The rear vents on the late vans take the place of the noisy air vents at
the front of the front doors.     We have both an 87 (front vent) and a 90
Westy (rear vent), and the noise reduction from the rear vent and the extra
gasketing around the front door is very noticeable.

The air flow from the rear vents IS significantly less than the old style,
but I think the foam filters get blocked with dust (they also keep bugs
out, so I'm not removing them...).     I've used compressed air to blow the
dust out (from the one accessible vent in the Westy), and this seems to
help considerably.   Haven't yet tried blowing from the outside in,
although that is the obvious direction.    I think I was confused into
thinking that it would fill the inside of the van with dust, but I am now
enlightened and will do that the next time.

BTW - on the late vans, there isn't any other way the fresh air can get out
of the van with the windows shut, so the vents must be doing something even
when somewhat clogged.

Dave
87 Wolfsburg
90 Westfalia

   At 02:03 AM 3/30/99 -0500, Jeffrey R wrote:
>In a message dated 99-03-29 14:36:53 EST, you write:
>
>> Can someone tell me how these vents in later models function and if you
>
>Phillip--
>
>I believe the vents you speak of in the rear windows are filled with foam and
>designed to let the immediate pressure out ot the bus when the door is
slammed
>with all the windows closed. I do not think they serve any (or at least very
>little) air flow function.
>
>My sister's van called Quest has kick out rear side windows that are
>electrically controlled from the driver's seat. This set up on the Vanagon
>would be great--especially Westy where the driver's side rear side window
>would be unaccessable (of course the curtain would constantly get caught).
>However  I'm pretty sure no one offers such and accessory.
>
>In the meantime I'm wondering if driving with the pop-top skylight open on
the
>Westy solves some of the wind-sock/ inefficient air circualtion effect. If
>those with the skylight would please comment??
>
>My Westy doesn't have the skylight. But if it'll improve air flow I'd
consider
>installing one. It must also be cool to see the stars from the upstairs
>bedroom.
>
>Jeff
>83.5 Westy
>NYC (where the only stars are the ones on celluloid, and pretty dull at that)
>