Super Color & Chrome Dress Up Kit, Blue, for Aircooled VW

OVERVIEW

Transform your tired, grease-stained engine bay into a show-stopping masterpiece with the EMPI Super Color and Chrome Dress Up Kit in vibrant blue. As a veteran builder, I can tell you that nothing restores the pride of ownership faster than popping the decklid to reveal a coordinated, high-luster finish. This kit is designed specifically for the air-cooled enthusiast who wants to eliminate the mismatched look of factory components while adding a custom pop of color. The high-quality chrome plating on the valve covers and accessories provides a deep, mirror-like reflection that resists heat discoloration, while the blue anodized and molded components offer a striking contrast that catches the light and the eyes of judges at the local VW show. This isn''t just about vanity; it''s about giving your Volkswagen the respect it deserves after decades of service on the road.

Beyond the immediate aesthetic upgrade, the EMPI Super Color and Chrome Dress Up Kit provides a comprehensive overhaul of several critical engine interfaces. By replacing aged, pitted, or leaking components like your valve covers and oil filler tube, you are effectively refreshing the "face" of your engine. The inclusion of a magnetic drain plug is a crucial technical upgrade, helping to trap microscopic metallic debris before it can circulate through your bearings, while the high-performance ignition wires and distributor cap ensure a crisp, reliable spark. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration on a 1967 Beetle or simply tidying up the powerplant in your weekend sand rail, this kit offers an all-in-one solution that saves you the headache of sourcing individual chrome pieces that might not match in finish or fitment.

FITMENT

This kit is designed for Air-cooled Type 1 based engines (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc). Please note that fitment may vary on fuel-injected models or specialized aftermarket fan shrouds.

• VW Beetle / Bug: 1954 - 1977 (Sedan & Convertible)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 - 1974
• VW Bus / Type 2: 1955 - 1971 (Upright Engines Only)
• VW Thing / Type 181: 1973 - 1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Kit Cars utilizing a VW Type 1 upright engine configuration.

SPECS

Every component in this kit is manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment standards while providing a custom finish.

• Part Number: 00-8654-0
• Finish: Triple-Process Chrome Plating & Blue Anodized/Molded Accents
• Valve Covers: Pair of Heavy-Duty Chrome Steel Covers with Bails
• Ignition Wires: 7mm High-Temp Silicone Blue Wires
• Distributor Cap: Blue High-Dielectric Strength Resin
• Main Pulley: Chrome Sand-Cast Aluminum Top Pulley
• Oil Filler: Chrome Tube with Blue Screw-on Cap
• Cooling Accents: Finned Aluminum Backing Plate and Pulley Cover
• Hardware Included: Chrome Alternator/Generator Strap, Chrome Distributor Clamp, Chrome Pulley Bolt and Washer, Chrome Alternator Nut
• Additional Protection: Magnetic Oil Drain Plug and Stock-Style Sump Plate
• Wire Management: Matching Blue Wire Separators
• Dipstick: Chrome Handle with Steel Blade

PRO TIPS

1. Valve Cover Gasket Preparation

When installing the chrome valve covers included in this kit, it is vital to ensure a leak-free seal. Chrome surfaces are exceptionally smooth, which can sometimes allow gaskets to "walk" during installation. I highly recommend using a thin smear of high-quality gasket cinch or contact cement on the valve cover side of the gasket ONLY. Let it get tacky before pressing the gasket into the cover. This keeps the gasket perfectly centered while you maneuver the cover onto the head. Don''t forget to wipe the cylinder head mating surface with brake cleaner to remove all oil residue before final assembly.

2. Pulley Alignment and Belt Tension

When installing the new chrome top pulley, always double-check your belt alignment. Air-cooled engines rely entirely on that belt for cooling; if it''s misaligned, it will flip or shred at high RPMs. Once the top pulley and alternator nut are installed, use a straightedge to ensure the top and bottom pulleys are in the same plane. If you find the belt is squealing or wearing prematurely, you may need to add or remove shims behind the outer pulley half to achieve the perfect tension. A properly tensioned belt should have about 1/2 inch of deflection under thumb pressure.

3. Spark Plug Wire Routing for Longevity

Take your time with the blue wire separators provided in this kit. Beyond looking "pro," they serve a functional purpose by preventing "crossfire" (where the high voltage from one wire induces a spark in an adjacent wire). Route the wires so they do not touch the hot exhaust manifold or the sharp edges of the tinware. If a wire vibrates against the metal engine tin, it can eventually chafe through the silicone insulation, leading to an engine miss that is hard to diagnose. Using the separators ensures a clean air gap and keeps your blue accents looking sharp and organized.