As with any car, our classic VW is filled with hollow spaces in which condensation and heat form a focal point of rust and rot. During the development of the car, this was taken into account and many hollow spaces were provided with holes to create an air flow (ventilation). But the splashing water must not enter these holes, so they have been sealed with rubber plugs.
If you read the maintenance books carefully, you should regularly inspect the hollow spaces and allow the moisture caused by condensation to drain away. The holes are therefore not only used for drainage, but also have an important function as an inspection hole. Through these holes, the inside of the metal sheet can also be equipped with Tectyl for hollow spaces (see the Related parts tab), this treatment must be checked regularly and updated if necessary.
These special rubber drain plugs have a diameter of 10.2 mm, so the hole must be slightly smaller to be able to tighten properly. The cap is pressed into the hole, with the flexible sides closing the hole.
These plugs or valves are used in different places on our VW models, not only in hollow areas, but also to drain normally accessible areas. The overview below shows where they should be mounted per VW model. If there is no hole there, there has probably been a repair or restoration and the drainage holes are no longer visible, we recommend that you bring them back.
Beetle
Heating channels lower part, from 1968 (VIN 118 840 280 280 280 ) and later, 4 pieces
Karmann Ghia
Heating channels bottom, from 8/1967 to 7/1969, 4 pieces
Engine compartment, 8/1968 and later, 4 pieces
Bus
Engine compartment, from 8/1967 to 7/1972, 2 pieces
Engine compartment, from 8/1972 to 7/1979, 4 pieces
Left and right rear corners at the bottom, 8/1979 and later (Vanagon), 2 pieces
VW Thing
Luggage compartment, all years of construction, 2 pieces
(The numbers listed are the total number required for the application indicated)
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