Low Back Bucket Seat, Left Side with Tilt

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your air-cooled interior with the classic styling and modern comfort of the EMPI Low Back Bucket Seat. Designed specifically for the Volkswagen enthusiast who demands a vintage aesthetic without sacrificing support, this seat is the ultimate solution for replacing worn-out, spring-sprung factory units. Whether you are restoring a classic Beetle, building a street-shredding Karmann Ghia, or finishing off a custom Dune Buggy project, this low-back design maintains that iconic early-VW silhouette while providing a much-needed upgrade in bolster support and padding. The sleek black vinyl finish is not only durable and easy to clean but also mimics the high-end look of period-correct upholstery, ensuring your cabin looks as good as it feels during long weekend cruises or spirited canyon runs.

Functionality is at the forefront of this EMPI design, featuring a robust reclining mechanism and a convenient forward-tilt lever. For owners of two-door Volkswagens, rear-seat accessibility is often a major pain point; however, this seat features a dedicated lever that allows the seat back to pop forward instantly, granting easy entry for passengers or access to your storage area. At 20.5 inches wide, it offers a generous seating surface that accommodates various body types while still fitting comfortably within the narrow constraints of a Type 1 or Type 3 floor pan. This is the Left Side (Driver Side) configuration, engineered to withstand the rigors of daily driving while providing the lateral support necessary to keep you planted behind the wheel. Don''t settle for sagging foam and exposed springs when you can bolt in EMPI quality and transform your driving experience.

FITMENT

While these seats are designed with a universal-style mounting base, they are most commonly installed in the following air-cooled Volkswagen and off-road applications:

• VW Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• VW Type 3: 1961 through 1973 (Notchback, Squareback, Fastback)
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Dune Buggies: Meyer''s Manx, EMPI Imp, and other fiberglass body kits
• Sand Rails: Custom tube chassis applications
• VW Bus: Can be adapted to Type 2 models with custom fabrication

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 62-2950-0
• Side: Left Side (Typically Driver Side for LHD vehicles)
• Style: Low Back (Classic look, no headrest)
• Material: High-quality, heavy-duty Black Vinyl
• Width: 20.5 Inches
• Adjustment: Fully reclining seat back
• Access Feature: Quick-release tilt lever for rear-seat entry
• Padding: High-density foam for long-lasting support
• Frame: Tubular steel construction for maximum rigidity

PRO TIPS

1. Use the Right Mounting Adapters

It is important to remember that these seats feature a universal mounting pattern on the bottom of the frame. They will NOT bolt directly to your factory 1970s "three-point" or early "L-channel" seat tracks without an adapter. To make installation seamless, we highly recommend purchasing VW-specific seat track adapters. These adapters bridge the gap between the EMPI seat base and your vehicle''s floor pan, ensuring the seat is centered properly and slides smoothly. Always double-check your floor pan year before ordering adapters, as Volkswagen changed the rail design significantly between the early 60s and the mid-70s.

2. Optimize Your Seat Belt Geometry

When switching from a high-back factory seat to a low-back bucket seat, pay close attention to your seat belt mounting points. If you are using a 3-point retractable belt, ensure the shoulder harness guide is positioned so it doesn''t rub against the side of the seat or across the driver''s neck. For Dune Buggy and Sand Rail owners, these seats work exceptionally well with 4-point or 5-point harnesses, but you must ensure the lap belts are securely anchored to the chassis or a reinforced floor plate rather than just the seat frame itself. Safety should always be your first priority when upgrading your interior components.

3. Vinyl Care and Heat Management

The black vinyl on these EMPI seats is incredibly durable, but like any automotive interior, it can get quite hot when exposed to direct sunlightespecially in open-top Buggies or Sunroof Beetles. We recommend treating the vinyl with a high-quality UV protectant spray once a month to prevent cracking and fading over time. If you live in a particularly hot climate, consider using a simple seat cover or towel when parked at a car show to keep the surface temperature down. This simple step will significantly extend the life of the material and keep your interior looking "showroom fresh" for years to come.