I took a small pop rivet and riveted a piece of an old wire hacksaw blade to
the actuating arm and drilled a small hole in the wood cover so it could
stick out far enough to grab.  One of these days I'll put a pretty handle on
it or maybe modify an electric window actuator so I can do it from the
dashboard.  If on the other hand I need instant hot air in the back, I can
always pick up the mother in law and take her to a hair appointment.  that
would be cheaper than getting newt Gingrich.

DM&FS
-----Original Message-----
From: Gerald Masar <azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Sunday, December 17, 2000 10:06 PM
Subject: Re: heater core questions

>Someone on the list recently suggested it was because, in many cases, the
>rear heater never gets shut off. You have to lift the seat  and reach in
and
>turn the lever and remember which way is off or on. I used an indelible
>marker on top of the housing to remind me.
>Jerry
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "David Luddy" <bugle@EPIX.NET>
>To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2000 3:23 PM
>Subject: heater core questions
>
>
>> hello all.
>> happy seasons greetings!
>>
>> Why is it that the front heater cores seem to have no problems?
>> I've examined the front and rear heater cores from one of my parts vans
>and
>> they are both made by the same french manufacturer. Both are the same
>> construction and materials, they are even the same thickness. they both
>> appear the original units, the rear is extremely corroded at the bottom
>> both sides at the steel crimp that holds them together. The front core
>> looks fine, as if it was getting different "long lasting
>> anti-heater-core-corrosion" fluid run thru it.
>> Is it just that the rear gets less circulation? Or could it be that it
>gets
>> hotter fluid thru it? I plan on modifying a rear housing to accept a
front
>> core and front valve ( my typical cost saving measures... use it till it
>> breaks!)
>> I figure the only drawback is losing some under bench storage space.
>Anyone
>> gonna tell me some words of wisdom why I should shell out the $100 for a
>> new correct core?
>>                       thanks
>>                                David
>>