Vw rabbit 1.6 Diesel. Sold

[1621]

No, I didn't split the vent. In truth, I figured the foam was stronger than what it actually was. I dunked one of them into a bucket of water and the foam totally disintegrated! Now I'm attempting to find a suitable replacement filter to weave in, though I'm still not convinced it's important.

It filters the air from the inside, thus leaving all the dust and crud in the cabin. Secondly, the rubber flap to the outside would prevent anything from entering the van from that point. I dunno, I'm not convinced I'll need it.

*EDIT - That foam is now entirely gone. That stuff melts like butter as soon as water hits it. I may try some other similar looking material that would hold up a little better. I'm thinking one of those black floor buffer discs cut into two strips, and slid into the "frame" would be more than adequate. I think it would accomplish the same task as the original foam, and it should hold up to a good vacuuming every once in a while too.
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'85 Westy

[spitsnrovers]

So you didn't take the plastic frame apart? But does it look like it CAN come apart?

I haven't got my windows pulled out yet - that's next week's job and I would like to be prepared. Actually I will be replacing only one - the drivers side as I am putting in a slider window on the passenger side.

See www.griffco.ca/interest/ and look for the Westfalia link.

I understand that the crud builds up on the inside of the vent because the vent is to let air pressure out on two occassions:

1 - when you slam the front doors or rear hatch, or
2 - when you drive real fast with the front window open

[spitsnrovers]

My post went blank [Moderator note: Post above fixed. PSA for future: Just copy/paste URLs into the message box, do not add the forum [URL] tags.]

I has asked 1621 whether the plastic framework looked like it COULD come apart without destroying it.

[1621]

[spitsnrovers]

Well, my understanding those foam filled vents are to let air out to equalize air pressure in the van on two occassions:

1 - when you slam a door or the hatch, and
2 - when you travel at very high speeds

[David Marquis]

I thought that I would perhaps cross link these two topics so the next person could cross reference the info in both of them:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7307356#7307356
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1989 Westfalia Vanogan GL, 2.1

[squeegee_boy]

Mine lost all cohesion years ago and I didn't replace it. It doesn't seem to make a difference. No air flow problems, no insects.

Robyn
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1984 FrankenSyncro Westy. EJ25 RMW kit
1971 Super Beetle with an EJ22. Oh yes. Daily driver

[Ollie W]

Hello,
The foam on my vents head been missing since I've owned my van. It never bothered me. Then we got some snow flurries and suddenly my rear sleeping pad head snow all over it. Guess I'll address this in the Spring.

[Franklinstower]

I used a shop Vac filter. Cut to width and length. Fished through with a piece of wire.

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'89 Westy - EJ25/22 Frank 4.44 5mt
'75 Miami Blue Sunroof FI Standard Bug

[xavior12]

Yes! Thats the foam I used in our vents. Worked great!

[Steve M.]

Does the vent make more noise without the foam installed?
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This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them.

[squeegee_boy]

[bobbyblack]

[djkeev]

I just looked at my newly acquired 90, no foam.

Based upon my experience with bees in the rear engine vents, My guess is that foam is there to prevent bees from building a nest and interfering with the rubber flaps operation.

Next time I'm out and see those foam shop vac filters, I'll grab one.

Dave
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Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[DanHoug]

my friend that i bought my 89 Westy from was deluged with mosquitoes one night inside the van... checked everywhere and finally found they were coming in the vent, where the foam had long since deteriorated.

now mind you, these are Minnesota mosquitoes... second only to Florida Everglades mosquitoes. we were traveling Florida car camping and pulled into Long Pine Key campground near Homestead that said "Free Camping due to mosquitoes" and thought 'piece of cake, we're from MN'. holy smokes, i've never seen such swarms of tiny, quick, blood thirsty buggers. had to abandon after about 15 minutes.
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-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.

'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd

Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com

[bobbyblack]

[metropoj]

How timely about these windows. I stripped out a 90 GL and these windows are there, I thought about installing these in my 86 Westy.

I also will be installing some type of A/C in the westy. Am I gaining anything installing these late model rear vented windows? Seems like the plan is to reduce air ingress and wonder if worth the trouble. I survived without this newer style all these years.
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John.
86 TiiCo powered Westy.