> >  1)         Where does the exhaust air go from the vents on the
> lower
> >  back corner of the front doors in a 1983 V'gon? The vents simply
> open
> >  into the cavity of the doors behind the fibre board panel. No
> outlet.

Here's a picture of where the air exits -
http://www.flatsurface.com/pics/Van_door_air_exhaust.jpg - I've
highlighted the openings with red lines. Note that this is a picture of
a Westy driver's side, so the opening which would normally provide
fresh air to the driver's side rear outlets is blocked off with a black
plate.