Battery Tray, for Beetle 55-77, Super Beetle 71-79

OVERVIEW

If you have spent any time under the rear seat of a vintage Volkswagen, you know that the battery area is the most common Achilles heel of the entire chassis. Over decades of service, battery acid leaks and condensation settle into the floor pan, creating what we in the industry call ''floor pan cancer.'' This KeyParts Battery Tray is the definitive solution for restoring structural integrity to your Beetle or Super Beetle. Unlike flimsy universal patches, this tray features the correct stamping patterns and a heavy-gauge steel construction that matches the original factory specifications. It is designed specifically to replace the section under the rear seat on the passenger side, ensuring your battery has a stable, level, and safe platform to sit on for the next fifty years of your car''s life.

Restoring a classic VW requires precision, and this battery tray provides exactly that. Measuring 11 inches long by 15 inches wide, it offers ample coverage to cut out the rot and weld in fresh, solid metal. This is not a "bolt-in" part; it is a professional-grade repair panel that requires you to trim the old, rusted floor pan out and match-fit the new tray for a seamless transition. Whether you are performing a full body-off restoration or simply trying to keep your daily driver safe and roadworthy, this stamped steel tray is the nicest version we have been able to acquire. It provides the rigid support necessary to prevent the battery from falling through the floora common and dangerous failure point in neglected air-cooled Volkswagens.

FITMENT

• Standard Beetle (Sedan): 1955 - 1977
• Super Beetle (Sedan): 1971 - 1977
• Beetle Convertible: 1955 - 1970
• Super Beetle Convertible: 1971 - 1979

SPECS

• Part Number: 111-809-169
• Material: Heavy-duty stamped steel for maximum durability.
• Length: 11 Inches
• Width: 15 Inches
• Orientation: Fits the Right Rear (Passenger Side) floor section.
• Finish: Raw steel (Requires prep and paint/coating after welding).
• Stamping: Period-correct ribbing for structural rigidity and authentic appearance.

PRO TIPS

1. Measure Twice, Cut Once for a Flush Fit

When you are preparing to install this tray, don''t just cut a hole the exact size of the repair panel. Instead, clean the area with a wire wheel first to identify the full extent of the rust. We recommend "stitching" or "tack welding" the new tray over the existing floor, then using a thin cutoff wheel to cut through both layers simultaneously. This creates a perfect butt-joint that is much easier to weld and results in a professional, nearly invisible seam once ground flat. If you find that the rust extends beyond the 11x15 inch area of this tray, you should consider stepping up to a full right-rear quarter floor pan section to ensure you are welding into solid, thick metal.

2. Neutralize Acid Before You Weld

Battery acid can soak into the surrounding metal and even the sound-deadening material nearby. Before you begin the welding process, it is vital to neutralize any remaining acid residue with a mixture of baking soda and water. If you skip this step, the acid can continue to eat away at the metal from the inside out, even after you have welded in the new tray. Additionally, make sure to remove all traces of the original tar-based sound dampening material (horsehair or asphalt) from the area, as these materials are highly flammable and will create toxic smoke when they come into contact with the heat of your welder.

3. Protect Your Investment with Epoxy and Undercoating

The number one reason these trays rot out is a lack of protection against battery boil-over. Once your welding is complete and the welds are ground smooth, we highly recommend coating the entire traytop and bottomwith a high-quality 2K epoxy primer. For the top side where the battery sits, consider an additional layer of acid-resistant paint or a heavy-duty bedliner material. On the underside, use a quality undercoating to protect the new metal from road debris and moisture. To prevent future issues, always use a battery frame hold-down and consider a plastic battery tray liner or a "battery mat" to catch any stray droplets of acid before they reach your new steel.