Spare Tire Tray, for Super Beetle 71-79

OVERVIEW

When it comes to restoring a classic Volkswagen, the structural integrity of the front luggage compartment is often the first thing to suffer from decades of exposure to the elements. The spare tire tray in a Super Beetle is notoriously prone to "cancerous" rust because moisture, road salt, and debris tend to get trapped directly beneath the spare tire and the fuel tank. Replacing this section isn''t just about aesthetics; it''s about restoring the original rigidity of your VW''s front end. This KeyParts Spare Tire Tray is a premium-grade replacement panel designed to mirror the factory contours of the 1971 through 1979 Super Beetle, ensuring that your restoration project maintains its value and safety for years to come. Whether you are building a daily driver or a concours-level show car, starting with a solid foundation in the "frunk" area is an absolute necessity.

Fabricated from heavy-gauge stamped steel, this replacement tray provides the exact fitment required for the unique McPherson strut front end found on Super Beetles. Unlike universal patches that require hours of heating, beating, and shrinking to fit, this panel is engineered to drop into place, lining up with the original spot weld locations on the front apron and the side supports. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that a restorer''s time is valuable, which is why we source panels like the 111-805-397C that minimize the need for extensive body filler. This tray features the correct depressions and drainage provisions to ensure that future moisture has a way out, preventing the cycle of corrosion from starting all over again. Don''t settle for "good enough" when you can install a panel that brings your Super Beetle back to its factory-fresh glory.

FITMENT

This spare tire tray is designed specifically for the following Volkswagen models: 1971-1979 VW Super Beetle Sedan (1302 and 1303 Models) 1971-1979 VW Super Beetle Convertible Note: This part is for Super Beetle models ONLY and will not fit Standard Beetles.

SPECS

• OEM Part Number: 111-805-397C
• Alternative Part Number: 95-13-29-0
• Material: High-strength stamped automotive steel
• Finish: Protective storage primer (designed to be prepped before final paint)
• Weight: Approximately 12.05 lbs
• Application: Front lower luggage compartment / Spare tire well
• Configuration: Precision stamped to match 1302/1303 chassis requirements
• Installation Method: Weld-in replacement (Spot weld or Plug weld recommended)

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Removal Process

Before you even think about reaching for the torch, invest in a high-quality spot weld drill bit. The original spare tire tray is held in place by dozens of factory spot welds along the front apron and the inner fender supports. By drilling out only the welds rather than "rough cutting" the metal, you preserve the structural flanges of the car. This makes the installation of the new KeyParts tray significantly cleaner. Once the old rusty tray is out, use a wire wheel or a flap disc to grind the mating surfaces down to "white metal" to ensure your new welds have zero contamination and maximum penetration.

2. Prevent Future Corrosion with Seam Sealer

Rust often returns to the spare tire area because of capillary action drawing water into the overlapping metal seams. After you have finished welding the new tray into place and have applied your initial coat of primer, it is critical to use a high-quality automotive-grade seam sealer along every joint. Apply the sealer to both the top (trunk side) and the bottom (underside of the car). This creates an airtight and watertight barrier that stops moisture from sitting between the panels. For the ultimate protection, many specialists recommend following up with a coat of undercoating or "shutz" on the belly side to deflect road debris and rocks.

3. Test Fit Your Fuel Tank First

One of the most common mistakes builders make is fully welding the tray into place before checking the alignment of the fuel tank. Because the fuel tank sits directly above the rear portion of this tray, even a slight misalignment can cause the tank mounting holes to drift or the tank itself to sit "high," preventing the trunk lid from closing properly. Place the new tray in the car, secure it with Cleco fasteners or vice grips, and then temporarily set your fuel tank in position. Once you verify that the tank sits flush and all bolt holes align perfectly, you can proceed with final welding. This extra ten minutes of preparation can save you hours of grinding and repositioning later.