Thanks for all the great comments on my = original post. 

I have a skylight and it does suck air out = while driving, but I don't think it was designed to be up while driving = all the time, if ever (I agree that it is flimsy and mine has been = reinforced with fiberglass since it has cracked all over).  In = addition, I'm not sure that it would provide very much relief for those = sitting in the back.

I thought it would be great to have a kick (?) = window in the rear parallel to the bench seat-it really pulls the air = through in my brother's 78 and is very refreshing for the people = sitting in the rear.  The rear vents on the later models don't = seem to function the same as the rear window.  I will explore = finding a vent that is easy to install that can be closed off-perhaps = an aircraft vent or marine vent.  I'll let you know if I find = anything out. 

><><><><><><><&= gt;<><><><><><><><><&= gt;<><><><>J
Phillip 87 = Westy
Annpolis, = MD

-----Original = Message-----
From:   Karl Wolz [mailto:wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT= .NET]
Sent:   Tuesday, March 30, 1999 2:33 PM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:       = Re: rear air vents for Westfalias? = Possible to install?

Mike,

Well, actually it DOES suck.  = Since it opens toward the back of the van, it
creates a vacuum and pulls fresh air = through the van.  Quite effectively,
too.

Mine's always open in the = summertime,  which in AZ, starts about now.

Karl Wolz

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike = <mayfly95@PAONLINE.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM = <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Tuesday, March 30, 1999 9:03 = AM
Subject: Re: rear air vents for = Westfalias? Possible to install?

>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??
>
>Yes, dramatically.
>
>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.
>
>It doesn't suck.
>
>
>I am actually considering a = second skylight for just that purpose.
>
>
>Mike
>87 westy
>
>Jeffrey R wrote:
>>
>> In a message dated 99-03-29 = 14:36:53 EST, you write:
>>
>> > Can someone tell me how = these vents in later models function and if you
>>
>> Phillip--
>>
>> I believe the vents you = speak of in the rear windows are filled with foam
and
>> designed to let the = immediate pressure out ot the bus when the door is
slammed
>> with all the windows closed. = I do not think they serve any (or at least
very
>> little) air flow = function.
>>
>> My sister's van called Quest = has kick out rear side windows that are
>> electrically controlled from = the driver's seat. This set up on the
Vanagon
>> would be great--especially = Westy where the driver's side rear side window
>> would be unaccessable (of = course the curtain would constantly get
caught).
>> However  I'm pretty = sure no one offers such and accessory.
>>
>> 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??
>>
>> 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.
>>
>> Jeff
>> 83.5 Westy
>> NYC (where the only stars = are the ones on celluloid, and pretty dull at
that)
>