On Thu, 4 Mar 2004, Greg Potts wrote:

> If you haven't driven one, you should be sure to get it up to highway
> speed before you buy. If the roof is noisy, then have a close look at
> the hinges and latches and make sure there isn't something wrong with
> it.

Look carefully at where it meets the luggage rack, too.  It should come
down flush and *flat*.  I've seen the tops warp, especially on older vans,
so that they wouldn't seal properly.  This can make a lot of wind noise.
If the canvas balloons into the van at highway speed this may be the
problem.

Bad weatherstripping isn't a concern as replacements are readily
available.

The luggage rack can make a bit of noise, too.  They have a tendancy to
ease back off the roof a bit over time.  In extreme cases they vibrate
when the wind gets under them and you end up with a horrible buzzing noise
that sounds like God's own kazoo.  This turned up on mine after I replaced
the seal (really just trim) around the rack.  I climbed up into the rack
and sat on it while I loosened and retightened the front screws.  The
whole front of the rack moved down about 1/8 inch and it's been quiet ever
since.  (Note:  I only weigh 130 pounds.  If you're substantially heavier
than the rack weight limit of 125 pounds, you might want to have someone
or something else sit up there instead.)

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Volkswagen Diesel Westfalia
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon