Nose Cone, for Beetle & Ghia 61-72, Type 3 62-72

OVERVIEW

As any seasoned air-cooled veteran knows, the transmission nose cone is the unsung hero of your Volkswagen''s drivetrain. This EMPI replacement nose cone is specifically engineered to restore the structural integrity and shifting precision of your Type 1 or Type 3 transaxle. Acting as the forward-most housing of the gearbox, this component serves two critical roles: it provides the mounting point for the front transmission mount to the chassis, and it houses the shift selectorcommonly known as the "hockey stick." Over decades of use, the internal bore where the hockey stick resides can become egg-shaped, leading to a vague, "rowing through oatmeal" feel when you are trying to find gears. Replacing a worn or damaged nose cone with this high-quality cast unit is one of the most effective ways to tighten up your shift pattern and ensure your transmission stays exactly where it belongs.

In the world of off-road racing, Baja Bugs, and rail buggies, the nose cone is often the first point of failure during aggressive driving. Because the front of the transmission is secured by only two bolts on these 1961-1972 models, a hard landing or extreme engine torque can put immense leverage on the casting, frequently snapping off the mounting "ears." When these ears fail, the entire drivetrain can sag, causing catastrophic damage to the shift linkage or even the engine case. This EMPI unit is a robust, direct replacement designed to meet or exceed original factory specifications. Whether you are performing a stock restoration on a 1966 Beetle or beefing up a weekend woods buggy, this nose cone provides the reliability you need to keep your VW on the road or the trail without the headaches of used, pitted, or cracked swap-meet parts.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, and 1972 (Up to July 1972).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, and 1972 (Up to July 1972).
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, and 1972.
• Application Note: Fits transmissions utilizing the 2-bolt front mounting style. Not compatible with 1973 and later 3-bolt "late style" mounts unless a conversion is performed.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI.
• Reference Part Number: 113-301-205G / 113301205G.
• Material: High-grade cast aluminum alloy for heat dissipation and weight reduction.
• Mounting Configuration: 2-Bolt Front Mount (Standard 1961-1972 pattern).
• Weight: Approximately 1.85 lbs.
• Finish: Natural cast aluminum.
• Compatibility: Designed for standard manual 4-speed transaxles (Swingaxle or IRS).

PRO TIPS

1. Inspect Your Hockey Stick and Bushing

While you have the nose cone removed, it is the absolute best time to inspect your shift selector (hockey stick). Look for significant wear or flat spots on the end of the stick where it interfaces with the shift forks. Even more importantly, don''t forget to replace the shift rod bushing and the nose cone seal. A fresh seal prevents gear oil from migrating into your shift tunnel, and a new bushing ensures that your lateral shift movement is crisp. If you install a brand-new nose cone over a worn-out hockey stick, you are only doing half the job; always check for "slop" in the assembly before final bolting.

2. Reinforce for Off-Road Use

If you are building a Baja Bug, Sand Rail, or any vehicle intended for rough terrain, the two-bolt nose cone mount is a known weak link. To prevent snapping the mounting ears off your new nose cone, we highly recommend installing a transmission "mid-mount" or a heavy-duty transmission strap kit. These upgrades distribute the torque loads across the frame horns and the chassis rather than forcing the nose cone to bear the brunt of the engine''s movement. This simple addition can save you from a "broken trans" tow-home scenario during your next desert trip.

3. Proper Gasket Sealing and Torque

When installing this nose cone, always use a fresh paper gasket and a very light smear of high-quality RTV or gasket sealant (like Curil-T or Permatex Aviation Form-A-Gasket). The nose cone is a common source of slow leaks that can eventually starve your gearbox of oil. Torque the mounting nuts evenly in a cross-pattern to avoid warping the flange. Also, ensure the shift rod is properly aligned within the nose cone before tightening; if it is misaligned, you may experience difficulty engaging reverse or second gear. Take your time during the mock-up to ensure everything moves freely.