What's this?

[bajacalal]

What are these flaps for? I can't find any information on what purpose these have. These are on the metal fan shroud (for the electric fan) on a 1985 Golf. They cover some holes in the fan shroud. If I removed these would it increase airflow to the radiator?

In the picture I am lifting them up with a screwdriver.

[the caveman]

Don't remove them. They keep some air pressure at the rad when the fan is on and the car is in traffic.

[8v-of-fury]

Removing them Will in fact increase air flow. but bad air flow.. hot air. They allow all the air the fan is drawing to be drawn through the shroud and rad, and whilst moving down the highway they open up and allow air to get to everything else leave em where they are lol.

[bajacalal]

Thanks guys. After looking at it again, I had one of those "why didn't I think of that" moments.

For some reason I saw those and they looked like those things you put over semi truck radiators in the winter in cold climates. My car was previously operated in a cold climate but will now be used in a warm climate. I thought some things might not be needed. I just took out the cord for the block heater and put it in the trunk so it wouldn't get caught on something.

[lovinthedeez]

those semis have the flaps on the outside of the radiator, trying to block all the super cold air from the outside.  these flaps are on the inside, and for a good reason.......