Billet Steering Box Cover, Fits Type 1 VW Steering Box

OVERVIEW

When you are building a high-end show car or a clean street machine, every detail matters, and nothing kills the vibe of a clean front end faster than a crusty, rusted, or grease-caked factory steering box. The EMPI Billet Steering Box Cover is the ultimate solution for enthusiasts who demand more than just functionality from their air-cooled Volkswagen. Precision-machined from high-quality billet aluminum, this cover replaces the drab, stamped-steel or cast factory top plate with a piece of automotive jewelry. It doesn''t just hide the inner workings; it transforms the steering box into a focal point of your chassis, providing a bright, polished finish that reflects the quality of your entire build. Whether you are running a narrowed beam on a slammed Beetle or a wide-track setup on a weekend cruiser, this cover adds that "finished" look that separates professional builds from the rest of the pack.

Beyond the undeniable aesthetic upgrade, this billet cover is engineered for a perfect fit on the standard Type 1 steering box. At Appletree Automotive, we know that performance and style must go hand-in-hand. This cover is thick and rigid, ensuring a secure seal against the steering box body to help keep your gear oil in and the road grime out. Installation is a straightforward bolt-on process that can be completed in your garage with basic hand tools, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to dress up your front suspension. If you are tired of looking at that dull grey casting every time you peek under the hood or through the wheel well, it''s time to upgrade to the EMPI Billet Steering Box Cover and give your VW the premium touch it deserves.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: All years equipped with standard (non-Super Beetle) steering boxes.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years utilizing the Type 1 style steering gear.
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: All years.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any custom chassis utilizing a standard Type 1 VW steering box assembly.
• VW Type 2 Bus: Fits early models utilizing the Type 1 style steering box configuration.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Material: High-grade 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum.
• Finish: High-luster polished finish for maximum corrosion resistance and shine.
• Design: CNC machined for exact tolerances and a leak-free interface.
• Compatibility: Designed specifically for the Standard Type 1 Volkswagen steering box.
• Part Number: AC750108.
• Installation: Direct bolt-on replacement for the factory top plate.
• Weight: Lightweight yet significantly more rigid than stock sheet metal covers.

PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

Tip 1: Don''t Forget the Gasket and Sealant

When you remove your old, greasy steering box cover, you are likely to find a paper gasket that has seen better days. To ensure your steering box remains leak-free, we highly recommend installing a fresh gasket. For an extra layer of protection, apply a very thin, even smear of high-quality RTV silicone or gasket sealer to both sides of the gasket. Since the billet cover is perfectly flat and rigid, a proper seal is easy to achieve, but skipping the sealant often leads to "weeping" gear oil that will ruin your new polished finish over time.

Tip 2: Setting Your Steering Preload Correctly

The top plate of the steering box is not just a lid; it often interacts with the adjustment screw that sets the mesh between the worm gear and the peg (or roller). When swapping to the billet cover, take the time to clean your adjustment screw and lock nut thoroughly. Once the new cover is installed, you must re-adjust your steering play according to the factory service manual. If it''s too tight, your steering will feel heavy and won''t return to center; if it''s too loose, you''ll have excessive "slop" in the steering wheel. Proper adjustment ensures your car handles safely and your new cover performs as good as it looks.

Tip 3: Maintain the Mirror Shine

Billet aluminum looks incredible when it''s new, but because it sits in a high-exposure area near the road, it can dull over time due to moisture and road salts. To keep that show-quality shine, we recommend treating the cover with a high-quality aluminum polish and a sealant or wax before the final installation. Once it is on the car, a quick wipe-down with a microfiber cloth and a spray detailer during your regular cleaning routine will prevent oxidation and keep the billet looking like it just came out of the CNC machine for years to come.