Christoph,
That sure does look like the definitive picture comparison.  Thanks!
I know it may seem a bit obsessive at this point, but I'd still like to
know though if anyone has opinions on which is better.
I've broken a couple of the knobs on my '86, and so I'm starting to
think about how to replace them (e.g., get new ones from an online
vendor or look for older ones in a junkyard.)
Thanks again,
Jeff

Christoph Boltze wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I think from model year 1985 to 1986 they changed the labels a little bit.
>
> I've compared the 1985 syncro press map picture with a newer picture of my
> syncro with a cover bought 2003 (the original one was broken)
>
> http://boltze.dyndns.org/st3/Bilder/bus/van_cover_difference.jpg
>
> Christoph
>
> 1985 Caravelle GL syncro
> Germany
>
>
> -----Urspr�ngliche Nachricht-----
> Von: Mike S [mailto:mikes@FLATSURFACE.COM]
> Gesendet: Donnerstag, 10. April 2008 22:30
> An: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Betreff: Re: heater cointrol lever differences by year?
>
> At 03:44 PM 4/10/2008, Jeffrey Lubin wrote...
>
>> So there's no difference in the knobs/levers  themselves?
>>
>
> Yes, there's a difference in the knobs. One was sort of square, the
> other sort of pie-slice shaped (and wider/softer). I have 2 of each,
> don't remember which was early/late.
>
>