The cutout is closed with tape on newer Vanagons because they have the vents
in the rear windows instead.

I think the plastic piece is the cover for the metal arm that stops the
door. Don�t know the english word, but it prevents the door from opening too
far. Hope you know what I mean...

Raimund

----- Original Message -----
From: "Max Wellhouse" <maxjoyce@IPA.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, July 01, 2002 7:54 PM
Subject: Lower door vents taped up?

>         Dear Listees:  While poking around my front doors on my 90 GL, I
noticed
> some black tape similar to duct tape covering the body cutout for the
lower
> plastic grille that appear to be part of the vent system.  Anybody else
> have this " factory " tape on their vents, or is this some PO's attempt to
> modify the drafting system on the van?  Naturally, Bentley is no
> help.  Also, there was a black plastic piece down in the deep recess of
the
> door(forward part by bottom hinge).  It has rounded ends on one end and an
> open end on the other side.  It's about an inch and a half  by an inch and
> a half and maybe 4-5" wide.  Any body know what that's in there for?  It
> has a part number on it with VW logo and all, but just wondering if it
fell
> off something more important in the drain system or some thing.  The open
> end looks like it could connect to something. Again, Bentley diagrams were
> no help. Thanks in advance.
>
> Dimwitted Moose and Flying Squirrel
>