Shaving Rear Spare Tire.....what's the vent for????

[ShaunH3]

Well, the H3 has less than 400 miles on it and it's already in the body shop........don't worry....it's for the good though! I am getting the rear spare tire panel shaved and filled for a smooth clean look. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

To my surprise, after pulling off the mounting panel for the spare I found a VENT? Anybody have any thoughts on the functionality of this little vent? My only thoughts are to prevent condensation buildup between the panels, but I can't see how that shoul even be an issue.

Anyhow, $600 later and the photoshopped picture of the "after" of what it will be looking like. It goes under the knife next week.....so I'll be posting some pics of the finished product.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Hummer%20Back.jpg
http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Hummer%20Back%202.jpg

http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Hummer%20Back%203.jpg

http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Hummer%20Back%204.jpg
http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/vent.jpg

http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Rear%20filled.jpg

[ShaunH3]

Well, the H3 has less than 400 miles on it and it's already in the body shop........don't worry....it's for the good though! I am getting the rear spare tire panel shaved and filled for a smooth clean look. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

To my surprise, after pulling off the mounting panel for the spare I found a VENT? Anybody have any thoughts on the functionality of this little vent? My only thoughts are to prevent condensation buildup between the panels, but I can't see how that shoul even be an issue.

Anyhow, $600 later and the photoshopped picture of the "after" of what it will be looking like. It goes under the knife next week.....so I'll be posting some pics of the finished product.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Hummer%20Back.jpg
http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Hummer%20Back%202.jpg

http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Hummer%20Back%203.jpg

http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Hummer%20Back%204.jpg
http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/vent.jpg

http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Rear%20filled.jpg

[KenP]

I would GUESS that's for the HVAC system. You need a vent.

[bender]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
I would GUESS that's for the HVAC system. You need a vent. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

that begs the question if you go clean then where are you gonna put the needed vent?

[FLYINGBADGER2006]

Its a different look. I was wondering if you were planing to keep the spare inside the Cargo area? (like the H2 does)If so, are you making some type of mounting brackets to hold the spare tire in the upright condition? (if it fits)

[ShaunH3]

Please explain how that would be related to the HVAC??

I currently have no plans to relocate the vent. Just going fully shaved.

And no spare tire. Living in the city and having road side assistance doesn't warrant having a spare. In fact I can't remember ever having a flat or needing a spare for anyone in my family including myself within the past 10 years, so the frequency of needing a spare just doesn't warrant carrying it around. IF I was to head out of town on a road trip, then yes I would throw it in the back seat.

But damn.......that back door flys open without the added weight now!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[ShaunH3]

Oh, and the spare tire doesn't fit in the back without laying on of the seats down, so the bracket mounting like the H2 can't happen.

[KenP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Originally posted by TAZ:
I have not double checked in a while but, the black rear vent already has a one way valve to let pressure out of the cabin. Turn Your AC on high and You should be able to walk around back and feel the air moving out. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>This was a discussion about something else entirely, but still answers your question.

[ShaunH3]

Hmmmmm yeah, when I was driving around today I noticed that. I was thinking that was probably what it was there for, but my question is once I get rid of it what happens? Do I get a pressurized cabin? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[KenP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ShaunH3:
Hmmmmm yeah, when I was driving around today I noticed that. I was thinking that was probably what it was there for, but my question is once I get rid of it what happens? Do I get a pressurized cabin? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Yep, and it's good to 30k feet! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[crop000s]

Cool vent, blow the dealers mind and tell him you have a hole in your hummer.
Removing the spare makes me wonder if GOBI is going to put a ladder there for the roof rack??



Green, 5 speed, adventure package, sunroof,marker lights, xm, and NO CHORME

[felsmann]

Another Hummer that will never see a trail...
By the way, Ken has the best anumation I have EVER seen in any forum EVER!! Now that's a shaved rear!

[ShaunH3]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Another Hummer that will never see a trail... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

YOU GOT IT........This is gonna be all show!
http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Hummer H2]

I took mine off to do the same thing. I taped up the hole and turned the air on. You will notice a huge difference. All of the doors will de harder to close, and you'll have a constant "noise" with the air blowing without a window being cracked open. I am still trying to figure out a way to have a small vent molded in, but have a clean look. Good luck with the project.

