In a message dated 97-10-29 12:28:26 EST, jhung@ENG.AUBURN.EDU writes:

> Does anyone out there know how to remove the interior fiberboard panels in
> the back of the Vanagon?  I'm trying to remove the panel on the back hatch.
> Do the black "buttons" pop off/are they reusable/have to be destroyed?

I had pretty good success at only destroying about 1/4 of them.  Start at one
end and remove about 4 or so.  These will surely be deystroyed.  You might
even remove them by drilling them out.  After you get some out, you can reach
your hand/arm behind the panel with a pair of plyers and squeeze the others &
sort of push them out at the same time.  Good luck.

After saving most of mine, I recovered the panel with new vinyl and used the
style of fastener with a less tenacious grip, covering over the tops of the
fasteners for a cleaner look.

> On a related note, do you have a suggestion for replacing the rubber tube
> that runs between the top of the van body and the back hatch?  This the
> tube that covers the plastic hose and wires to the rear wiper/washer.  Mine
> has fallen apart.

Mucho problemo!  The wiring runs to the wiper motor and this along with the
hose will need to be pulled out to replace the tube.  My tube is torn also
and I've just left it that way so far.

Good luck,
Jim Davis