Front Engine Tin, for Type 2 Bus, W/O Doghouse 68-70

OVERVIEW

In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, thermal management is the difference between a reliable cruiser and a roadside breakdown. This EMPI Front Engine Tin is a precision-engineered reproduction designed specifically for the 1968 to 1970 Type 2 Bus equipped with a non-doghouse fan shroud. Often referred to as the firewall tin, this component is the unsung hero of your engine''s cooling system. It acts as a vital barrier, ensuring that the cool, high-pressure air drawn in by the fan remains completely isolated from the scorching radiant heat generated by the exhaust system and the lower crankcase. Without a properly seated and sealed front tin, your engine will inevitably recycle its own hot air, leading to warped heads, burnt valves, and catastrophic oil thinning. This is a must-have for any Early Bay Window owner looking to maintain factory-spec operating temperatures during those long summer road trips.

Crafted to mirror the original OEM specifications (211-119-517D), this engine tin features the correct stampings and contours required for a seamless fit against the Type 2 chassis. While many aftermarket pieces suffer from poor alignment, EMPI has ensured that this tin provides the necessary clearance for your oil filler and manifold components while maintaining a tight seal against the engine bay rubber. It comes finished in a durable black coating that looks great in a stock engine bay but also serves as an excellent primer base if you choose to paint-match your engine components. Whether you are performing a concours-level restoration or simply replacing a rusted, vibrating piece of original sheet metal, this front engine tin provides the structural integrity and cooling efficiency your Bus deserves. Don''t let a missing or bent tin ruin your engine''s longevity; invest in the correct part designed for the specific needs of the 1968-1970 Transporter.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1968, 1969, 1970
• Models: Transporter, Kombi, Microbus, Campmobile (Westfalia)
• Engine Compatibility: 1600cc Single Port or early Dual Port engines utilizing the upright, non-doghouse (internal oil cooler) fan shroud.

SPECS

• Part Number: 00-8954-0
• OEM Reference: 211-119-517D
• Material: Heavy-gauge stamped steel
• Finish: Satin Black protective coating
• Placement: Front (Firewall side of the engine)
• Configuration: Designed for Non-Doghouse (Standard) Fan Shrouds
• Weight: Approximately 1.25 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. Inspect Your Engine Bay Seal Simultaneously

Installing new engine tin is only half the battle. For the cooling system to work as Ferdinand Porsche intended, the rubber engine bay seal must be soft, pliable, and fully intact. When you install this front tin, check where it meets the body of the Bus. If there is even a half-inch gap, hot air from the exhaust will be sucked right back into the fan. We always recommend installing a fresh engine-to-body seal whenever you replace your tin to ensure a 100% airtight thermal barrier.

2. The Secret to a Perfect Fit

When installing VW engine tin, never tighten the screws down one at a time. The sheet metal parts are designed to "interlock" and work together. Start all of your mounting screws by hand, including the ones connecting the front tin to the cylinder covers and the fan shroud. Once every screw is started and the tin is aligned, then go back and tighten them in a cross-pattern. This prevents the tin from "walking" out of alignment and ensures you won''t have any annoying rattles or vibrations at idle.

3. Coating for Longevity

While this EMPI tin comes with a black finish to prevent rust during shipping and storage, the engine bay of a Type 2 Bus is a harsh environment. For the best long-term results, we recommend scuffing the surface and applying a high-quality, high-temperature engine enamel or having the piece powder-coated. This adds an extra layer of protection against road salt and moisture that can get trapped against the firewall, ensuring your cooling system looks and performs like new for decades to come.