Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
Rear Windows with plastic vents
Page: Previous  1, 2, 3  Next
Forum Index -> Vanagon Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
This page may contain links to eBay where the site receives compensation.
Author Message
joetiger Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: January 27, 2005
Posts: 5068
Location: denver
joetiger is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 9:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here's another thread on the same topic, 1621 mentions black floor buffer discs:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=332888&highlight=rear+vent+foam

The only reason I'd want to replace that foam is because wasps seem to like nesting there so perhaps the foam would keep them out. I found a couple of starter homes in there last summer.
_________________
Joe T.

'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32

"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron

"Still, it's good to be afield."--VWagabond

Available Now! Vanagon to Louisiana--A Two-Lane Reckoning Through Past and Present

www.josephtrussell.com
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Kopasz
Samba Member


Joined: August 15, 2008
Posts: 241
Location: Portland, OR
Kopasz is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 8:46 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I agree about wasps, other bugs, etc making homes in there. As long as the material is rigid and dense enough to let bugs from entering yet porous enough to let air move through easily, opt should work.

I am leaning toward the plastic mesh material used in less expensive furnace filters. There is a rain screen house wrap that may work well also. I think it is called Home Slicker, but you would need a few layers of it to fill the channel properly.
_________________
adam

'87 Wolfsburg Weekender, Bostig Zetec

The rehabilitation of my Van can be found here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5949024#5949024
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
stevey88
Samba Member


Joined: January 16, 2008
Posts: 1317
Location: Fremont, SF Bay Area
stevey88 is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 1:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

It is possible to replace the foam without cutting the vent open. Just cut to the correct width and insert/pull with a plier.

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

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

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

Sorry for the photo as the curtain is in the way.

I also use it to wrap the evaporator since the original foam are all disintegrated.

Just found it on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Foam-Wall-Window-Unit-Air-...5ae6837100
_________________
Steve

87 Westfalia full camper 4 speed


Last edited by stevey88 on Thu Jun 14, 2012 2:01 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Kopasz
Samba Member


Joined: August 15, 2008
Posts: 241
Location: Portland, OR
Kopasz is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 1:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Stevey, this stuff looks perfect. Thank you.

stevey88 wrote:
It is possible to replace the foam without cutting the vent open. Just cut to the correct width and insert/pull with a plier.

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

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

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


Bought the foam from ebay and cost only a few dollars with shipping. I also use it to wrap the evaporator since the original foam are all disintegrated.

Just found it on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Foam-Wall-Window-Unit-Air-...5ae6837100

_________________
adam

'87 Wolfsburg Weekender, Bostig Zetec

The rehabilitation of my Van can be found here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5949024#5949024
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
tarandusVDub
Samba Member


Joined: August 27, 2010
Posts: 1649
Location: Between Here and There
tarandusVDub is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 2:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If anyone has a pair to sell, PM me!
_________________
1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
________________________
Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
stevey88
Samba Member


Joined: January 16, 2008
Posts: 1317
Location: Fremont, SF Bay Area
stevey88 is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 3:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

When you buy the rear vents, make sure the rubber flap is still hanging in the right place and have not fallen down. This flap block off the inside of the vent from the outside when the van is not moving. I have a spare pair of the vents but one has the flap fallen off. This flap is inside the vent and can be seen from the out side slots. The only way to put it back is to cut it open.
I put in the rear vents on my Westy so I can use the doors from a 90 and put in the rubber strip between the doors and the body. They do cut down the wind noise a lot.
_________________
Steve

87 Westfalia full camper 4 speed
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
BillM
Samba Member


Joined: June 18, 2004
Posts: 1381
Location: Stonington,CT
BillM is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 4:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Steve
When you put the rubber seal between the front doors and
A-pillar what did you do with that one tab that doesnt sit
right. The later bodies have a little bit different a-pillar.
_________________
Bill M
87 Westy
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
stevey88
Samba Member


Joined: January 16, 2008
Posts: 1317
Location: Fremont, SF Bay Area
stevey88 is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 6:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

BillM wrote:
Steve
When you put the rubber seal between the front doors and
A-pillar what did you do with that one tab that doesnt sit
right. The later bodies have a little bit different a-pillar.


The later model has raised " landings " for the middle taps but a nut used as a spaced for the lowest tap. I put in the first screw and then tried to put a nuts to the lowest tap as spacer but for some reason the metal strip just do not mount right. So I end up just bending the mounting taps to the right angle and screwed them in. The end result is OK.
_________________
Steve

87 Westfalia full camper 4 speed
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Mofus
Samba Member


Joined: February 21, 2008
Posts: 369
Location: San Diego
Mofus is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 9:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I put these in my 87. The foam, like everybody says, poofed into dust. I installed them without replacing the foam, and I haven't noticed any bugs getting in, or whistling. Then again it's so loud in my van I'm not sure I'd notice anyway, but I haven't heard any complaints from the kids.

