Actually, I don't think it had anything to do with a preference by
tradesmen although I do concur that non-opening windows are one less
easy way to break into a van full of tools.
In Australia (since it was brought up) the majority of VW T3 vans &
pickups sold (except for the Double Cab Deluxe)
were Transporter models and these generally came with fixed quarter vent
windows...although as usual with VW there are
occasional exceptions.
Caravelles, Carats & the DC Deluxe had opening windows but *generally*
the Transporter did not....but sometimes had weird things like one only
on the driver's side....a friend's '89 Safari Camper is like that and is
curious since they were a line of campers converted in Oz from panel
vans.

I use to sometimes think of converting my T3 to opening quarter vent
windows but like Ben T, I actually prefer the neat look of the fixed
window and every time I see a post about leaking (opening) quarter vent
windows or of a van being broken in to thru the quarter vent, I am
pleased I never bothered and now never will.

Even in a warm climate like Oz, fixed quarter vent windows are no
bother...there is a much bigger opening window right next to them...:-)

Ben, contact me if you have no luck locally in your quest...fixed
windows here are as common as AHs ;-) and wouldn't be a bother to
ship...

Cheers,
Steve O
NSW Australia
'92 Transporter WBX Kombi
'00 Transporter Double Cab
'03 Transporter Double Cab (worktruck)
'78 Landrover Series 3 Soft top Ute (ex-Aust.Army)

 

Date:    Wed, 30 Mar 2005 01:32:22 -0600
From:    Al and Sue Brase <albeeee@MCHSI.COM>
Subject: Re: base model '90-'91 NON-GL's

Like Australia?
I think maybe tradesmen preferred them. A bit more secure from coat
hangers.Or perhaps VW's marketing people had some Teutonic idea that it
was better suited on a commercial vehicle. Kinda goes with that black
vinyl?
Al Brase

BenT Syncro wrote:

>On Tue, 29 Mar 2005 21:59:15 EST, JordanVw@aol.com <JordanVw@aol.com>
wrote:
>
>
>
>>yea.. how dumb was that for VW to exclude the wing windows on the
'90-'91
>>NON-GL's.  what did that save them in production costs?   probably
cost them more
>>to NOT put the opening vent windows in..
>>
>>chris
>>
>>
>>
>
>I love those non-opening wing windows for their looks. Most Dokas came 
>with them. You don't need them with a good working AC system or if you 
>live where the sun don't shine.
>
>--
>BenT
>