{"product_id":"vw-ball-joint-frame-head-complete-replacement-1966-1977-beetle-ghia","title":"EMPI Ball Joint Frame Head | VW Beetle \u0026 Karmann Ghia 1966–1977 | Complete Weld-In Replacement (98-5226-B)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eVW Ball Joint Frame Head | Complete Weld-In Chassis Replacement (98-5226-B)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRestore the structural foundation of your late-model air-cooled project with this \u003cb\u003eBall Joint Frame Head\u003c\/b\u003e. Built for 1966-and-newer Volkswagens, it is the essential replacement for chassis suffering from severe rust, front-end collision damage, or \u003cb\u003enapkin-holder rot\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eVehicle Fitment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for Standard Beetle and Karmann Ghia chassis using the ball-joint front axle beam.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW Type 1 Beetle (Standard):\u003c\/b\u003e 1966–1977, non-Super Beetle models\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW Karmann Ghia:\u003c\/b\u003e 1966–1974, all models\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW Type 181 Thing:\u003c\/b\u003e 1973–1974, all models\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDune Buggy \/ Manx:\u003c\/b\u003e all ball-joint chassis builds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Benefits\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDirect Fit for Ball Joint Beams:\u003c\/b\u003e Engineered for the steering and suspension geometry of post-1966 standard chassis.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eHeavy-Duty Steel Fabrication:\u003c\/b\u003e Built to meet or exceed original factory specifications for thickness and structural reinforcement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eComplete Replacement Unit:\u003c\/b\u003e Includes the main frame head section, the critical bottom plate, and internal supports.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eRestoration Ready:\u003c\/b\u003e Finished in storage primer to prevent corrosion during shipping and storage; ready for final prep and professional welding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePart Number:\u003c\/b\u003e 98-5226-B\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eOE Reference:\u003c\/b\u003e 113-701-037D\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Heavy-gauge steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFinish:\u003c\/b\u003e Storage primer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSold As:\u003c\/b\u003e Complete assembly (frame head, bottom plate, internal supports)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFront End:\u003c\/b\u003e Ball-joint axle beam\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWhy replace the frame head?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWhich front end does this fit?\u003c\/b\u003e The ball-joint axle beam used on post-1966 standard chassis — 1966–1977 Beetle (non-Super), 1966–1974 Karmann Ghia, and 1973–1974 Thing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eIs it ready to weld and paint?\u003c\/b\u003e It ships in storage primer to prevent corrosion and is ready for final prep and professional welding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eInstallation\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTech Tip:\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eExplore Related Categories\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRebuilding a ball-joint front end? Browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/suspension\"\u003eSuspension\u003c\/a\u003e for beams and front-end parts, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/chassis-1\"\u003eChassis\u003c\/a\u003e for pans and structural repair, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/vw-beetle\"\u003eVW Beetle\u003c\/a\u003e for the rest of your restoration.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EMPI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44866423849075,"sku":"98-5226-B","price":275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/98-5226-B-500x376.jpg?v=1776839282","url":"https:\/\/www.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/vw-ball-joint-frame-head-complete-replacement-1966-1977-beetle-ghia","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}