Au contraire' Chris. The hatches used on the 1980 through 1983 Air-cooled
models were stamped metal with a rubberized surface on the top and
insulation on the bottom. Those beasts weighed a ton (had an 83 AC) and I
thank my lucky stars every time I remove the plastic hatch from my 87 GL.

The plastic/resin injected molded variant didn't arrive until after
water-cooling did. I'll agree that all years are probably the same size,
shape, and depth. However, I think one would probably run into problems
trying to use a water-cooled hatch cover on an air-cooled.

Dan Weber
Miss Blue - 87 GL

----- Original Message -----
From: <JordanVw@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, November 25, 2000 11:27 AM
Subject: Re: Engine Comartment Lid

> In a message dated 11/25/00 10:53:49 AM Eastern Standard Time,
> jimlipman@YAHOO.COM writes:
>
> << My engine compartment lid rattles quite a bit. It is a
>  different color than the rest of my car so I think it
>  was changed from the PO. Could it be from the wrong
>  year (different sizes)? It feels snug and the rubber
>  looks good too. Any suggestions to tighten it down..
>   >>
>
> one lid fits all from 80-'91.
>