My understanding is that, in addition to the diesel vans,  the 80-83 air
cooled vans also had metal engine covers.  I have switched  metal covers
from the 80-83 vans with the plastic ones on my 86 Syncro, 88 Wolfsburg, and
91 GL and they are all interchangeable.

In regard to fire protection, if a fire and heat retardent mat is placed
between the metal cover and the bed cushion, you should at least have enough
time to grab the fire extinguisher and hope for the best.

Budd Premack
91 GL, 85 L
Land of Sky-Blue Waters