Rear crossmember/ valance

[bluebus1987]

Why do we have so many holes, cutouts and shapes at the back of the van. I was standing back and admireing/ cringing at my repairs and it struck me all those holes look very purposeful, but all they seem to do in effect is collect clag inside. why the little dimple on each corner, whats the tab for right at the bottom of the bottom corner panel..........
We need answers!!!!

[boatbuilder]

The long line of holes at the bottom...to dissipate heat from the exhaust?

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[bluebus1987]

I was thinking the row above, sort of behind the bumper with the cross member behind it. Particularly the ones in the wedge shaped pressings just on the outside of the bumper mount holes. They look like they are put there for a particular pupose but never used. Just wondering. When I opened up the end of the cross member it was jam packed with compressed organic matter that must have come through the said holes.
Here,
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z282 ... G_1969.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Full panel showing loads of holes,
http://campervanculture.com/wp-content/ ... aspx_.jpeg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[boatbuilder]

Maybe just to let a bit of air in to dry it out in there?

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[chrisdc]

On an air-cooled van the heating system intake is connected by a flexible hose to the oval aperture on the inside of the rear valance (within the engine bay). This is then connected to all the holes on the outside. I guess the idea being it wouldn't suck in fumes from the engine/ exhaust. Although, after 30+ years the warm air is not exactly sweet smelling!

[bluebus1987]

Thats another one ticked off then! I never thought about Aircooled.
Is that why the fuel tank has a groove across the top, for the heater pipe? I actualy had an Aircooled T 3 for a bit that I let go for next to nothing. It was pretty ropey underneath though.