I have seen numerous Vanagons that were destroyed by engine fires, some
with metal lids and some with the newer type.
I have also seen numerous Vanagons that survived engine fires, some with
metal lids and some with the newer type.

The type of lid may make a difference in some circumstances but I would
suggest that your money is better spent on carrying a large extinguisher
and paying closer attention to the condition of the fuel lines and
fittings. Slowing the fires progress into the passenger compartment may
do little to save the vehicle from the junkyard after the fire. A fire
that starts with a gasoline leak can soon become an electrical fire
involving the unfused and always live circuits that VW put in the engine
compartment. Once the main wiring harness is involved the vehicle is
likely to be declared a total loss even if the interior is still pretty
good. I have a Syncro in my possession now that had a bad engine fire
that did not reach the fuel tank. Inside the wiring loom there are
burned up wires all the way to the fuse panel, instrument cluster, and
steering column. One of the main wiring connectors is melted to the back
of the fuse panel and can't be unplugged.

Years ago I had a friend with a late model loaf that had a small engine
fire. The damage did not seem too bad but the repair bill grew fairly
enormous as the shop found more and more damage to wiring and fuel
injection components. The interior was untouched by the fire and there
was no damage to the paint either.

Mark

JordanVw@AOL.COM wrote:
>
> In a message dated 12/22/03 11:39:54 AM Eastern Standard Time,
> jbrush@AROS.NET writes:
>
> > I conclude that the worst issue we face is the time it
> > takes for the driver to realize that there is a fire to be dealt with.
>
> this is why you need a metal lid.   because they buy you more time.
> i have 2 for sale if anyone's  interested.
>
> chris