VW doesn't do Accidental Engineering

[cyberdyne systems]

ive installed all the flaps though and will hold them open till i can find another one

As I said the flaps default is to be open, there is a spring that holds them this way, so if its all in correctly you'll have no problem until the thermostat is in. To check a thermostat, if its all bendy like an accordion its knackered if its all tight its good!