In a message dated 99-07-11 13:46:49 EDT, Malcolm.Stebbins@MSVU.CA writes:

<< I was out at the junk yard and they have 2 air-cooled vans in various
stages
 of death.  One van had the front grill off and right behind the grill,
centred at
 the top of the cavity (behind the grill) was an oblong canister (like a westy
 propane tank) but with fan rotors on the right (van) side.  I didn't take a
close
 look at it, but does anyone know what it is???  Any body want it????
 Malcolm S
  >>

maybe someone installed an older type BN-4 gas heater there...hard to say
from your description..

chris