The Black Vinyl D Pillars are actually folded aluminium, covered in vinyl and bolted to the vehicle. The vents are to allow fresh air circulation into the vehicle. The do not allow direct access inside. If you were to remove them the vent on the body is further toward the top, with the vent on the D pillar at the bottom. I recovered my D pillars not so long ago and the bigger area of concern I would say is the mounting bolts themselves. these are fixed to the cover and pass through the bodywork into the car. I would remove the panels and have a look if you're concerned. Have you checked your boot area under the carpet and sound deadening for damp? If you want to remove the pillars its a simple process, removing the inner trim (and seatbelt inertia reel if fitted) to reveal 3 plastic caps covering the nuts (8mm If I recall) You will also need to remove the screws that sit in-line with the tailgate.
Rear side "vents" / water under vinyl.
When I got my rover there was a small tear in the black vinyl on the side near the rear, just below the "vents". After a rain if I pressed in around the tear, water would come shooting out. I covered the tear with black electrical tape, and used some black silicone sealant around the vents because it appeared that the water was running down from the gutter "downspout" directly into them, and they were pulled away from the vinyl somewhat so I figured the water was getting in there.
Fast forward to today, after another decent rain a few days ago, I checked the same location, pulled off the tape and pressed, and again -- water! I carefully sliced the vinyl at the bottom on the other side with a razor, and water comes streaming out from behind there was well.
A leaky, rusty mercedes 300d has taught me that water sitting around against metal is not a good recipe, so I sliced the vinyl at the very bottoms of both sides, and will simply let the water drain out that way. Anyone dealt with this? I can't figure out how the water is getting in, perhaps at the top just under the gutter downspouts? in through the vents? What they heck are those vents for anyway?
Fast forward to today, after another decent rain a few days ago, I checked the same location, pulled off the tape and pressed, and again -- water! I carefully sliced the vinyl at the bottom on the other side with a razor, and water comes streaming out from behind there was well.
A leaky, rusty mercedes 300d has taught me that water sitting around against metal is not a good recipe, so I sliced the vinyl at the very bottoms of both sides, and will simply let the water drain out that way. Anyone dealt with this? I can't figure out how the water is getting in, perhaps at the top just under the gutter downspouts? in through the vents? What they heck are those vents for anyway?
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Thanks! I probably didn't even need to slice the bottoms (luckily you can't see it).
I replaced the fuel pump a few weeks ago and there was no moisture in the boot area. Thank you for the info, it definitely eased my mind knowing what is behind there.
I replaced the fuel pump a few weeks ago and there was no moisture in the boot area. Thank you for the info, it definitely eased my mind knowing what is behind there.
No problem. Glad I can give something back to such a valuable forum every once in a while. 
Old thread, but does anyone have the above - or similar - images of "removed" vinyl from the pillars? Thx.
Installed on the rover or separate?Old thread, but does anyone have the above - or similar - images of "removed" vinyl from the pillars? Thx.
I was looking for "how to" images on removing and replacing the pillars and vinyl.Installed on the rover or separate?
The Photobucket images above are unavail.
Removal & replace is pretty straight forward following the Shop Manual which can be found here... http://www.rangerovers.net/forum/8-range-rover-classic/88857-info-rave-manual-download.html Be careful when removing the plastic vent. The little tabs will be fragile. I think I used a little heat to help.I was looking for "how to" images on removing and replacing the pillars and vinyl.
The Photobucket images above are unavail.
I bought my vinyl off another forum member but I think this is the same kind biscayne black vinyl but double check the size needed. To adhere it, I used 3m Yellow Super Trim Adhesive.
Use the old vinyl as a pattern but go slightly larger and clean off all the old adhesive.
Bought mine from eBay, it's a simple elk grain vinyl. Cheap, just make sure to order the stuff with backing. A 60"x72" piece was $40
I got into the 'side vents' yesterday.. Here are some images - with the aluminum removed.
![Vehicle door Vehicle Automotive exterior Car Automotive window part]()
Here's the inside - removing the vents.
![Wood Gas Metal]()
Stripping the vinyl - it may not be necessary to strip all the glue, but I used WD-40, a single-blade razor (more perpendicular than as a horizontal scraper), steel wool.
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Here's the inside - removing the vents.
Stripping the vinyl - it may not be necessary to strip all the glue, but I used WD-40, a single-blade razor (more perpendicular than as a horizontal scraper), steel wool.
NEED a tip to help re-install the D-Pillars in my '91 RRC. Having trouble locating the 2 washers on the studs.
Tough to work through the small holes which gives you access
Any suggestions?
Tough to work through the small holes which gives you access
Any suggestions?
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