OEM Volkswagen Beetle Frame Head & Napoleon Hat — Restored German, Ball Joint | VW Beetle 1966–1977 & Karmann Ghia 1966–1974
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OEM Volkswagen Beetle Frame Head & Napoleon Hat — Ball Joint (1966–1977)
Short answer: This is an original German ball-joint frame head with the Napoleon hat already professionally attached, sourced from a donor chassis, verified straight, chemical dipped, media blasted and finished in powder coat primer. It replaces the front frame head on the ball-joint VW Beetle 1966–1977 and Karmann Ghia 1966–1974, and is also used for link-pin to ball-joint and Super Beetle to beam conversions.
Part number: restored original German assembly sold without a catalog number; there is no Washburn's code on this listing yet.
Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1966–1977 | VW Beetle (standard, ball joint) | Direct replacement |
| 1966–1974 | VW Karmann Ghia (ball joint) | Direct replacement |
| Pre-1966 | Link pin Beetle chassis | Not a direct replacement; used for a link pin to ball joint conversion |
| — | Super Beetle (1302/1303, MacPherson strut) | Not a direct replacement; used to convert to a traditional beam front end |
| 1973–1974 | VW Thing (Type 181) | Not confirmed; ask us before ordering |
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Construction | Original German ball joint frame head with Napoleon hat attached |
| Source | Donor chassis, checked for trueness |
| Finish | Chemical dipped, media blasted to bare metal, powder coat primer |
| Boxed size / weight | 24 x 16 x 12 in, 25 lb |
Why It Matters
An original German part offers superior fit and metal thickness compared to modern aftermarket reproductions, and a straight frame head keeps your front-end geometry right. Having the Napoleon hat already attached and aligned saves you hours of alignment and welding prep, and the primer prevents flash rust and gives a base for your final chassis paint.
Common Uses
- Direct repair: replace a rusted, thin or collision-damaged 1966–1977 ball joint front end.
- Link pin to ball joint conversion: upgrade an early (pre-1966) link pin chassis to a ball joint setup for improved ride quality and easier maintenance.
- Super Beetle conversion: convert a Super Beetle (1302/1303) chassis to a traditional beam front end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this VW frame head for ball joint or link pin chassis?
Ball joint (Beetle 1966–1977, Karmann Ghia 1966–1974). It can also be used to convert a pre-1966 link pin chassis to ball joint.
Can I use this frame head on a Super Beetle?
Yes, as a conversion component for builders converting a 1302/1303 Super Beetle chassis to a traditional beam front end. It is not a direct replacement for the strut front end.
Is the Napoleon Hat already attached to the frame head?
Yes, professionally attached and aligned, saving you welding and alignment prep.
What finish does the restored frame head come in?
Chemical dipped, media blasted to bare metal, and finished in powder coat primer ready for your final chassis paint.
Does this frame head fit a 1967 VW Beetle?
Yes. A standard 1967 Beetle has the ball joint front end this frame head is built for.
Does the frame head fit a VW Thing?
Fitment on the 1973–1974 VW Thing (Type 181) is not confirmed. Ask us before ordering.
Prop 65 Warning
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
