Date:         Fri, 24 Feb 2006 13:16:16 -0600
Reply-To:     Jim Felder <felder@KNOLOGY.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Felder <felder@KNOLOGY.NET>
Subject:      Re: Tips & Tricks - Heating and Air Flow Control Levers - how to
              change
Comments: To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <43FF5694.1080906@charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

John,

You'll probably get a lot of replies to this because there are lot of
personal tips and trick involved, but basically like this:

Have on hand a wide bladed sharp knife or other thin, strong tool for
prying the faceplate (bezel) away from the dash, a couple of index
cards and a pair of bent needlenose pliers.

First loosen the bezel from the dash. Stick an index card under it and
use a wide knife blade or similar to pry the ends away from the dash.
There is a plastic pin that friction fits into a corresponding hole in
the dash on each end of the cover plate. Pry carefully. If you break a
pin, prepare to look for a replacement cover because they are difficult
to glue. Be really careful with the bulb and wire. If your faceplate is
not now illuminating, this is a good time to replace the bulb.

The index card keeps you from scratching your dash.

The reason you're pulling the bezel away slightly first is to
facilitate getting the knobs off the levers.

The rubber knobs you see in front are molded over plastic that in turn
fits over the metal levers and as such form an extension of the levers.
The trick is to NOT grab them by the knob, but instead reach behind
them with the curved pliers and clamp the flat part that fits over the
metal control levers. Now you'll see why you should loosen the bezel
first.

As the knobs come off, line them up on the dash so you won't have to
figure out which go up or down upon reassembly. when they're all out,
there's your lever assembly.

Upon reassembly, put the faceplate over the levers loosely, push the
levers back on as you took them off (with the pliers) and then push the
faceplate home.

Jim

On Feb 24, 2006, at 12:55 PM, John Rodgers wrote:

> Subject says it all.
>
> I must replace my levers. but how the heck do you do that?? I have new
> ones, but I'm mystified as to how to get to them for r&r.
>
> Any suggestions will be appreciated.
>
> Regards.
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>