Date:         Mon, 25 Oct 1999 15:29:39 -0400
Reply-To:     Doug Bensen <db25@UMAIL.UMD.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doug Bensen <db25@UMAIL.UMD.EDU>
Subject:      Re: heater flaps (not FLAPS)
Comments: To: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Karl,
Just replaced mine last summer when I did the blower motor and heater core.  I
went to Home Depot and purchased self adhesive 3/16" thick foam that was 1.5"
wide.  Since the foam does not stick to the control flaps I first stuck the
foam to Reynolds plastic wrap.  This almost mimics the original stuff that
crumbled off and allowed the leaks and whistles.  Now I laid the foam with the
plastic wrap down on my workbench.  Laid the metal flap down on the foam and
marked through the mounting hole were the holes in the foam should be.  Then I
took the foam and folded in the places were I had marked it and clipped a "V"
out of the foam.  After the foam is unfolded you have the square that allows
mounting everything together.  Snap the black plastic piece and the foam on the
metal flap.  All that is left is to trim the excess that hangs past the metal
flap.  I cannot remember how much actually hung past the flap to make a good
seal, so rebuilt them one at a time so you have a sample.  The good news is
that the whistles are gone.  Not sure if the system ever sealed perfect, even
when new.  So with everything closed in the summer there is still a small
amount of warm draft sneaking through.  Still much improved over what was.  If
anyone has any additional questions, just pail or give me a call.  I did the
job last summer and I think I covered everything, but you never know.

Good luck,
Doug
301-405-7650

Karl Wolz wrote:

> Hi any list vendors out there,
>
> I've looked at the flaps that control the air flow through the heater and
> into the passenger compartment in my '84 and 85, and all of the foam rubber
> is eroded away so that the flaps no longer make a good seal.  Now that the
> temps have dropped here in Phoenix, I really notice that hot air roiling
> about my feets.
>
> I have contacted the dealer, and was told that I could only order the
> complete heater flap assembly, including the spindle, plastic flaps, and
> foam seals.  They want something around $70 for this, which I feel is
> unconscionable, since all that need to be replaced is maybe 97 cents worth
> of foam rubber.
>
> Anyone out there have any ideas?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Karl Wolz