Billet Radio Knob, Push-On Style, for Aircooled VW, Each

OVERVIEW

Elevate the interior aesthetic of your vintage Volkswagen with the premium EMPI Billet Radio Knob. Designed for the air-cooled enthusiast who demands a touch of modern precision without sacrificing classic soul, this knob replaces your weathered, brittle, or missing factory plastic hardware with a high-performance, CNC-machined component. The polished billet aluminum finish provides a brilliant luster that catches the light and instantly draws the eye toward your dashboard. Whether you are building a show-stopping California Look Beetle or a rugged off-road Baja Bug, these billet accessories offer a level of durability and sophistication that plastic counterparts simply cannot match. It''s the small details that define a high-quality restoration, and switching to machined aluminum hardware is one of the most cost-effective ways to modernize your VW''s cockpit while maintaining that iconic vintage charm.

Installation is incredibly straightforward thanks to the push-on design, which is engineered to fit securely over standard radio shafts found in many aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) units. This specific model, part number 11-4536-0, features a clean, knurled grip that feels substantial in the hand, offering a tactile feedback that makes tuning your favorite station or adjusting the volume a more satisfying experience. Unlike cheap plastic knobs that can crack or slip over time, this billet aluminum piece is built to withstand the rigors of daily driving and the intense heat that often builds up inside a classic car parked in the sun. Sold individually, these knobs allow you to replace a single lost unit or buy a matching pair to complete a symmetrical look for your volume and tuning controls, ensuring your dashboard looks unified and professionally finished.

FITMENT

This billet radio knob is designed for universal application across the air-cooled VW range, provided the radio uses a standard push-on style shaft. Common fitments include:

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1950-1979 (Split Window and Bay Window)
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1961-1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Manx-style kits using vintage-style radios.

TECHNICAL SPECS

• Material: High-grade T6 Billet Aluminum
• Finish: Polished Machined Aluminum
• Style: Push-On (Non-Set Screw)
• Grip Pattern: Precision Knurled Edge for non-slip operation
• Part Number: 11-4536-0
• Quantity: Sold Each (1 Unit)
• Shaft Compatibility: Designed for standard D-style or splined radio shafts

PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

1. Prep the Shaft for a Perfect Fit

Before installing your new billet knob, take a moment to clean the radio shaft with a small amount of rubbing alcohol or contact cleaner. Over the decades, old plastic knobs often leave behind a residue of degraded material or "dash grease" that can cause your new aluminum knob to sit crooked or slip. If the shaft is slightly worn down and the fit feels loose, you can wrap a single layer of plumber''s Teflon tape or a tiny sliver of electrical tape around the shaft to provide that extra "bite" needed for a rock-solid connection that won''t pull off in your hand.

2. Create a Cohesive Billet Theme

In the world of air-cooled VW interiors, consistency is key to a professional look. If you are upgrading to billet radio knobs, we highly recommend matching them with EMPI''s other billet accessories, such as window cranks, door pull handles, and lock pulls. Mixing chrome, plastic, and billet can sometimes look cluttered; however, when you commit to a full "machined look" throughout the cabin, it transforms the dashboard into a high-end, custom interface that mimics the look of expensive boutique builds. It''s an easy weekend project that significantly increases the "wow factor" when people look through your window at a car show.

3. Temperature Awareness

One thing many new billet owners forget is that aluminum is an excellent thermal conductor. In the peak of summer, if your VW is parked in direct sunlight without a sunshade, these knobs can get quite warm to the touch. We always suggest using a high-quality windshield sunshade when parked. Not only does this protect your dashboard from UV damage and cracking, but it also keeps your billet radio knobs, shifter, and door handles at a comfortable temperature so you don''t get a surprise when you go to turn up the tunes on your drive home.