On our 62 Split. I can see that the wonderfully bolted on mesh isn't original... but I can't make my mind up on the vents. I've not seen them before on an engine lid, but they look too good to have been done by the same person who did the mesh! There's no signs of welding around them or filler either. So if they were put in, someone very skilled did it. Or perhaps it's an aftermarket lid? I'm not sure...
















Anyone know anything about them, or why they were fitted?

Ta

looks like a louver press was used to make vents. Usually done as a hot country modification to allow more air to the motor or a subi conversion.

they may have been welded in behind the inner frame so you cant see it, can you see any joins under the mesh area?Definitely not a factory thing

yeah any sheetmetal monkey can do that. It may have ben done to let in more air (obviously!) for a rear-mounted radiator for a water-cooled engine conversion

Quote:

Originally posted by M16S VW

BBQ hotplate

bizzare, i thought that too, ps - sheetmetal monkey here, but look closer, it appears to be the edge of the other part of sheet on the back of the lid as it goes all the way around, even has little welds on it, would be easy to put those louvers into the stock lid, the mesh ruins it tho, would of been better with more louvers, however personal taste, i would of reversed it so they stuck inwards, keeping the outside smooth-ish

could someone put up a standard lid of the same vintage to compare, similar condition not nice & shiny would help...