Jack Plate for Lifting Your Beetle 50-79

EMPI Jack Plate for Lifting Your Beetle 50-79

Lifting a classic air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle using the original equipment emergency jack can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially on uneven ground or with aged factory components. The stock "side-wind" jack was never intended for heavy-duty garage maintenance, and many of these original units have been lost, rusted, or damaged over the last several decades. This EMPI Jack Plate is the definitive solution for VW owners who want to utilize modern, stable hydraulic floor jacks or bottle jacks without risking catastrophic damage to their heater channels or floor pans. By sliding securely into the factory square jack support located beneath the doors, this heavy-duty adapter provides a solid, flat, and wide surface for your jack to lift against. This ensures that the lifting force is distributed exactly where the Volkswagen factory intended, preventing the common "crushing" effect seen when jacking directly against the bodywork.

Precision-engineered to meet the rigorous demands of the air-cooled community, the 18-1064-0 Jack Plate is more than just a convenience tool; it is a vital safety upgrade for your home garage or roadside emergency kit. Constructed from high-strength, thick-gauge steel with a durable protective finish, this plate is built to withstand the weight of your Beetle time and time again without bending, slipping, or failing. Whether you are performing a quick oil change, rotating your tires, or diving into a full engine pull, having a reliable and centered jacking point is non-negotiable for any serious mechanic. Don''t settle for improvised blocks of wood or risky lifting points that can lead to expensive body repairs; invest in a tool that respects the structural integrity of your vintage Volkswagen and provides peace of mind every time you go wheels-up.

Vehicle Fitment

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle (Standard): 1950 - 1977
• Volkswagen Type 1 Super Beetle: 1971 - 1979
• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle Convertible: 1950 - 1979
• Note: Fits all models equipped with the factory square-hole jack receiver located on the lower heater channel/chassis area.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 18-1064-0
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Material: Heavy-duty welded carbon steel
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant plating for long-term durability
• Insert Dimensions: Sized specifically for the 20mm x 20mm (approximate) factory VW jack point receiver
• Plate Diameter: Wide-diameter lifting surface to accommodate most hydraulic floor jack saddles
• Weight: 1.85 lbs
• GTIN: 707924465143
• Design: T-shaped insertion bar with a reinforced circular lifting plate

Pro Tips from the Master Tech

Pro Tip 1: Inspect Your Jack Points First. Before you ever slide this jack plate into your Beetle, you must inspect the internal condition of your factory jack point receivers. Because these receivers are located in the heater channels, they are prone to internal rust which can compromise their structural strength. If the metal around the square hole is soft or "crunchy" when poked with a screwdriver, do not use this tool until the metal has been properly repaired or replaced. A jack plate is only as strong as the metal it is sliding into, and safety should always be your primary concern when working under a vehicle.

Pro Tip 2: Use the Right Lubrication. To ensure that the jack plate slides in and out of the factory receiver with ease, I always recommend applying a thin layer of multi-purpose grease or anti-seize to the square insertion bar. Over time, road grime and moisture can cause a dry metal-to-metal fit to seize up, making the plate difficult to remove after your work is done. A little bit of lubrication goes a long way in preventing "stuck" tools and also adds an extra layer of moisture protection to the inside of your Beetle''s jack receivers.

Pro Tip 3: Never Trust a Jack Alone. While this EMPI Jack Plate provides a much safer lifting point than the factory jack, you must never rely solely on a hydraulic jack to hold the car up while you are working. Once you have lifted the vehicle using the jack plate, immediately place high-quality jack stands under the torsion housing (rear) or the axle beam (front) to support the weight. Floor jacks are designed for lifting, not for holding weight over long periods. Always use this plate in conjunction with proper safety supports to ensure that your vintage VW stays exactly where you want it.