Front Transmission Weld On Mount, Fits all Torsion Housings

OVERVIEW

When you''re pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen to the limitwhether it''s carving canyons in a lowered Beetle or catching air in a custom sand railthe front transmission mount takes the brunt of the drivetrain''s torque and movement. Over decades of service, the original factory mount located on the torsion housing often succumbs to metal fatigue, stress cracks, or the dreaded "VW rot" caused by moisture and debris. This Front Transmission Weld-On Mount from Appletree Auto is the definitive solution for restoring structural integrity to your chassis. Designed to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, this heavy-duty steel component provides a rock-solid foundation for your transaxle, ensuring that your shifting remains crisp and your engine stays exactly where it belongs during hard acceleration or off-road maneuvers.

Don''t settle for a compromised chassis that threatens your gearbox alignment or causes unwanted drivetrain vibration. This replacement mount is engineered for a precision fit on all standard Type 1 style torsion housings, making it a critical component for professional restoration experts and hardcore off-road builders alike. Because it is a weld-on component, it allows for a seamless, permanent repair that integrates directly into the frame horn area, providing far superior strength compared to makeshift bolt-on patches or weakened, rusted-out original metal. Whether you are rebuilding a classic 1960s Bug for the street or fabricating a custom tube-frame buggy from the ground up, this mount ensures that your front transmission nose cone is supported by fresh, high-quality steel that can handle the increased horsepower of a performance-built air-cooled engine.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1977 (Standard)
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: All Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Woods Buggies utilizing a Type 1 style torsion housing

SPECS

• OEM Part Number Reference: 113-701-173
• Material: High-Strength Raw Steel
• Installation Type: Weld-on (Requires removal of old mount)
• Weight: Approximately 0.65 lbs
• Compatibility: Fits all standard front transmission rubber or urethane mounts
• Finish: Bare steel (Ready for welding and paint/powder coat)
• Application: Front nose cone support for Type 1 based transaxles

PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

Tip 1: Perfect Alignment is Key

Before you lay down your final beads of weld, it is highly recommended to "dummy fit" the mount using an old transmission nose cone or a new rubber mount. Bolt the rubber mount to this new steel weld-on bracket first, then position it on the torsion housing. This ensures that the bolt holes are perfectly centered and that the transmission will sit level. If you weld the bracket on slightly crooked, you will struggle with shifting issues and premature wear on your rubber mounts for the life of the vehicle. Always tack weld in four corners, double-check the alignment by sliding the transmission into place, and only then proceed with the final welding.

Tip 2: Prioritize Surface Preparation

Welding to an old torsion housing can be difficult because of decades of gear oil, road grime, and undercoating that has baked onto the metal. You must use a flap disc or a wire wheel to grind the torsion housing down to shiny, bare metal in the area where this mount will sit. Any contamination in the weld will lead to porosity and a weak joint, which is a major safety concern for a structural drivetrain component. Once the welding is complete and the metal has cooled, be sure to prime and paint the area immediately to prevent flash rust from forming on your new mount.

Tip 3: Manage Your Heat During Welding

The torsion housing is a thick piece of steel, but you should still be mindful of heat soak. Use a high-quality MIG or TIG welder to ensure deep penetration into the housing. We recommend welding in short sections (about one inch at a time) and moving to the opposite side of the mount to prevent localized overheating. This technique ensures a strong, uniform bond without distorting the surrounding metal. If you are building a high-horsepower drag car or a heavy-duty off-road rail, this is also the perfect time to consider adding gussets to the sides of the mount for even greater rigidity and torque resistance.