Alternator 3 Piece Backing Plate Kit, Silver Vein

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your air-cooled engine''s cooling system and aesthetic appeal with the EMPI Alternator 3 Piece Backing Plate Kit in a stunning Silver Vein finish. As any seasoned VW veteran knows, the backing plate is far more than just a decorative piece of tin; it is a critical component of your engine''s cooling geometry. This kit is specifically engineered to bridge the gap between your 12-volt alternator and the fan shroud, ensuring that the cooling air generated by your fan is forced exactly where it needs to goover the cylinders and headsrather than escaping through gaps in the shroud. The Silver Vein powder-coated finish provides a rugged, textured look that hides fingerprints and grease better than traditional chrome or flat black, making it an ideal choice for daily drivers, show cars, and off-road dune buggies alike.

Precision is paramount when dealing with high-RPM cooling fans, and this EMPI kit delivers the structural integrity required to keep your fan assembly stable. The 3-piece design includes the inner and outer plates along with the essential spacer collar, providing a comprehensive solution for those performing a 12V alternator conversion or simply refreshing a rusted, bent, or missing factory tin set. By maintaining a tight seal against the fan shroud, you ensure maximum thermal efficiency, which is the lifeblood of the Volkswagen boxer engine. Whether you are cruising the coastline in a Karmann Ghia or tearing up the sand in a rail, this silver vein kit offers the perfect blend of heavy-duty durability and custom style that Appletree Auto customers have come to expect.

FITMENT

This backing plate kit is designed for Type 1 based air-cooled engines equipped with a 12-volt alternator or late-style generator. It fits the following models:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1967-1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1967-1974
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1963-1971 (with 1600cc upright engine)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes using VW 1300cc, 1500cc, or 1600cc based upright engines.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-9062-S
• Material: High-quality stamped steel
• Finish: Durable Silver Vein Powder Coat (Textured Gray/Black)
• Configuration: 3-Piece Kit (Inner Plate, Outer Plate, and Hub Spacer)
• Application: 12-Volt Alternators and Generators
• Compatible Fan Shrouds: Fits stock and aftermarket 36HP or late-style doghouse shrouds
• Weight: Approximately 1.16 lbs
• GTIN: 707924509625

PRO TIPS

1. Check Fan Clearance Before Final Torque

When installing the 3-piece kit, always rotate the alternator pulley by hand before you tighten the mounting strap. You want to listen closely for any "tink-tink" sounds that indicate the fan blades are making contact with the backing plates or the shroud itself. Because these are stamped metal parts, a slight variance in the shroud or the alternator brand can cause minor interference. If you hear rubbing, slightly loosen the backing plate screws and shift the plates until the fan spins freely. Achieving a perfectly centered fan ensures your bearings last longer and prevents catastrophic metal fatigue inside your cooling system.

2. Don''t Over-Tighten the Small Mounting Screws

The four small screws that secure the backing plates to the alternator body are notorious for stripping out if you get too aggressive with the screwdriver. We recommend using a drop of medium-strength blue thread locker on these screws. This prevents them from vibrating loose over timewhich is a common cause of "rattle" in the engine baywithout requiring you to crank down on them and risk damaging the alternator housing threads. A firm hand-tightening is all that is needed when the right thread locker is applied.

3. Verify the Spacer Position

The "3-piece" nature of this kit refers to the inner plate, the outer plate, and the center spacer collar. It is vital that the spacer is installed correctly between the fan and the alternator to maintain the correct "offset." If the spacer is omitted or placed on the wrong side, the fan will either hit the backing plate or sit too far forward in the shroud, drastically reducing cooling efficiency. Always reference your specific alternator''s shaft depth to ensure the fan is sitting deep enough into the shroud to capture the maximum amount of air. A misplaced spacer is the number one cause of cooling issues after an alternator swap.