> can anyone lend some assisstance to this nuisance?
>
> the plastic cracks very easily that slides onto the screws. isn't it
> ridiculous that only 4 screws hold this hazard on the ceiling?
>
> the only thing i  could think of is bolting straps on the ceiling
> to support
> it, or dumping the whole ac all together.
>

Hey Joe,

Take a trip to your local VW dealer and have them fix it for free.  A recall
was issued for 85-91 vanagons with AC (campers not affected by this) to
correct this.  Go and see your dealer about this.  He will probably have to
order the recall kit from VW so he probably won't be able to fix it on the
spot, but they will order it and then do it all for free.  Here's some info
I got from the www.nhtsa.dot.gov site:

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 93V175000

Component: AIR CONDITIONER:HOSE:DUCT:AIR
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Mfg. Campaign #: SU
Year: 1989
Make: VOLKSWAGEN TRUCK
Model: VANAGON
Manufactured From: AUG 1985 To: JUN 1991
Year of Recall: '93
Type of Report: Vehicle
Summary:
THE PLASTIC MATERIAL OF THE CENTER AIR FLOW DUCT, WHICH IS FASTENED BY TWO
MOUNTING SCREWS TO THE CEILING OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CAN CRACK AND
EVENTUALLY BREAK.

IF THE PLASTIC BREAKS WHERE IT IS HELD AT THE TWOMOUNTING SCREWS, THE CENTER
AIR FLOW DUCT CAN SEPARATE FROM ITS SUPPORTS ANDCAUSE INJURY TO THE
PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE CENTER SEAT OF THE VEHICLE.

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AT THE CONNECTIONS OF BOTH THE
CENTER AND REAR AIR FLOW DUCTS.

SYSTEM: AIR CONDITIONER HOSE; DUCT; AIR.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY AIR CONDITIONING.

>