Mark, you could just wire some cardboard over the upper air intake to keep
air temps up.   :)

On 3/22/07, Mark Tuovinen <mst@ak.net> wrote:
>
> Neil,
>
> I have been meaning to reply to your first post on this, I too am thinking
> of what can be done to improve the heat output as it is less than
> desireable.  We are in the midst of one of our coldest average temp. winters
> in decades, around +`9F average with many nights at my house from `0F to
> -`20F and my `87 Syncro just never gets warm enough unless you drive for a
> long time which most days I do not.  I would get it the license plate
> "icebox"(it is white) but that is already taken.  I like the idea of finding
> a way to block off the outside air and create recirculated air and will
> gladly pull the dash to modify as necessary, I have to anyway as my
> passenger side wiper pivot broke earlier this winter.  My initial thoughts
> have been similar to yours a controllable flapper on the fresh air intake
> and a way to get recirculated air to the core.  Unfortunately it has been
> seven months since I had a dash apart and my memory of the air intake area
> is a little shaky.  I am also going to
> try and eliminate some of the drafts that enter the van via the doors,
> parking brake handle, etc.  I know of people that have installed a clear
> plastic curtain behind the front seats and ducted the rear heater output to
> the front, unfortunately my kids would complain if I did this, they feel
> that they too deserve the benefits from the heater.
>
> Mark in AK
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: neil <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
> Date: Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:13 am
> Subject: Re: Mod. Fresh air box to recycle cabin air? (did some searching
> in arch.)
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>
> > Hi Ryan.
> >
> > Thanks for reply.
> >
> > > I would, however recommendyou block off the two hoses coming out
> > the sides of the >heater box.
> >
> > Good idea. Much simpler than mine. If I could though, I would like to
> > have 100% control of fresh air intake and recirculate cab air.
> >
> > This is what I would do:
> >
> > make flap to control fresh air intake at air intake behind front
> > grill.
> > remove plastic fresh air ram flaps in box, block opening below these
> > so air drawn by fan is not drawn from area of heater core. With flap
> > closed at air intake ram behind grill, fan would draw air from cab
> > through the fresh air vents.
> >
> > Then I could control/mix fresh air intake with cab air. Not sure how
> > restrictive the diamter of fresh air vents would be.
> >
> > I think it's possible to do.
> >
> > Hardest part?
> >
> > Fabbing flap (odd shape) for air intake ram behind grill.
> >
> > Or dealing with taking dash apart again cuz it didn't work......  ;^)
> >
> > Thoughts?
> >
> >
> >
> > On 3/22/07, Ryan Miller <rmiller@azteca.com> wrote:
> > > Neil, I came up against the same problem you're having when I
> > did my air to
> > > water conversion. I couldn't find any practical way to recycle
> > the air
> > > unfortunately. If you do, pass the info along. I would, however
> > recommend> you block off the two hoses coming out the sides of the
> > heater box. These
> > > are fresh air hoses that go to the far left and right dash vents
> > and don't
> > > heat when the heater is on. Maybe the vent flaps close off the
> > air flow
> > > enough though. With that done, I've found the heater works
> > plenty well here
> > > in Utah during the winter.
> > >
> > > Ryan
> > > '82 Camper Van 'Beethoven'
> > >
> > >
> > > Date:    Wed, 21 Mar 2007 13:37:26 -0800
> > > From:    neil <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
> > > Subject: Mod. Fresh air box to recycle cabin air? (did some
> > searching in
> > > arch.)
> > >
> > > Hi all.
> > >
> > > Am rebuilding fresh air box and will install heater core as I
> > will convert
> > > to a water cooled engine.
> > >
> > > I understand how the box works but.....
> > >
> > > Assuming box rebuild and engine conversion done properly;
> > >
> > > will the heater properly heat cabin in really cold weather?
> > >
> > > (There isn't going to be a rear heater)
> > >
> > > If not, is there a way to mod box to recyle the cabin air?
> > >
> > > Obviously recycling air from cabin would at least make initial
> > heating> process more efficient.
> > >
> > > One idea I had in that regard.
> > >
> > > Block off fresh air intake, (or make flap to control fresh air
> > intake at ram
> > > outside.Difficult I know....), remove fresh air ram flaps,
> > make/install a
> > > piece underneath area below flap(s) to block air from being
> > "pulled" from
> > > area of box pressurized by fan, so air from cabin could be drawn
> > from side
> > > fresh air vents.The drawback would be no more fresh air from
> > fresh blown
> > > from air vent at ends of dash.
> > >
> > > Has anyone done this? If I'm totally off base, please educate me!
> > >
> > > Any thoughts or success stories in this regard are welcome.
> > >
> > > And for you air cooled people considering upgrading to water
> > cooled, I can
> > > provide pics of box showing how/why heater core can be
> > installed. Have not
> > > installed heater core yet. (Am waiting for parts!) but can show
> > where box is
> > > cut for heater core nipples.
> > >
> > > --
> > > Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia.
> > >
> > > http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
> > >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia.
> >
> > http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
> >
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
www.crescentbeachguitar.com