Thanks for all the great comments on my original post.

I have a skylight and it does suck air out while driving, but I don't think
it was designed to be up while driving all the time, if ever (I agree that
it is flimsy and mine has been reinforced with fiberglass since it has
cracked all over).  In addition, I'm not sure that it would provide very
much relief for those sitting in the back.

I thought it would be great to have a kick (?) window in the rear parallel
to the bench seat-it really pulls the air through in my brother's 78 and is
very refreshing for the people sitting in the rear.  The rear vents on the
later models don't seem to function the same as the rear window.  I will
explore finding a vent that is easy to install that can be closed
off-perhaps an aircraft vent or marine vent.  I'll let you know if I find
anything out.

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>:-)
Phillip 87 Westy
Annpolis, MD

-----Original Message-----
From:   Karl Wolz [mailto:wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET]
Sent:   Tuesday, March 30, 1999 2:33 PM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Re: rear air vents for Westfalias? Possible to install?

Mike,

Well, actually it DOES suck.  Since it opens toward the back of the van, it
creates a vacuum and pulls fresh air through the van.  Quite effectively,
too.

Mine's always open in the summertime,  which in AZ, starts about now.

Karl Wolz

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike <mayfly95@PAONLINE.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Tuesday, March 30, 1999 9:03 AM
Subject: Re: rear air vents for Westfalias? Possible to install?

>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??
>
>Yes, dramatically.
>
>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.
>
>It doesn't suck.
>
>
>I am actually considering a second skylight for just that purpose.
>
>
>Mike
>87 westy
>
>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)
>

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