Date:         Wed, 18 Sep 2002 19:11:13 -0700
Reply-To:     Jack <john.cook58@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jack <john.cook58@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: Advice on putting up the A/C that came crashing down on my
              head.
In-Reply-To:  <116.175448a6.2aba8690@aol.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I'm confused.  Sorry I didn't catch which model this thread is
aimed at. My '85 GL doesn't have a "rear" section.  Just one section
from front to center (just behind the front seats) where the
evaporator is.  And I don't remember a recall.  So, this only applies
to later models.  Right?

I'm listening in because the mounting on mine is not exactly robust
either.  I've already put in larger washers under the front support
screws.

Thanks,
Jack
'85 GL Original Owner


On 18 Sep 2002, at 21:46, Kim Brennan wrote:

> In a message dated 9/18/02 5:03:05 PM, salmonbus@YAHOO.COM writes:
>
>
> > I never Thought it would happen to me, but as the
> > title says my A/C came crashing down on me recently. I
> > have seen threads on this in the past but can't seem
> > to word it right to get any help in the archives. The
> > center three sections fell without taking the front or
> > rear with them. The rear housing has broken off at the
> > four bolts on each side although it is still held up
> > (by the internal screws i guess?). I thought I could
> > use some large washers to distribute the weight around
> > the chipped off pieces on the center sections but how
> > do you tighten it with no access? Also I have heard of
> > a part that VW gave as a recall replacement for this
> > whole mess. I would call the VW dealer but they would
> > probably laugh as they usually do When you ask them
> > for any vanagon help;-}
> >   Any help greatly appreciated.
> >
> As previously stated, if you can get the dealer to do it as part of the
> recall, that' probably your best bet. But now for some additional info.
>
> First off, the rear section does not have any internal bolts/screws. What
> is holding it up at this point are the rear corner pieces (the plastic
> covering the D pillars). This is not a long term thing.
>
> Next, if you go the route of replacing things yourself...The replacement
> rear section is different in that the tabs where the bolts go isn't there
> anymore (and the bolts themselves were moved upward.) At my dealer they
> fabricated a piece of metal to the original bolt holes that will support
> the new piece.
>
> In order to remount the middle sections, the front section has to come
> down. Note that the middle sections are only held up by bolts at one end
> (the other end nests into the next rearward section.) The front section is
> held up by 4 screws, plus the sun visors. The passenger sun visor has a
> cable for the lighted mirror. There is a disconnect for this wiring, you'll
> just have to work the connector out of the hole in the A pillar.