I tried renewing the treads on mine but they are very weak to begin
with.  The options I found were, go bigger or put a coil in. I ended
up getting a slightly larger plug from the auto parts store and
taping to fit that. It's not VW but it fits tight and I can buy
washers easy for it.

No mater what you do, I'd say use some type of drain bolt because of
the flange they have. Also remember to use a washer. They are the key
to keeping this from happening again.

JFF

>good evening folks,
>        The threads of the oil drain plug of the 83 1.9L engine I'm installing
>in my 85 westy weekender are quite stripped, I'm afraid. The PO had a
>rubber stopper sort of deal in there, but I'm not sure I trust
>that...while it's out and empty I'd like to try to trace the threads so
>I can stick a bolt back in there. Anyone know what size tap to use?
>Also, is it okay to just toss in a bolt or should I order one of the
>fancy-pants drain plug bolts I was just looking at on volkscafe.com?
>
>Thanks,
>        Arthur
>
>portland, maine