Good for you!.

I’ll have to try your window test to see if it makes a difference. 

I’ve worked hard on sound improvement. 

Nothing works when windows open on the highway! 

But, when windows closed my vans are quiet enough for easy conversation.  I’ve done a lot of sound deadening in the vans and worked hard to reduce rattle areas.  It makes a big difference. 

Eric Caron 

> On Aug 8, 2023, at 8:55 PM, Geoffrey Toye <geoffreytoye@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> It's always been difficult to hold a conversation with my partner while
> cruising at highway speed in our ’81 Vanagon. (I know what you're thinking,
> you guys need a councillor).  But no, it was the wind noise. I did notice
> one day that the noise reduced significantly if I pushed out on the
> driver's window.   Checking the front window felt strip the rubber seemed
> hard and there was not much felt pile left.  Probably the original at over
> 40 years old.  I replaced the driver's side felt strip, P/N 251 955 453D,
> and what a difference it has made.  Conversations are now very easy.  The
> passengers felt strip is original too but is less worn and does not seem to
> be causing a problem, maybe because the passenger window is not used as
> much.
> 
> I looked at some online videos on how to change the felt strip before I
> started and it seemed like you just pulled it down from the top and up from
> the bottom. However, my seal was held in with contact adhesive. Easy enough
> to pull out from the top but no way was the bottom going to pull out of the
> door.  I even pulled a muscle in my arm trying.  I was surprised that the
> seal did not just snap, I pulled so hard. I decided not to pull the door
> card off and remove the window but just splice the new seal against the old
> as low as I could in the track.  Managed to do it just 1/4’ above the lower
> window seal with a clean butt joint.  You have to look very hard to see the
> join.
> 
> Just thought I would share this finding as it made such a difference in the
> wind noise for only a few dollars and an hour's work.  Of course there is a
> downside, I can no longer use selective hearing and blame it on the wind
> noise.  Something that probably can’t be fixed by a counsellor for a few
> dollars and an hour of my time.