louves - stock or mod?

[bilbo]

can anyone tell me if the louves running down the sides of the rear windows are stock or aftermarket?



i've seen a few fasty's like this, but not many. are they just for looks or are they meant to increase airflow to the engine bay? or do they just provide another water trap

[miketyp3]

They are standard on post 70 fastbacks, and are to provide through flow ventilation of the interior.
They basically replaced the pop out windows that were deleted for that year and yes they are another water trap...

Mike

edit: simular vents also appeared on Notch and Squarebacks at the same time.

[bilbo]

cheers mike, that explains why i don't have them '69, and confirms that i don't want them, an open window will do me

[bilbo]

just noticed this car has both louves and pop outs, drafty

[Editor]

They ventilate the rear window area; '72 on I believe, though my '71 Variant has them so they may have come ina bit earlier.

Yours looks like '72 if that is the original front bumper as it's the cut back type that they also started fitting to the Type 1 Ghias from '72 (Aug '71).

[bilbo]

not my car dave, if mine were that straight and shiny i wouldn't be taking the skin off of my knuckles

come next dub freeze though...

[miketyp3]

I had them on a 71. Its also mentioned in the 71 brochures so I think it must have come in for that year.
Pop outs would still fit (the catch mounting holes may need to be drilled) but they weren't offered as the venting system was designed to replace them.

[Editor]

My parts book seems to suggest that the Variant and the Notch had rear ventilation for '71, but doesn't show them for a Fastback, so I suspect the Fastback only got the vents later in the '71 model year or maybe only from '72 models (Aug '71).

[miketyp3]

This Brochure dated 8/70 must be a misprint then






and my (pre August) 71 Fastback must have been something special then.

[Editor]

I'm sure your Fastback has lots special, Mike! How long have you had a real Type 3 then?

It's pretty damning evidence - OK, I'm wrong. Still can't find those little inside covers listed in the parts book - must be there somewhere.

[miketyp3]

That one was a long time ago Dave... In fact it was my first Type 3.
Those little vents on the inside are the same for all models aren't they?
Mike

[inkedkitch]

Thats my old fastback! I sold her the other week!

She had louves and pop outs, didnt let a drop of water in.

[Editor]

...
Those little vents on the inside are the same for all models aren't they?
Mike

The Variant doesn't use them - there's no headlining on the rear pillar as it would get damaged during loading and unloading. It has a grill with a lump of foam behind. I don't know Notches well enough to be sure of that part.

[purplepeter]

I've just come accross the vent covers by accident whilst looking for sills for bilbo!
part no:311819465
http://www.vwispwest.com/product.php?is ... =311819465

[Editor]

They specify them for the Squareback too. Must have trim on that part in the higher-trim spec then. $29.95 each??? What?