Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2023 10:32:16 -0400
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: '81 Vanagon - Wind Noise Reduction
In-Reply-To: <CAGaX3d668U_zDPFO0EmZ-yimfasQz4CBoGcqTdaz3td_Q8kjwA@mail.gmail.com>
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Good for you!.
I’ll have to try your window test to see if it makes a difference.
I’ve worked hard on sound improvement.
Nothing works when windows open on the highway!
But, when windows closed my vans are quiet enough for easy conversation. I’ve done a lot of sound deadening in the vans and worked hard to reduce rattle areas. It makes a big difference.
Eric Caron
> On Aug 8, 2023, at 8:55 PM, Geoffrey Toye <geoffreytoye@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> It's always been difficult to hold a conversation with my partner while
> cruising at highway speed in our ’81 Vanagon. (I know what you're thinking,
> you guys need a councillor). But no, it was the wind noise. I did notice
> one day that the noise reduced significantly if I pushed out on the
> driver's window. Checking the front window felt strip the rubber seemed
> hard and there was not much felt pile left. Probably the original at over
> 40 years old. I replaced the driver's side felt strip, P/N 251 955 453D,
> and what a difference it has made. Conversations are now very easy. The
> passengers felt strip is original too but is less worn and does not seem to
> be causing a problem, maybe because the passenger window is not used as
> much.
>
> I looked at some online videos on how to change the felt strip before I
> started and it seemed like you just pulled it down from the top and up from
> the bottom. However, my seal was held in with contact adhesive. Easy enough
> to pull out from the top but no way was the bottom going to pull out of the
> door. I even pulled a muscle in my arm trying. I was surprised that the
> seal did not just snap, I pulled so hard. I decided not to pull the door
> card off and remove the window but just splice the new seal against the old
> as low as I could in the track. Managed to do it just 1/4’ above the lower
> window seal with a clean butt joint. You have to look very hard to see the
> join.
>
> Just thought I would share this finding as it made such a difference in the
> wind noise for only a few dollars and an hour's work. Of course there is a
> downside, I can no longer use selective hearing and blame it on the wind
> noise. Something that probably can’t be fixed by a counsellor for a few
> dollars and an hour of my time.
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