Date:         Sun, 21 Feb 1999 22:35:54 EST
Reply-To:     SyncroHead@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Davis <SyncroHead@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: A/C ducts recall info needed
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

In a message dated 99-02-21 09:34:53 EST, ILIKEVW4ME@AOL.COM writes:

> My 87 syncro has the same problem my dealer told me the recall is
> not fro the housing/3bolts on each side, but for the center ducting. If you
find out
>  anything different please let me know.

The 1986 & 1987 have 3 bolts on each side that are more-or-less horizontal
and mate with nuts welded in behind the sheetmetal.  Beginning with the 1988
model
year VW changed the mounting arangement on this unit.  These later models
have 3 bolts on each side that are more-or-less vertical and mate with
threads in a bracket.  This newer arangement is much more secure, since the
90 degree bend to fasten to the sheet metal is now part of the metal bracket,
not part of the plastic housing.

I HAD significant cracks in my 87's evap housing at these bolts.  While I had
my evaporator down for A/C work, I made a pair of metal brackets and fastened
them to the sheet metal.  Then I cut off the 90 bend in the plastic housing
and re-inforced the plastic with some fiberglass.  Next, I drilled 3 vertical
holes in the housing to fasten it to the bracket that I'd made.  It was a lot
of work, but I figured it was better than having that thing fall down on its
own!

Regards,
Jim Davis