rear side air vents
 

ive noticed in recent mags. that most of the beetles have shaved /covered over the rear side air vents, behind the rear windows. is this a good idea? with out these wouldnt the engines heat up more? i guess if you replace them with something it would be ok..., but if not what are the side effects?

neil

My 1969 beetle didn't come with those vents and I never had a problem with over heating. Some ideas would be to use deck lid stand off plates or a convertable deck lid. The convertabe deck lid has four patches of louvered vents to let cool air in. Hope this helps..:)

they are most often deleted not only for athestics, but because stock they have a foam pad in there that acts as a sponge and causes extensive rust damage. therefore most people end up repairing the section and deleting them.

if yours are in good shape, i would clean them out and use them to feed the carbs. although i have to say i like the smooth look.

my vents look great and are clean, i thought of adding the air scoops and using them to feed my carbs and fan to cool the engine. kind of a ram air on the side.

do the vents even lead to the engine compartment or would i have to route it there?

thanks

neil

no, these do not go to the engine compartment, they are a fresh air induction, mainly to allow air into the inside of the car.

NACA ducts
 

Take a look at these racers fom Great Britain. Notice the NACA duct on the upper surface of the rear wheel arch. They look good and quite effective to me.
http://www.jprmotorsport.com/
Justin

Jep that's what i've heard to...

But some of the air goes to the engine compartment (if the foam is removed)

greetings Wiebrand

p.s. the mine are welded close for the looks..