Chrome Pulley Area Tin, for Aircooled VW Tins, Gray

Product Overview

When you''re building or maintaining an air-cooled VW engine, cooling is everything. The sheet metal, commonly referred to as "tin," serves a critical purpose by separating the hot exhaust air from the cool intake air. This EMPI Pulley Area Tin is a vital component of that system, specifically designed to wrap around the crankshaft pulley. Without this piece, your engine is prone to recirculating heat from the ground and exhaust back into the cooling fan, which can lead to premature wear or even catastrophic engine failure during hot summer drives. This specific gray gloss finish provides a clean, modern look that stands out in the engine bay without the constant polishing maintenance required by traditional chrome, making it a favorite for daily drivers and high-end show cars alike.

Craftsmanship and precision are paramount when it comes to engine sheet metal. This piece is stamped from high-quality steel to ensure a precise fit against the engine case and the surrounding breastplate tin. It is designed to sit in the lower section of the pulley area, providing a finished look that hides the unsightly gaps near the oil pump and lower pulley. Whether you are performing a full restoration on a classic 1967 Beetle or finishing off a high-performance 1776cc or 1914cc build, this pulley tin offers the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal you expect from EMPI products. It arrives ready to install, allowing you to spend less time wrestling with poorly fitting parts in the garage and more time enjoying the open road in your Volkswagen.

Vehicle Fitment

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1961-1977 (Sedan and Convertible models)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1961-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1961-1971 (Equipped with Upright Style Type 1 Engines)
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973-1974
• Engine Compatibility: Fits 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based upright engines.

Technical Specifications

• Material: Heavy-duty stamped steel for maximum durability.
• Finish: High-gloss Gray powder-coated style finish for corrosion resistance.
• Application: Lower engine pulley area (Interfaces with the rear breastplate).
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 00-8939-G.
• Configuration: Designed for standard "Upright" Type 1 air-cooled engine configurations.
• Weight: Approximately 1.5 lbs.

Expert Pro Tips from Appletree Automotive

1. Always Check for Pulley Clearance

Before you fully torque down the mounting screws for your new pulley tin, always rotate the engine by hand using a 19mm wrench on the pulley bolt. You want to ensure the crankshaft pulley isn''t rubbing against the edges of the metal. Sometimes shipping or minor manufacturing variances can lead to a slight bend in the flange. If you hear a scraping sound or feel resistance, a gentle adjustment with a pair of pliers or a rubber mallet will provide the necessary clearance for a silent, smooth operation. This prevents the finish from being ruined and keeps metal shavings out of your engine bay.

2. Secure Fasteners with Thread Locker

The natural vibration of an air-cooled flat-four engine is notorious for loosening hardware over time. Most VW engine tin is secured using small M6 screws. It is highly recommended to use a small drop of blue (medium strength) thread locker on these fasteners during installation. Losing a screw into the pulley area while driving can damage your fan belt, chip the paint on your pulley, or even cause the tin to vibrate against the case. Taking this extra step is cheap insurance for any long-distance cruiser or off-road dune buggy build.

3. Seal the Gaps for Maximum Cooling Efficiency