Date:         Mon, 19 Nov 2001 00:29:43 -0500
Reply-To:     Pat Dooley <pdooley@GTE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Pat Dooley <pdooley@GTE.NET>
Subject:      Re: [Fwd: Re: Metal engine lids - what year?]
In-Reply-To:  <28539-3BF89815-4605@storefull-133.iap.bryant.webtv.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

jeeze, the slant on these threads is amazing.
which vehicle would you rather be in if an electrical fire broke out?  gas
or diesel?  no brainer.
How many semi's burn compared to gas powered vehicles?
my money is on the gassers.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
> Of Terry Kay
> Sent: Monday, November 19, 2001 12:27 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: [Fwd: Re: Metal engine lids - what year?]
>
>
> So, MIke what your saying is a diesel isn't prone to electrical fire's?
>
> Hmm---just saw a Mack burn last week.
> Musta been a gas Mack-----
>
> The fiberglass hood looked like it was a refugee from Nagasaki-----
>
> Later,
>
> Terry
>
>
> E-mail message  From Michael Snow
>
> Even with my diesels, I noticed no increase in the noise level when I
> switched to the plastic engine lid. The compelling advantage to me is
> the weight of the lid. This is especially noticeable with the ridiculous
> design of the bottom edge of the Westfalia rear cabinet. Hefting the
> metal lid into position is not a job for those with weak backs (like the
> wife). The steel lids are prone to bending (especially when dropped from
> slippery hands) and the insulation is invariably sagging and damaged.
> I'll concede that the steel lid may give marginally better protection to
> the van interior during an engine fire. Since I only drive diesels,
> that's not one of my concerns.
> Mike Snow
> andrewbell wrote:
> Man, oh man. I wasn't misunderstanding. I, too, have poked around lots
> and lots of Vans and other busses, but have never encountered the
> plastic lid. Isn't it noisy? Is it strong enough to ensure a load? What
> happens in the event of an engine fire? Torched passengers? Doesn't
> sound safe. Why would you want to have a plastic engine compartment lid?
> Weight savings? Manufacturing cost? Sounds like a dumb idea. I say buy a
> metal one from Chris...
> AB
>