[H3Lady]

All vehicles have this, usually hidden under the rear bumper.

I allows you to close the doors and release the inside air pressure. without it the door will not close because it is to air tight in the cabin.

[ShaunH3]

Okay, I am going to go and test this theory about the vent being there for cabin pressure.

I am pulling out my roll of duct tape, covering up that hole.......and taking it for a spin.

Will post the results for wind-noise\cabin pressure\closing doors\sunroof.....

If it really is that big of a deal, I will just be relocating the vent.....the tailgate will be shaved!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[H3Lady]

Just leave the windows cracked to close the doors

[Diana]

What body shop is doing the work?

[ShaunH3]

I have a good contact up in the NW. A small little body shop off of McKnight in the industrial area there. The shop is called K&J Autobody and the guy to talk to there is keith. I actually picked up his name from a different car forum. He does alot of work with import sport compact cars and their fiberglass body kits. Of course he does everything else too, but it is definately a good price. I got quoted from SHAW nearly $300 more for the same job.

[HummerNewbie]

Don't let anyone tape a picture of the duct taped tail gate or it will end up on the Jeep forum http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[wannabeH3]

yeah i would ditch the spare too but i dont like how the rear looks without it... maybe ill just have a spare airbrushed on the back?

[Diana]

Dealerships have a tendancy to rape people for work they want done. When I was looking at an H2, they wanted $2500 for chrome goodies, that would cost me about $900-$1000.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ShaunH3:
I have a good contact up in the NW. A small little body shop off of McKnight in the industrial area there. The shop is called K&J Autobody and the guy to talk to there is keith. I actually picked up his name from a different car forum. He does alot of work with import sport compact cars and their fiberglass body kits. Of course he does everything else too, but it is definately a good price. I got quoted from SHAW nearly $300 more for the same job. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Hummer Guy]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H3Lady:
All vehicles have this, usually hidden under the rear bumper.

I allows you to close the doors and release the inside air pressure. without it the door will not close because it is to air tight in the cabin. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

hehe -- so w/out you wouldn't be able to close the doors? Or would it just make your head explode if you were inside the cabin... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[timgco]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by crop000s:
Cool vent, blow the dealers mind and tell him you have a hole in your hummer.
Removing the spare makes me wonder if GOBI is going to put a ladder there for the roof rack??


You'll see in the next week or two. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif


Green, 5 speed, adventure package, sunroof,marker lights, xm, and NO CHORME </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[VTSTOMPER]

you need to have a vent...or your windows will pop after a while. At least the seals will...if not the glass.

[hyperion78]

do a little bit math and an increase of 30 degrees in cabin would result in an increase of about 30% in pressure inside the cabin... I wonder how much pressure would make it go *POP*

[VTSTOMPER]

I bet your right. The new cabins on cars/trucks are very air tight.

[H3 Builder]

Yes it's the pressure relief for the truck to relieve pressure when you shut the doors. The original was smaller and wouldn't allow the doors to shut good. Be careful, I think I would try to get it installed somewhere else or you might not be able to shut the doors, and or damage something else. We started building S10's one year and the valve was too small and the rear windows would basically blow out from the pressure. Needless to say they changed them to a bigger one.

[H3Lady]

I checked with engineering and they said.

A BIG NO NO...ALSO THE WINDOWS WILL FOG BEYOND THE DEFROSTER TO. The air and heater will not function correctly..you need negative pressure to curculate air.

Just checked

[ShaunH3]

Well even with all the naysayers, the duct tape experiment had to commence! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I realize that it isn't entirely representative what the difference will be when it is welded shut but it should give a reasonable idea......on with the pics.
http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Duct%20Tape.jpg

http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Duct%20Tape%202.jpg

So as for the results of my tests, which are by no means conclusive.......

Door opening ease - UNCHANGED
Door closing ease - UNCHANGED
Wind Noise - UNCHANGED
Sunroof Wind Noise - UNCHANGED

Sense of cabin pressure when closing or opening doors - UNCHANGED

I can basically see no noticeable difference in any area at this time.

