In a message dated 3/19/01 11:33:30 PM, turbovans@JUNO.COM writes:

<< re rear heater,
don't know if you are the guy who says he has a NEW rear heater, but my
recomendation is to always disconnect the rear heater - they just rot
out. >>

For myself and perhaps one or two other Vanagon users, this is not an option.
 It has been my experience that, once the frost is on the pumpkins, the
interior of the van would never warm up without the rear heater.  The rear
heater circulates cabin air whereas the front heater uses the icy outside air
for makeup air.  Anyway, the rear heater core is one of the easiest and least
expensive parts to change on a Vanagon.

Rich