I don't think you'd find the mounts "inadequate" -- I'm wondering why you
would automatically assume that they were, without having any idea how we've
engineered that. We haven't forgotten about worst case scenarios -- that has
been foremost in our minds while designing the safety of the mounting
system...since the last thing I want going through my mind is an ac unit.

----- Original Message -----
From: "TinkerMan" <tinkerman007@yahoo.com>
To: <joe.reed@MINDSPRING.COM>
Cc: "Vanagon mailing list" <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, August 26, 2001 6:51 AM
Subject: ## IMPORTANT!!! (was: Re: insane a/c project)

> Please make note that all accessories installed in a
> car must pass safety tests including accident
> simulations. For example, Your back seat backrest is
> specially re-enforced to withstand the luggage weight
> in your luggage compartment when colliding head-on (to
> a limit, of course), to avoid having all the stuff
> "flying over" the passengers heads.
> Anything added by a DIY dude might not take all safety
> considerations in mind. In your specific situation, a
> head-on collision will send your window installed A/C
> unit (ripping it's inadequate mounts) towards the back
> of your head, in perfect synchronization with whatever
> is coming from the front (such as the steering wheel,
> glass, etc.)!!!
> A perfect "sandwich" situation...:-)
>
> Think it over, pal. People keep forgetting about
> "worst case" situations, when that's really what
> should be taken in mind.
>
> cheers, T-man.
>
> --- Joe Reed <joe.reed@MINDSPRING.COM> wrote:
> > Somehow it seems suited that I post this on a
> > Friday...
> >
> > Some other blokes and I are rigging my 87 Westy with
> > a very small 6000BTU
> > window a/c....on a 15-amp inverter with a separate
> > battery tied into
> > charging system, etc etc. so it can run while
> > mobile, with only <4"
> > extending out the window. When parked, the unit
> > slides out on a shelf (the
> > front of which is on casters rolling across the sink
> > cover) and is
> > stabilized externally by an adjustable brace to the
> > ground, and only <3" are
> > inside...since the window in question is the one
> > behind the driver/above the
> > sink, this will allow the cover to open when parked.
> > Obviously, while parked
> > it can run on standard AC power when available.
> >
> > The unit weighs just 41 pounds (with the weight
> > primarily in the front), and
> > is only 12" high by 16" wide and 14" deep.
> > Heavy-duty cables as safety
> > straps and redundant locking mechanisms will be in
> > place so that it's locked
> > down tight while traveling.
> >
> > Sliding shelf will rest on a reinforced frame
> > installed over the aluminum
> > window frame (protecting it) left once the sliding
> > glass is removed
> > (stationary half of the window left in place).
> >
> > In the winter, unbolt the frame, remove the a/c, and
> > reinstall the sliding
> > glass. Turn on the heat.
> >
> >
> >
> > Once we have it completely drawn up and ready to
> > begin installation, I'll
> > take pix recording this absurd effort and set up a
> > website or something.
> >
> >
> > ~ Name withheld to protect the stupid
> > (oops it's in my e-mail address...I *am* stupid)
> > 87 Westy
>
>
>
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