air cooled thermostat. - worried
 

Hi folks
I am detailing the engine bay on my 1970 beetle. I have removed the oil cooler shroud to repaint it. I remember seeing a video that mentioned a thermostat control wire is connected to the shroud. However when i removed the shroud there was nothing connected. I am wondering what will happen if this thermostat isn't reconnected?

Also the shroud i have has had welsh plugs jammed into the heater hose outlets to block them off. Why i don't know. but it has always been like that. Does anyone know if this will reduce the cooling capacity of the motor?

Any help will be appreciated folks.

krostock@gmail.com