i don't know what it is called, so I shall describe it. The engine hood has slots above it (under the rear window) and these let air into the engine. behind this grill (inside) there is a shelf with slots init to let the air through, but to keep the rain etc out. This shelf is VERY badly rusted, and needs to be removed and replaced before the whole thing rusts (the engine caught fire, I couldnt get into this area to clean it up, and it has all just rusted away.

Has anyone done this and have any idea what is involved? How much would a replacement bit cost, and can it be had?

This may help, have a read of Page 11 at the The BugShop

what, so it is just glued in?

can you buy this panel, or do you have to get it made up?

What would happen if I just left it out? WHat does it actually acheive, other than making it impossible to get in there to clean it...

it holds the hinges for the decklid (thats what it's called) i THINK.. and stops water getting into the engine bay.. u dont want water in your dissy..

but you wouldnt have to get one made up.. just go to a wrecking yard, and pull one out of another beetle..

its called a rain deflector and they were only fitted on some bugs