Two basic responses so far:

#1
>Jim / BusBoys@aol.com
>Being the original owner of a '67 Deluxe myself (over 307K miles), I have
>this "belly pan".  Seems only the Deluxes in '67 came with this...
...
> Although I could never substantiate it, I'm sure it added to the structural
>integrity. Strange thing is, they only did it for one year and all models
>68-on have the underframes exposed again.  So much for consistency :)

#2
>From: Bob Hufford <bhufford@mail.orion.org>
>The pans are additional reinforcement and are found on sun-roof and
>double-door (both sides) models.

#2 is more correct, because the pans are not limited to '67. Bob and I seem
to have very similar panel vans, neither of which are '67s, and both of
which are reinforced with the belly pans.

The Bozobus was my first Type II and I thought that the pans were standard
equipment.  Imagine my surprise when I looked under a Kombi and saw the
bottom of the flooring and support ribs!

bcnu - Grungy
jgladu@bcm.tmc.edu
'61 dddPanel walk-thru (The Bozobus)
'89 Vanagon GL
'90 Vanagon GL
'68 & '69 Bugs (Frunobulax & Bertha)

bcnu - G (John Gladu)            Opinions are just that
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