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Subject:Re: Dash removal for AC access
From:BenT Syncro
Date:Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:18:12 -0700

On 7/15/08, John Middelkoop <john_middelkoop@live.com> wrote:
>
> I have a dealer installed front mount AC on an 85 Westfalia. I had it
> working well but the fan went (ground to a stop and blew the fuse. It
> appears that it was installed by removing the dash. Looking at Haynes and
> the Bentley, removal will be no fun at all! What really worries me is I my
> not be able to get a new fan anyway.
> Anybody familiar with these ACs or an easier dash removal? -85 Westfalia
> "Folly"

John,

Everyone so far has advised you on how to removed the dash so I don't think
you need any further info about that.
There are two types of in-dash AC's by VW dealers in the 80's. Construction
both are very similar. The one most
people are familiar with is the Behr which is made in Germany. The other is
made by DPD from Texas. The main
difference between the two is the way they plumb the hoses. The Behr has a
brass block where the pipes go into
vs. the DPD which has two rubber hoses. Anyway, yeah take the dash out. The
AC unit is held by screws. Once
you remove those, you need to lift it slightly as the motors are hooked over
the ridge formed by the metal frame that
supports the dash. Sometimes, the DPD installers cut that ridge to make
installation easier. The rest is easy enough
to figure out after that.

BenT