Date:         Tue, 30 Mar 1999 10:52:26 -0500
Reply-To:     David Beierl <synergx@IBM.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <synergx@IBM.NET>
Subject:      Re: rear air vents for Westfalias? Possible to install?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 02:03 3/30/99 -0500, you wrote:
>
>In the meantime I'm wondering if driving with the pop-top skylight open on the
>Westy solves some of the wind-sock/ inefficient air circualtion effect. If
>those with the skylight would please comment??

The skylight is in a neutral pressure zone.  It will move quite a bit of
air, either in or out depending on the pressure state of the front windows
(vacuum when mostly closed, pressure when mostly open).  Any serious rain
will make you think there's a funnel up there. :(  It makes a bit of a
rattling noise as there's some slack between the lifting arms and the track
they ride on.  It works very well  to keep the inside from broiling (it
only bakes...) when sitting in the sun, and it's perfect for cooking etc.
ventilation, opened just a crack in cold weather -- convection gives a
positive flow through the door vents and/or heater system.

>
>My Westy doesn't have the skylight. But if it'll improve air flow I'd consider
>installing one. It must also be cool to see the stars from the upstairs
>bedroom.

I think it's great, on balance.  I think camping without it would be a lot
harder.  But it's translucent, you won't be seeing stars except around the
edges.

d


David Beierl - dbeierl@ibm.net