Chrome Dress Up Kit, for Aircooled VW Engines

OVERVIEW

When you lift the decklid of your classic Volkswagen, the first thing people notice isn''t the displacement or the carburetorsit''s the shine. This EMPI Chrome Dress Up Kit is designed to instantly elevate your engine bay from "work-in-progress" to "show-ready" without breaking the bank or requiring hours of custom fabrication. Each piece in this kit is meticulously crafted to replace those dingy, oxidized, or painted factory components that have seen decades of heat, oil saturation, and road grime. By swapping out the essential hardware for these high-luster chrome alternatives, you create a cohesive, polished look that highlights the unique geometry of the air-cooled flat-four engine. Whether you are building a weekend cruiser, a dedicated show car, or a rugged dune buggy, this kit provides that finished, professional touch that every enthusiast craves, making your engine the focal point of any local meet or car show.

Beyond the undeniable aesthetic appeal, this kit offers the reliability and precision fitment you expect from EMPI, a legendary name in the VW aftermarket scene for over half a century. We have curated this specific selection of parts because they represent the most visible touchpoints on the engine. The chrome distributor clamp ensures your ignition timing stays locked firmly in place while looking sharp against the engine case, and the high-polish dipstick makes the routine task of checking your oil a much more satisfying experience. It isn''t just about vanity; it''s about pride of ownership and attention to detail. These components are manufactured from durable steel with a multi-step plating process designed to withstand the high operating temperatures of an air-cooled environment. When you choose this dress-up kit from Appletree Auto, you are investing in a classic look that has defined the VW scene for generations, ensuring your engine looks as impressive as it performs.

FITMENT

This kit is designed for the standard 1600cc based air-cooled engines. Please verify your specific engine configuration before ordering.

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle / Bug: 1954 through 1979 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Type 1 Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter / Kombi: 1954 through 1971 (Models equipped with 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, or 1600cc upright engines)
• Volkswagen Type 3 Squareback, Fastback, Notchback: 1962 through 1973
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: All Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Kit Cars utilizing a VW Type 1 upright engine configuration.

SPECS

This comprehensive 5-piece kit includes the essential hardware to transform your engine''s appearance. All components feature a high-quality chrome finish over steel construction.

• Finish: Triple-process high-luster mirror chrome.
• Distributor Clamp: Heavy-duty stamped steel "dog-bone" style for secure timing retention.
• Oil Filler Cap: Stock-style twist-lock cap with pre-installed internal sealing gasket.
• Oil Dipstick: Standard length for stock oil sumps with a comfortable finger-loop handle.
• Crankshaft Pulley Bolt: Grade-rated steel bolt with a 19mm hex head and matching oversized chrome washer.
• Generator/Alternator Nut: Specialized 2-piece nut assembly for securing the cooling fan belt pulley.
• Part Number: EMPI 00-8740-0
• Weight: Approximately 0.98 lbs.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Proper Pulley Bolt Torque is Critical

When installing the new chrome crankshaft pulley bolt, never rely on an impact wrench alone. The crankshaft is the heart of your engine, and over-tightening can damage the threads, while under-tightening can lead to the pulley wobbling and ruining the woodruff keyway. Always use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt to the factory specification of 32-36 ft-lbs. To prevent the engine from turning while you torque the bolt, you can use a flywheel lock or place the transmission in 4th gear with the emergency brake firmly set.

Tip 2: Protect Your Chrome During Installation

Chrome plating can be scratched by hard steel wrenches during the installation process. To keep your new "jewelry" looking flawless, place a thin layer of electrical tape or a heavy-duty plastic bag over the hex heads of the pulley bolt and the alternator nut before applying your socket or wrench. This provides a soft buffer that prevents the tool from "biting" into the chrome finish, ensuring that your engine bay remains scratch-free and show-quality from day one.

Tip 3: Routine Maintenance for Long-Lasting Shine

Air-cooled engines are notorious for "VW sweat"small amounts of oil vapor that can settle on engine components. If left sitting on hot chrome, this oil can bake on and eventually lead to pitting or discoloration. To maintain the mirror finish of your EMPI kit, wipe the components down with a soft microfiber cloth and a quick-detailer spray after every few drives. Avoid using abrasive chrome polishes frequently, as they can thin the plating over time; instead, use a high-quality carnauba wax to seal the chrome and make future cleaning much easier.