rear deck lid stand offs,and closing this door from elements

[emil1966]

Hello everyone, I am the proud owner of a 1966 vw beetle, I love it I have always wanted one.To the question at hand It came with rear deck lid stand offs and im not sure if this deck lid should be closed during snow or rain as it stays open all the time. Does the beetle originally have the rear deck lid closed? Thanks all

[fatalifeaten]

Stand-offs are an aftermarket thing. The decklid closed to seal the engine compartment for cooling from the factory.

Most people run stand-offs for a couple reasons.

1: Cosmetically, they like the look better with the stand-offs

2: They have big carbs in and the lid won't close correctly because of the air cleaners binding.

I fell into category 1 for a long time, and honestly, I'd run them again with little concern. The caveat there being that I live in Phoenix and it never rains, so I'm not terribly concerned about moisture.


To each their own of course, but that is sexy to me. Wetter climates I'd think twice about having it open or maybe covering it when it's not being driven to keep the water/snow out.

Right now I'm running the lid closed as my oldest is driving the car to and from high school and I'd rather not risk having some dumb high schooler try to prank him and short a wire or steal parts. (locking pushbuttons for the win!) I'm in the process of getting parts together for a new engine that will need stand-offs again to clear big carbs, but will also NOT be being driven by my teen-ager.

[DC-Dubs]

I run stand offs and I live in the Seattle area. No water issues persay, but I park it in a heated garage when not driven. I agree with Fatal, it's a great look!

[Blue Baron]

I shorted out a perfectly good alternator regulator running standoffs.

Take them off and put a stock hood spring back on.