I do see it definately being related to the air\AC\Heater because, and correct me if I am wrong here, in order for the air to flow to the back of the vehicle there needs to be some suction pulling it. Removing the vent essentially leaves no way for the air to circulate to the back of the vehicle. And since there is no rear vents that i can see.....this would mean that the rear passengers and cargo area wouldn't get air circulated to them nearly as efficiently.

This definately falls into line with H3Lady's post and makes sense engineering wise as well. Also makes logic sense for the rear defroster condensing too.

So I am still going ahead with this project. If I find it noticeably uncomfortable for the air circulation then I will consider a vent relocation, perhaps in the fender well.

[signals34]

So if something happens to the ac/heating system,windows popping,etc....warranty is void...?

[Mrs Esterhaus]

Everyone tends to forget. Dealerships, as with any business, are open to MAKE MONEY. They are not there to just break even. Just any mechanic if he works for free. Part of the price is the install. I'm not saying that $2500 isn't out of line, but you guys need to look at the bigger picture.

Mrs Esterhaus
'06 H3 Pacific Blue


[QUOTE]Originally posted by Diana:
Dealerships have a tendancy to rape people for work they want done. When I was looking at an H2, they wanted $2500 for chrome goodies, that would cost me about $900-$1000.

[wannabeH3]

shaun how much is that gonna cost u? i like it

[f5fstop]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I do see it definately being related to the air\AC\Heater because, and correct me if I am wrong here, in order for the air to flow to the back of the vehicle there needs to be some suction pulling it. Removing the vent essentially leaves no way for the air to circulate to the back of the vehicle. And since there is no rear vents that i can see.....this would mean that the rear passengers and cargo area wouldn't get air circulated to them nearly as efficiently. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

90 Percent correct. It does help to relieve pressure inside the vehicle when the door is closed or temps rise.
The volume of air that is dispersed inside the cabin when a door is closed is considerably greater than the size of the valve. Its primary purpose is for airflow for the HVAC system. That might be the reason that the person responsible for this vent in the product engineering area of GM is also the HVAC product person.

[ShaunH3]

It's going to cost $800 for the full shave....was going to be $650 if I just filled the holes and patched the vent. We decided to go with the full shave though after photoshopping all options....actually, I'll post all options here for you to see so you can decide which you like better!

It goes into the shop on this MONDAY and they'll have it for two days, and then I will be posting new, freshly painted pics!!!!

In regards to f5fstop: I totally agree that it does have a purpose in relieving pressure due to temperature changes and in opening\closing the doors. However, I would be very very hard pressed to believe that the vehicle is so air tight that without that vent, it might blow out the windows if it gets hot enough.

OPTION A http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Option%20A.jpg

OPTION B
http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Option%20B.jpg

OPTION C
http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Option%20C.jpg

OPTION D
http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Option%20D.jpg

OPTION E
http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Option%20E.jpg

OPTION F http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif
http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Option%20F.jpg

[H3ProspectKy]

Nice job...I like pic 3 and 6, particularly 6 though.

[HummerNewbie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H3ProspectKy:
Nice job...I like pic 3 and 6, particularly 6 though. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I would have to second that.

[Georgemarc]

Number 6 is my vote

[ShaunH3]

Are you guys saying that you like the H3 in the center???

I think that one looks totally off...looks empty in the bottom left now.

http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[Vincent]

#3 is a cleaner look, but #6 looks like the logo is supposed to be there.

How about pic #3, but with the logo in the center?

[Georgemarc]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I think that one looks totally off...looks empty in the bottom left now. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I think it only looks empty as you were used to it being there.

[ShaunH3]

How's this?

http://www.members.shaw.ca/benoit-hill/Option%20G.jpg

[H3ProspectKy]

That looks good in the center Shaun, but ultimately the best one is the one that YOU like. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[ShaunH3]

I've already decided. It's a done deal for me......I was just entertaining peoples opinions for interests sake.

Fully Shaved!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Vincent]

Sweet! It looks great.

Last week I found a 16 penny nail in my rear tread. I was going to bring it in to have the nail removed and have the hole patched, but I got too busy. I think the nail either wore off or fell out. If you see a KIA with nail stuck in the grill, I'd like it back please....

So anyways, I'll keep my spare on the back just in case.