Cardboard Panels by Radiator

[randiandipandi]

Hi,

I'm doing some preparation work at the front prior to painting and have had the front grills off.
Given they are pretty much mulch and don't appear to be doing anything I'm guessing the cardboard panels either side of the radiator are not critical.
As VW fitted them I presume they are there for a reason...so do I need to replace them? Is there any benefit to fabricating my own (any better design options?) or don't worry they never worked anyway!

Thanks,

[bigherb]

Yes they do two things direct air through the radiator rather than it taking the path of least resistance and blowing around the side and stop the hot air from the fan being sucked back through the radiator.

[jason k]

I've taken em off every t3 I ever owned and seen no ill effect...

[billy739]

in general everyday use they will make no difference

if you push your van tho they do help.

I have noticed at speeds of 70mph upwards they seem to help a little.

as vw decided they are a good idea then they should be kept were possible.

in the past I have recreated them in ally

[CovKid]

Have to agree with Herb and Billy. You may not notice the difference but VW did when they tested the T25 and did all the calculations. VW are not known for fitting stuff just for the sake of it. Not a critical part no but it does help. Unfortunately what tends to happen is owners remove bits they think maker no real difference like the odd bit of tinware here, a rubber grommet there and added up, they can make a significant difference in terms of wide swings in engine temperature and, longevity.

[Aidan]

excellent post on syncro forum with a template to make the non available one

[CovKid]

Linky?

[AdrianC]

I wonder if it's worth making replacements in something a bit more robust than cardboard...?

[CovKid]

The stuff used for estate agents boards. I wouldn't even be contemplating cardboard.

[Cruz]

http://forum.club8090.co.uk/viewtopic.p ... r#p7880601" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and

http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/index.php/c ... lower.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[CovKid]

Why would anyone BUY a replacement?? Search me. One born every minute.

[Cruz]

Not everyone is practical or has the time or access to alternatives such as estate agent boards. £4.50 isn't much in the scheme of things seeing some of the tat people spend top dollar on