Ok, so I have what is bound to be a newbie question... So be kind. On the front valance of the wifes '68 bug, there is a circular cover. its located fairly central in the valance, behind the bumper- kind of like where a crank handle would be inserted on a front engined car. I assume it is part of an assembly jig mounting system, but not sure. I intend to weld it up and smooth it prior to paint, bu wanted to check that it's not essential first.

Thanks in advance

The round plate on the nose panel and the plate behind the spare wheel are for the removal of the gear shift selector rod that runs in the tunnel..To remove it for repairs etc it comes out through the front nose
Welding it up might make your life hard in the future

Oh, right, that would make sense. Glad I asked question, I don't fancy the idea of taking the body off just to work on the shift rod...... Thanks for the reply, possibly just saved me lots of work

No worries..good luck with your bug!.