>My 1980 model vanagon has the solid (sort of) metal rear intake
>louvers..
>
>when did they go form metal body louvers to removeable plastic
>louvers?

 From what I've seen, all the 80's and some of the 81 models have the
welded-in metal slats. They probably officially switched to the screw-in
plastic louvers for the 81 model year, but had a bunch of the old style
left over which they used up first.

John Bange
'90 Vanagon "Geldsauger"
9 months owned - $11144 "invested"