Wire Frame Hump Basket, for Beetle, Ghia & Thing, Black

OVERVIEW

Elevate your vintage Volkswagen''s interior functionality while maintaining that iconic period-correct aesthetic with the EMPI Wire Frame Hump Basket. For decades, air-cooled enthusiasts have faced the same dilemma: where to put a coffee cup or a smartphone in a cabin designed in the 1940s? This black wire frame console is the definitive solution, offering a seamless blend of mid-century utility and modern convenience. Crafted to slide directly over the center transmission tunnel, this basket provides immediate storage for those loose items that usually end up sliding across the floorboards during a sharp turn. Whether you are cruising to a local car show or embarking on a cross-country trek in your Beetle, this accessory ensures your essentials remain within arm''s reach without compromising the classic lines of your VW''s interior.

At Appletree Auto, we know that preserving the integrity of your floor pans is a top priority, which is why we highly recommend this "no-drill" storage solution. The EMPI 18-1066-0 features a heavy-duty wire construction finished in a sleek, durable black coating that complements any upholstery color scheme, from stock vinyl to custom tweed. The design includes two specialized cup holders of varying sizes to accommodate different beverage containers, alongside a generous basket area perfect for holding maps, sunglasses, or your mobile device. Because it relies on a precision-tension fit against the center hump, you can install or remove it in seconds, making it the perfect choice for owners who want versatility without the permanence of screws or adhesives. Don''t let the lack of factory storage hold you back from enjoying your drive; upgrade your cockpit with a piece of VW history that actually works for the modern driver.

FITMENT

This wire frame hump basket is designed specifically for air-cooled Volkswagen models with a standard center tunnel configuration. It fits the following vehicles:

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1949 through 1977
• VW Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961 through 1973

SPECS

The EMPI Wire Frame Hump Basket is engineered for durability and a snug fit. Here are the technical specifications for the 18-1066-0 model:

• Material: High-gauge reinforced steel wire frame.
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant black powder-coated / vinyl-dipped finish.
• Large Cup Holder Diameter: 3.5 inches (Ideal for larger soda cans or insulated tumblers).
• Small Cup Holder Diameter: 2.75 inches (Perfect for standard water bottles or coffee cups).
• Storage Compartment: Open-weave basket design for maximum visibility and airflow.
• Installation Type: Friction-fit slide-on design (No hardware required).
• Color: Classic Black.
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 18-1066-0.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Secure the Fit on Thin Carpeting

If your Volkswagen has thin OE-style rubber mats or very low-pile carpeting, you might find the basket has a bit of "wiggle" during spirited driving. To ensure it stays rock-solid, we suggest applying a small strip of "hook" side adhesive Velcro to the underside of the basket frames that contact the tunnel. This will bite into the carpet fibers and prevent the basket from sliding forward under heavy braking, all while remaining completely invisible to the eye. This is a trick we use on our shop cars to keep everything tight without drilling a single hole into the tunnel.

Tip 2: Clearance for Performance Shifters

When installing this basket in a Beetle or Ghia equipped with an aftermarket short-throw shifter (like a Gene Berg or EMPI Hurst-style), always check your clearance in 2nd and 4th gear. You can easily slide the basket forward or backward along the hump to find the "sweet spot" where your knuckles won''t hit your drink. Because the basket is made of coated wire, it has a slight amount of "give," allowing you to gently hand-contour the legs if you need to clear a specific floor-mounted heater vent or custom carpet kit edge.

Tip 3: Maintenance and Longevity

To keep the black finish looking brand new for years, avoid using harsh solvent-based cleaners which can dull the coating over time. A simple wipe-down with a damp microfiber cloth and a mild interior detailer is all it takes. If you live in a coastal area with high salt air, we recommend applying a light coat of high-quality paste wax to the wire frame once a year. This provides an extra barrier against oxidation, ensuring that your hump basket remains a focal point of your interior rather than a victim of the elements. Don''t forget to check the tension of the "legs" occasionally; if they feel loose, a gentle squeeze inward will restore that factory-snug grip on the tunnel.