Date:         Sat, 15 Jul 2000 19:22:13 -0700
Reply-To:     Daniel Schmitz <djs@gene.com>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Daniel Schmitz <djs@gene.com>
Organization: Genentech, Inc.
Subject:      Luggage rack seal...
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

I just installed the Bus Depot luggage rack seal, the one without the
bulb. It fits great and looks even better! Unfortunately, I do get a bit
of noise from the luggage rack when I'm on the highway, and when the
wind is coming from certain directions. I figured out that if there is
any kind of gap in front between the rack and the roof, air comes in and
causes "panel drumming" that is really loud. I think the original seal
didn't have this problem because it actually closes all gaps between the
rack and roof, except at the rear corners where water drains from.

My luggage rack is positioned as it came from the factory, with all
fasteners fastened. It's apparent that the new seal allows air to get
into the space below the rack, causing a racket at speed. There is a
tiny 1/32 gap in a spot along the front, and this must be what's causing
it.

So now I'm thinking of ordering the seal with the bulb on it, like the
poptop seal. This will likely cause the noise to stop. It's not the
money, it's the work involved in lifting the rack again and trying to
get the holes to line up with the bolts that I don't look forward to.

But my freshly painted, Slate Blue top looks great! (and stock!)
***
Dan

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