{"product_id":"empi-heavy-duty-irs-spring-plates-6-1-8-collar-1972-79-beetle-18-1074-0","title":"EMPI Heavy Duty IRS Spring Plates — 6-1\/8\" Collar, Pair | VW Beetle 1972–1979 (18-1074-0)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eEMPI Heavy Duty IRS Spring Plates — 6-1\/8\" Collar (Pair)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cb\u003eEMPI Heavy Duty IRS Spring Plates\u003c\/b\u003e are the definitive replacement for late-model \u003cb\u003e1972–1979 Volkswagens\u003c\/b\u003e. These high-strength plates replace the original factory \u003cb\u003esingle spring plate\u003c\/b\u003e style, offering a more robust and rigid foundation for your rear suspension — whether you are restoring a stock daily driver or building a performance street machine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEngineered with a \u003cb\u003e6 1\/8\" collar\u003c\/b\u003e, these plates are a precise match for \u003cb\u003e26 9\/16\" torsion bars\u003c\/b\u003e. The heavy-gauge steel construction resists flexing and fatigue far better than aging OE units, making them an essential part of any late-model Type 1 rear-end refresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eVehicle Fitment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW Beetle (Type 1, IRS):\u003c\/b\u003e 1972–1979\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eKarmann Ghia:\u003c\/b\u003e 1972–1974\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy Choose EMPI?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eEMPI machines these heavy-gauge steel plates as a direct replacement for the factory single spring plate, giving late-model IRS Beetles a more rigid, fatigue-resistant rear end than worn OE units.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Benefits\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDirect replacement:\u003c\/b\u003e Upgrades the factory single spring plate style\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eHeavy-gauge steel:\u003c\/b\u003e Resists flexing and fatigue better than aging OE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eConsistent alignment:\u003c\/b\u003e More predictable handling under load\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMatched pair:\u003c\/b\u003e Left and right supplied together\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSuspension type:\u003c\/b\u003e IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) only\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCollar size:\u003c\/b\u003e 6 1\/8\" (for 26 9\/16\" torsion bars)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDesign:\u003c\/b\u003e Heavy-duty replacement for the factory single spring plate style\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSold as:\u003c\/b\u003e Matched pair (left and right)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePart number:\u003c\/b\u003e 18-1074-0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAre these sold individually or as a pair?\u003c\/b\u003e Sold as a matched pair (left and right).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWhat collar and torsion bar size do these use?\u003c\/b\u003e A 6 1\/8\" collar, matched for 26 9\/16\" torsion bars.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWhat do these replace?\u003c\/b\u003e They replace the factory single spring plate style used on 1972–1979 IRS Volkswagens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eExplore Related Categories\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eShop more parts for your build: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/vw-beetle\"\u003eVW Beetle\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/vw-karmann-ghia\"\u003eVW Karmann Ghia\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/suspension\"\u003eSuspension\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EMPI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44899675308147,"sku":"18-1074-0","price":98.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/18-1074-0-500x228.jpg?v=1777274005","url":"https:\/\/www.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/empi-heavy-duty-irs-spring-plates-6-1-8-collar-1972-79-beetle-18-1074-0","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}