Gas Tank To Body Bracket, for All Years VW Aircooled

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the safety and structural integrity of your classic Volkswagen, the fuel system is the last place you should ever cut corners. This EMPI Gas Tank To Body Bracket is a critical restoration component designed to replicate the original factory hardware that secures your fuel tank to the vehicle''s chassis shelf. Over decades of service, original brackets are notorious for becoming severely pitted by rust, bent during improper tank removals, or simply lost in the shuffle of a long-term project. A loose or improperly secured gas tank isn''t just a nuisance that causes annoying metallic rattles; it can lead to premature wear on your fuel lines, stress fractures in the tank itself, and potential leaks that pose a serious fire hazard. By installing these high-quality, stamped-steel brackets, you ensure that your fuel reservoir remains rock-solid, even when navigating rough terrain or spirited cornering.

Engineered to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, this bracket provides the exact clamping force necessary to sandwich the gas tank lip against the body seal. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that a true professional-grade restoration is defined by the details that most people never see. Whether you are building a concours-level Beetle, a rugged off-road Baja Bug, or a weekend-cruiser Karmann Ghia, using the correct 113-201-635 part number hardware is essential for a "bolt-on" fit that requires no modification. These brackets are sold individually, allowing you to replace a single damaged unit or purchase a complete set of four to fully refresh your fuel system mounting hardware. Don''t settle for hardware store "hacks" or universal straps when you can maintain the authentic engineering and safety standards of your air-cooled Volkswagen with this dedicated fitment bracket.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1946 through 1977 (All Sedan and Convertible models)
• VW Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979 (All Sedan and Convertible models)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• VW Type 3: 1962 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback)
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Ideal for fiberglass Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Manx-style shells utilizing a standard VW-style fuel tank mount.

SPECS

• Part Number: 113-201-635 (EMPI 98-2035-0)
• Material: Heavy-gauge stamped steel for maximum rigidity.
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant coating to prevent future oxidation.
• Hole Diameter: Precision-drilled to accommodate standard M7 or M8 fuel tank mounting bolts.
• Quantity: Sold Each (Most VW applications require 4 brackets for a complete installation).
• Weight: 0.1 lbs per unit.
• Installation Location: Mounts over the lip of the fuel tank and bolts directly into the threaded bungs on the body/chassis shelf.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Inspect Your Gas Tank Seal. Whenever you are replacing these brackets, it is the perfect time to inspect the gas tank-to-body seal. If the old cork or rubber seal is flattened, cracked, or missing, the tank will not sit at the correct height, and the brackets may not apply even pressure. Always replace the seal along with the brackets to ensure a vapor-tight fit and to prevent metal-on-metal contact that can lead to rust and vibrations.

Tip 2: Use New Hardware and Wave Washers. Original VW fuel tank bolts are often rounded off or weakened by corrosion. We highly recommend using new grade 8.8 bolts along with wave washers or lock washers. The wave washer provides constant tension against the bracket, preventing the bolts from backing out due to engine vibration or road harmonics, which is especially important in high-performance or off-road air-cooled builds.

Tip 3: Align Before Tightening. Before you torque down these brackets, ensure your fuel filler neck is perfectly centered in the body opening (for Beetle models) or properly aligned with the filler hose. Start all four bolts by hand several turns to ensure they aren''t cross-threaded, then tighten them in a "criss-cross" pattern. This ensures the tank is pulled down evenly against the chassis, providing the most secure fit and preventing any "cocking" of the tank that could lead to fuel gauge sending unit inaccuracies.