They were VERY difficult to install. I have installed several windows in the past using the cord in the channel method and these fought me the whole way. Even ripped the rubber in a couple places. Maybe if you start with new rubber you will have an easier time of it.
_________________
'87 Syncro passenger w/ 2.2L Subaru
'10 Passat Wagon (keeps Mrs. Mofus away from my van)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
stevey88
Samba Member


Joined: January 16, 2008
Posts: 1317
Location: Fremont, SF Bay Area
stevey88 is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 10:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I damaged a rubber seal also while installing them. This a a two person job for sure. I found having the cord cross over at the top of the window but pulling one side of the cord pass the plastic vent first make it easier. This is because the plastic vent will not allow you to pull with the cord parallel to the glass.
_________________
Steve

87 Westfalia full camper 4 speed
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
cris torlasco Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: November 08, 2000
Posts: 1363
Location: Delmar, NY/Buenos Aires, Argentina
cris torlasco is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2012 4:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

In case it helps anyone with this project, I have a late model, factory tint, rearmost passenger side glass in perfect condition available for sale. PM me if interested.

Cris
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
dubbified
Samba Member


Joined: March 03, 2010
Posts: 1406
Location: Redmond, WA
dubbified is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 11:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I rebuilt mine, degreased, soaked in the tub in orange cleaner, rinsed, then wire brushed, then tossed in the dish washer.

Came out all grey ish, then used Griots Bumper and trim reconditioner (Dye) and a heat gun to really sinnk it in.

two years later, still lookin real nice.

The filter.. is HVAC plenum.

I got mine courtesy of NOD7!

It is helpful to have a couple picks, and take your time fishing, pushing into place.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Juststeve
Samba Member


Joined: July 08, 2012
Posts: 66
Location: Calgary, AB.
Juststeve is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jun 08, 2013 1:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Old thread I know but I have the perfect solution!
While my windows were out for paint, like everyone else I cleaned up the plastic vents and like everyone else, the foam disintegrated. I took a trip to Home Depot and after about a half hour of searching I found this material. It's a wet/dry vac filter and it cost about $9. I can't tell the difference between it and the original material.

New filter(left) old deteriorated material(right)
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


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


New piece cut slightly larger than the space and gently pushed/pulled into place. It went in very easily and I think you could even replace these with the vents still installed in the van.

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


Like new, for super cheap!

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


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


Once again, thanks to my wife's tolerance of auto parts in the kitchen sink!
_________________
1988 Westy dove blue(75% VW),... (25% Gowesty, Van Cafe, Bus depot, RMW, Burleys, Gary Lee, T3technique, vwbusshop, bus-ok, etc. etc. etc...)
1984 BMW R80rt
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
VeeDubDaySpa
Samba Member


Joined: February 29, 2008
Posts: 368
Location: Bend, OR
VeeDubDaySpa is offline 

PostPosted: Tue May 13, 2014 2:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

dubbified wrote:
I rebuilt mine, degreased, soaked in the tub in orange cleaner, rinsed, then wire brushed, then tossed in the dish washer.

Came out all grey ish, then used Griots Bumper and trim reconditioner (Dye) and a heat gun to really sinnk it in.

two years later, still lookin real nice.

The filter.. is HVAC plenum.

I got mine courtesy of NOD7!

It is helpful to have a couple picks, and take your time fishing, pushing into place.


Very cool.

I'm glad I stumbled upon this post. Any more tips for putting the window back in? I'd hate to rip a new seal...
_________________
North American Hightop Installer/Distributor
Current stock (5)
Hot Water Systems
_______________________________________
90 Syncro NAHT Vanagon RHINO
86 "Syncro" Van DIAMOND
87 Syncro Hightop WestyCamper ROCKY (for sale soon)
79 bay window OLIVER
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
David Marquis
Samba Member


Joined: July 24, 2010
Posts: 97
Location: Bay Area, California
David Marquis is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jul 30, 2014 3:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My solution to this disintegrating filter issue was to take some stainless steel mesh lint traps that are used for the water outlets of washing machines.

I used two of these lint traps per vent,( As there is one vent on the drivers side and one vent on the passenger side.) I laid one lint trap mesh flat, and folded it over itself lengthwise, in half. I then did this with another one and sewed the two folded mesh lint traps end to end so as to have a long strip that actually ends up being 4 layers of mesh in thickness.

I then took a sharp picking device, similar to a dental tool, and heated it up with flame. I used this tool to make holes in the ends of the plastic vent so as to have points in which to sew/attach this lint trap mesh strip to each end of the plastic vent.

