That all seems so complex compared to my simple project!
Somewhere in the last 23 years, someone added diamond plate to the front wings. That was probably a good idea, but the installer was lazy, and put them on OVER the heater intake and unused heater intake cap. I couldn't bear it anymore, so yesterday I drilled out the rivets, removed the plate, cleaned the back of the plate and wing, pulled the cap/grate, and then reinstalled in the correct order. I thought about removing the diamond plate, but did not have a good plan for the ten rivet holes, and someone along the way stepped on the wings, so they were dented anyway. The plate is probably a good idea. While re-installing the port side, I replaced the cap with a snow cap.
On the list today is an oil change and lube... if I can find all the zerk fittings. I do have a new plug and gasket ring, and even though the ring is new I annealed it again anyway. First time I've done this on a Tdi 300. This will be fun.