Instructions for Tropical Climate Operation 3 - Chassis a - General The total weight given in the Instruction Manuals for the various models should not be exceeded, as inferior roads, generally encountered in the tropics, double the strain imposed on the chassis components under normal road conditions. b - Tires Eperience has shown that the standard tires of the VW Models are also suitable for the operating conditions prevailing in tropical and desert regions. It is, of course, essential to keep the tires inflated as specified in the Instruction Manual of the vehicle. "M+S" tires or chains with rubber blocks provide a better grip when negotiating muddy stretches. c - Front axle reinforcement and protection shield 1 - The protection shield under the front of the vehicle provides a smooth surface which protects the front axle when traversing very rough ground. 2 - The additional reinforcement increases the strength and service life of the axle These items are not supplied as spares but can be made and installed by VW Workshops with the aid of the special leaflet "Protective Plates for VW Passenger Cars". d - Steering wheel bush seal To prevent the steering wheel bush or bearing from damage, the steering column and tube should be sealed to keep out dust. This can be done by inserting a 10mm thick piece of felt about 15mm into the tube and cementing it into position with VW Genuine Adhesive D12. The felt should fit tightly round the steering column. e - Seal between door and side member A strip of foam rubber can be cemented betwen the side member and the sill panel to prevent the entry of dust and water. f - Torsion bars It is not necessary to install stronger torsion bars or to alter the adjustment of the standard pattern. It is not possible to increase the ground clearance. g - Front wheel bearings In view of the higher temperatures prevailing, the front wheel bearings should be packed with grease which has a sufficiently high melting point. If this is not already the case the bearings must be packed with the lithium type grease which has been used in production since March 1960. h - Battery Protection plate A - Floor plate B - Packing strips C - Battery F - Battery strap G - Clamp screw D- Protection plate If very bad roads and a danger of flying stones are anticipated, a 2mm thick plate can be installed between floor plate and battery. The installation of the plate, which is not supplied as a spare part, can be carried out in any VW Workshop with the aid of the instructions available from the factory. i - Protection plates for jacking points Protection plates can be installed to prevent the jacking points from damage when driving over rough stony roads. The installation can be carried out in any VW Workshop with the aid of the instructions available from the factory. The plates are not supplied as spare parts. Transporter only: k - Protective casing for steering box A protective casing can be installed to prevent damage to the steering box when driving over rough country. The installation can be carried out in any VW Workshop with the aid of the instructions available from the factory. The casing is not supplied as a spare part.