The strip of wire lint trap mesh is inter-weaved and pulled through the slotted space where the old, and now disintegrated, foam filter used to be.

I used what is referred to as an upholstery needle to sew/attach a plastic coated steel wire to the mesh and to the holes made in each end of the plastic vents. I ensured that the wire mesh lint trap strip was tight from end to end. It is kept in place, despite the fact that it is only being held to the plastic vent on each opposing end, because inside the vent there is a specific channel that the wire mesh slides inside of and rests within.

This is my preferred solution as these things are not easy to access, particularly in the cabinet side. The wire mesh is essentially rust free, and it will not disintegrate as a foam piece might tend to do so, thus eliminating the need to ever replace this filter again.

It should be noted that all of the below images can be enlarged 2x by clicking on them so as to show more detail.

After cleaning the vent, from grime and its original filter I ended up with this:

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


Here are the items I used:

Plastic coated metal wire, used for beading, and jewelry making, and found at Michaels craft store.

Upholstery needle

Stainless steel Wire mesh lint traps folded in half lengthwise.

[/img]
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


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


Here I am making the holes in the plastic vent:

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


Here is an image of me Pulling the two folded over, sewed end to end, wire mesh lint traps through the foam channel after having sewn/attached the opposing end of this wire mesh strip to the plastic vent. once again, I sewed/attached this wire mesh strip using the plastic coated wire and the holes that I had made with the heated picking tool.

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


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


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


Here I am sewing the stainless steel wire mesh to the plastic vent using the curved upholstery needle and plastic coated steel thread.

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


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


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


Here is the Finished version:

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


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

_________________
1989 Westfalia Vanogan GL, 2.1


Last edited by David Marquis on Sat Aug 23, 2014 2:14 pm; edited 3 times in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
TequilaSunSet
Samba Member


Joined: May 30, 2012
Posts: 2109
Location: Philippines
TequilaSunSet is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jul 30, 2014 4:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Love out of the box thinking...
_________________
Don't harsh my mellow...
1985 Hightower Vanagon 1.8T- Gone
1972 Panel Bus- Gone
1967 Bug- Gone
1964 Euro Sunroof Bug- Gone
1969/72/63 Sunroof Bug- Gone
1975 Brazilian Bug in the Philippines 🇵🇭- New to me
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
David Marquis
Samba Member


Joined: July 24, 2010
Posts: 97
Location: Bay Area, California
David Marquis is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 8:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks man.. Most of my thinking tends to be that way... This has not always worked in my favor...
_________________
1989 Westfalia Vanogan GL, 2.1
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
VeeDubDaySpa
Samba Member


Joined: February 29, 2008
Posts: 368
Location: Bend, OR
VeeDubDaySpa is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Aug 05, 2014 10:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

David,
Did you get them reinstalled yet? I'm hoping for window install tips as I seem to have bad luck with window seals.......
Nice fix!
_________________
North American Hightop Installer/Distributor
Current stock (5)
Hot Water Systems
_______________________________________
90 Syncro NAHT Vanagon RHINO
86 "Syncro" Van DIAMOND
87 Syncro Hightop WestyCamper ROCKY (for sale soon)
79 bay window OLIVER
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
David Marquis
Samba Member


Joined: July 24, 2010
Posts: 97
Location: Bay Area, California
David Marquis is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 9:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hello KevbOliver,

I apologize for the delayed response, and no, I have not installed them as of yet, I was working on custom rear sliding windows, finished now but not yet installed. I would suggest searching here, and throughout the web. When I installed windows awhile back i used a spray bottle with soapy water inside, a wooden dowel that fits into the hand like a handle, with a plastic cloths line cord strung through the center.
_________________
1989 Westfalia Vanogan GL, 2.1
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
VeeDubDaySpa
Samba Member


Joined: February 29, 2008
Posts: 368
Location: Bend, OR
VeeDubDaySpa is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 10:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

David,

No problemo man! I still have not pulled mine. I have installed other windows on the van with varied success using tools like you mention but earlier in this thread brought up the added difficulty because of this extra vent piece...

Rear custom sliders?! Sounds nice Dave, you'll have to post up some photos once installed- if you remember, let me know how the install goes.

Thanks and good luck!
_________________
North American Hightop Installer/Distributor
Current stock (5)
Hot Water Systems
_______________________________________
90 Syncro NAHT Vanagon RHINO
86 "Syncro" Van DIAMOND
87 Syncro Hightop WestyCamper ROCKY (for sale soon)
79 bay window OLIVER
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Vanagon All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page: Previous  1, 2, 3  Next
Page 2 of 3

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.