It's possible those caps helped harbour moisture/salt etc. possibly
helping to accelerate rust.

If bar is still structurally sound, I'd treat rust, paint, spray on
something like Fluid Film, leave those caps out if damaged or MIA.

Neil.

On 8/19/20, David Boan <dboan@outlook.com> wrote:
> Hello Vanagon Types
>
> I am doing some rust abatement currently focusing on the engine carrier bar.
>  The bar ends are badly rusted but the bar itself is solid.  I tried pulling
> out the end caps, but they are corroded into place.  Before I apply more
> force I thought I would ask this group about the caps and thoughts on
> protecting the bar itself.  I did a quick check online and apparently the
> end caps are no longer available.

-- 
Neil n

VE7TBN

1988 Westy 50º ABA swap: https://tinyurl.com/yap5hpwt

1981 Westy 15º ABA swap: https://tinyurl.com/y9n4xob8

VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>