EMPI Ball Joint Frame Head | VW Beetle & Karmann Ghia 1966–1977 | Complete Weld-In Replacement (98-5226-B)

VW Ball Joint Frame Head | Complete Weld-In Chassis Replacement (98-5226-B)

Restore the structural foundation of your late-model air-cooled project with this Ball Joint Frame Head. Built for 1966-and-newer Volkswagens, it is the essential replacement for chassis suffering from severe rust, front-end collision damage, or napkin-holder rot.

As a complete assembly, it provides a factory-accurate mounting surface for your ball-joint axle beam, keeping front-end geometry square and true. Manufactured from heavy-gauge steel, it delivers the rigidity and durability required to keep your classic on the road for another sixty years.

Vehicle Fitment

Designed for Standard Beetle and Karmann Ghia chassis using the ball-joint front axle beam.

• VW Type 1 Beetle (Standard): 1966–1977, non-Super Beetle models
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1966–1974, all models
• VW Type 181 Thing: 1973–1974, all models
• Dune Buggy / Manx: all ball-joint chassis builds

Key Features & Benefits

• Direct Fit for Ball Joint Beams: Engineered for the steering and suspension geometry of post-1966 standard chassis.
• Heavy-Duty Steel Fabrication: Built to meet or exceed original factory specifications for thickness and structural reinforcement.
• Complete Replacement Unit: Includes the main frame head section, the critical bottom plate, and internal supports.
• Restoration Ready: Finished in storage primer to prevent corrosion during shipping and storage; ready for final prep and professional welding.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 98-5226-B
• OE Reference: 113-701-037D
• Material: Heavy-gauge steel
• Finish: Storage primer
• Sold As: Complete assembly (frame head, bottom plate, internal supports)
• Front End: Ball-joint axle beam

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why replace the frame head? Late-model chassis suffer from severe rust, collision damage, or napkin-holder rot. This complete unit restores a square, factory-accurate mounting surface for the front beam.
• Which front end does this fit? The ball-joint axle beam used on post-1966 standard chassis — 1966–1977 Beetle (non-Super), 1966–1974 Karmann Ghia, and 1973–1974 Thing.
• Is it ready to weld and paint? It ships in storage primer to prevent corrosion and is ready for final prep and professional welding.

Installation

Tech Tip: This is a major structural repair that requires advanced fabrication skills. Because the frame head dictates your front wheel alignment and wheelbase, we recommend the use of a chassis jig or a donor pan for precise measurement and squaring before final welding.

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Rebuilding a ball-joint front end? Browse Suspension for beams and front-end parts, Chassis for pans and structural repair, and VW Beetle for the rest of your restoration.