Check and inspect that bar carefully.  When I converted my '91 GL to subaru
power around 2006 I considered using the WBX bar as part of the Subie
support.  When I went to clean it up, I found that my welder's chipping
hammer would punch right thru the metal in many places.  I felt lucky that
it hadn't collapsed under its load.  It had been in the snow and salt of
Chicago most of its life, but I suspect that Boise is similar in that
respect.

Larry A.

On Wed, Aug 19, 2020 at 3:08 PM Neil N <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:

> 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>
>