Rear Speaker Shelf, Fits All Years Aircooled Beetle
* Features 5-inch speaker cutouts in the wood.
* Covered in heavy-duty black vinyl.
* Constructed with a wood sub-structure.
* Fits all air-cooled Beetles, except convertibles.
OVERVIEW
Transforming the audio experience in a classic Volkswagen Beetle has always been a challenge due to the limited real estate and the desire to preserve the original metalwork of the car. The EMPI Rear Speaker Shelf is the definitive solution for VW enthusiasts who want to upgrade their sound system without hacking into door panels or dash assemblies. This shelf is designed to sit perfectly in the luggage area behind the rear seat, utilizing that often-underused space to create a dedicated acoustic chamber. By mounting your speakers here, you take advantage of the natural resonance of the rear trunk area, which significantly enhances mid-range and bass response compared to small, surface-mounted speakers. Whether you are cruising to a show or using your Beetle as a daily driver, this shelf provides a professional, "factory-plus" look that integrates seamlessly with the iconic interior lines of the Type 1 Sedan.
Construction quality is paramount when it comes to interior accessories, and EMPI has delivered a robust unit built to withstand the vibrations of an air-cooled engine. The shelf features a sturdy wood sub-structure that provides a rigid mounting surface for your speakers, ensuring that you don''t deal with the annoying rattles or flex associated with cheaper plastic alternatives. It is wrapped in a heavy-duty, UV-resistant black vinyl that matches the grain and sheen of most standard VW upholstery, providing a clean and stealthy appearance. One of the best features of this design is that the 5-inch speaker holes are pre-cut into the wood, but the vinyl remains uncut. This allows you to choose between a hidden "stealth" installation where the speakers sit behind the fabric, or a traditional exposed mount by simply trimming the vinyl to fit your specific speaker grilles. It is a functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing upgrade that remains one of the most popular interior accessories in the air-cooled world.
FITMENT
This rear speaker shelf is designed specifically for Sedan models and will not fit Convertible models due to the different rear seat and top mechanism configurations. It fits the following:
- 1946-1977 Volkswagen Standard Beetle (Sedan)
- 1971-1975 Volkswagen Super Beetle (Sedan)
- Note: Does NOT fit Convertible models.
- Note: May require minor trimming or adjustment if custom roll cages or non-stock upholstery kits are installed in the rear luggage area.
SPECS
- Brand: EMPI
- Part Number: 00-4851-0
- Material: High-density wood sub-structure for superior acoustic properties.
- Finish: Heavy-duty, automotive-grade black vinyl wrap.
- Speaker Cutouts: Dual 5-inch circular cutouts (pre-cut in wood only).
- Overall Width: Contoured to fit the rear luggage area of the Type 1 Beetle.
- Mounting Style: Gravity/friction fit behind the rear seat; can be secured with brackets if desired.
- Weight: Approximately 10 lbs for vibration dampening and stability.
PRO TIPS
Tip 1: The "Stealth" Cut Technique
When preparing the shelf for speaker installation, do not just cut a hole from the top down. Flip the shelf over so the wood side is facing you. Use a very sharp utility knife or an X-Acto blade to follow the pre-cut 5-inch circle in the wood. If you want a "stealth" look, you can leave the vinyl intact and mount the speakers underneath, though this may muffle high frequencies. For the best sound, cut the vinyl in a "star" pattern (multiple diagonal slits) from the center of the hole, then fold the vinyl tabs back and staple them to the wood. This creates a professional, finished edge that won''t fray over time.
Tip 2: Acoustic Insulation and Vibration Control
To truly maximize the performance of your new rear speakers, we highly recommend applying a layer of sound-dampening material, such as Boom Mat or Dynamat, to the metal firewall and the floor of the luggage area before dropping the shelf into place. Air-cooled Volkswagens are notoriously loud in the rear due to engine proximity. By dampening the metal surfaces under the shelf, you lower the noise floor of your cabin, allowing your music to sound much clearer without having to crank the volume to distortion levels. Additionally, a thin strip of adhesive foam weatherstripping around the perimeter of the shelf where it contacts the body will prevent any "buzzing" during high-bass tracks.
Tip 3: Clean Wire Routing
Nothing ruins a clean interior faster than visible speaker wires draped across the floorboards. When installing the EMPI speaker shelf, route your wires from the head unit down through the heater channel covers or under the edge of the carpet along the door sill. Once you reach the rear seat, feed the wires behind the rear seat side panels or under the rear seat bench itself. This keeps the wires completely hidden and protected from passengers'' feet. Ensure you leave a small "service loop" (a few extra inches of slack) behind the shelf so you can easily pull the shelf out for maintenance or to access the luggage area without having to disconnect the wiring.
SHIPPING: Free shipping on all orders exceeding $74.99. All orders under $74.99 will be shipped for a flat fee of $9.99 Or $6.99 for orders less than $24.99. Shipping rates are for the 48 continental United States. Areas outside the 48 states, shipping will be calculated using the best shipping price available. We reserve the right to use any shipping carrier unless the order has had a upgrade. If any sales or price matching discount drops you below the free shipping amount, shipping will be charged.
We accept the following payment methods:
To replace this text with your store's actual info on payment methods, go to "Catalog -> Product tabs" and edit the Payment methods page.
RETURNS: Returns will be accepted within 30 days of receipt. If the item was shipped via Free Shipping, the shipping charges may be deducted from your return. Please print the original invoice and include it with the return. No returns on custom built or special ordered merchandise.
PLEASE NOTE: We do not pay for return shipping unless the item received is incorrect. If you have ordered the wrong part, we are happy to take it back but we do not cover the shipping cost.
Customers who bought this product also bought
- Regular Product
- Regular Product
00-4442-0
Stock Arm Rests, Fits Beetle 58-67, Black, PairOn Order from Supplier Expected by 05-19-2026
- Regular Product
A1018
12mm Stud Kit, for Aluminum Rims, Does 2 Wheels Only 4 left in stock.In Stock, Ready To Ship
- Regular Product
JP-8669-0
Heater Box Lever Kit, Right Side Only 1 left in stock.In Stock, Ready To Ship
- Regular Product
AC903943
Alternator, 75 Amp, Black for Type 1 VW Only 4 left in stock.In Stock, Ready To Ship
Customers who viewed this product also bought
- Regular Product
A1018
12mm Stud Kit, for Aluminum Rims, Does 2 Wheels Only 4 left in stock.In Stock, Ready To Ship
- Regular Product
AC898880K
Running Board Hardware Kit, For All Years Aircooled Beetle Only 2 left in stock.In Stock, Ready To Ship
- Regular Product
AC863967
Floor Mat Set, for Beetle 58-67, 4 PieceOn Order from Supplier Expected by 05-18-2026
- Regular Product
79-4061-0
Horn Button Kit Banjo, For Beetle, Ghia & Type 3Special Order, Ships in 5 to 7 Days
- Regular Product
18-1115-0
Center Cap, Fits 5 On 205 Rim, Polished Aluminum, Pair Only 9 left in stock.In Stock, Ready To Ship














