Date:         Mon, 28 Apr 2003 09:05:24 -0700
Reply-To:     Jeffrey Earl <jefferrata@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeffrey Earl <jefferrata@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Rubber Biscuit
Comments: cc: brustein@RCN.COM, freeholder@STARBAND.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

>> "The holes drain onto the roof and an amazing
amound of junk collects under there."

When I removed my luggage rack to replace the edging,
I found enough leaves, maple seeds, and dead bugs to
require two trips to the compost bin. There was even a
2"-diameter mushroom growing up there. That's one
well-travelled 'shroom -- it's been on more camping
trips than most of my friends ...  though I have no
comment regarding its hallucinogenic properties.

Before re-installing the luggage rack, go to your FLHS
(friendly local hardware store) and purchase a
half-dozen stainless steel garden-hose filters. These
look just like the usual rubber hose gasket but with
the addition of a domed, metal-mesh screen in the
center. Turn the luggage rack upside-down and, using
some kind of fiberglass-to-rubber adhesive, glue these
filters into the five drain holes, so the dome will
protude UPWARD when the rack is again rightside-up.
These will help keep crud from accumulating under your
luggage rack.

If you buy your new rubber edging from GoWesty I
suggest you remove the 'bulb' portion of the gasket,
and install just the clip-on edging portion. You don't
want too good of a seal around the edge, or it'll hold
water up there on your roof. Alternatively, leave the
edging an inch or two short at the rear ends to allow
water to slosh out when you accelerate -- should give
quite a surprise to the motorcyclist in the next lane
when you pull away from the light.

"OK, I'll leave it at that since I've already gone on
for far too long about something I don't know a whole
lot about ..."

Jeffrey Earl
1983 diesel Westfalia "Vanasazi"




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