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

OVERVIEW

Transform your engine bay from a grease-caked relic into a show-stopping masterpiece with the EMPI Super Color & Chrome Dress Up Kit in a sophisticated Grey finish. This comprehensive kit is designed for the VW enthusiast who demands both style and substance, providing a coordinated aesthetic that ties the entire engine compartment together. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration or simply looking to refresh your daily driver, the brilliant chrome plating combined with the custom grey accents offers a modern, high-tech look that stands out from the standard "all-chrome" crowd. There is nothing quite like the feeling of popping your decklid at a local meetup and seeing the sun glint off a perfectly dressed-up air-cooled powerhouse. Every component in this kit is selected to provide a cohesive look that screams quality and attention to detail, ensuring your Volkswagen looks as good as it runs.

Beyond the undeniable visual upgrade, this kit provides a suite of essential components that serve vital roles in your engine''s health and performance. From the magnetic drain plug that captures harmful metallic debris to the finned pulley cover and backing plate that assist in heat dissipation, every piece is engineered to fit the unique geometry of the classic Volkswagen engine. By replacing tired, rusty, or missing hardware with these high-quality EMPI components, you are not just "dressing up" your motor; you are investing in a cleaner, better-protected, and more easily maintainable engine environment. It is the ultimate weekend project that yields immediate results you can see and feel every time you check your oil or tune your timing. Don''t settle for a boring engine bay when you can have the "Super Color" treatment that defines the Appletree Auto standard of excellence.

FITMENT

This kit is designed for 1200cc to 1600cc based air-cooled engines. While universal for many Type 1 based configurations, please verify your specific intake and cooling tin clearance.

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1946 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Type 1 Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1971 (Upright engines only)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961 through 1973 (Requires modification for pancake cooling)
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Fits Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing upright VW air-cooled engines.

SPECS

This kit features a premium mix of chrome-plated steel, cast aluminum, and high-temperature silicone components to ensure longevity and a mirror-like finish.

• Valve Covers: Heavy-duty chrome plated steel with stock-style bail clips.
• Ignition Components: Grey 7mm silicone spark plug wires and a matching grey distributor cap.
• Cooling Accents: Finned aluminum backing plate and finned pulley cover in Grey.
• Oil System: Chrome oil filler tube with cap, chrome dipstick, and magnetic drain plug.
• Pulley Assembly: Chrome top pulley, chrome pulley bolt, and specialized chrome washer.
• Hardware: Chrome alternator/generator strap, chrome distributor clamp, and chrome alternator nut.
• Protection: Sump plate kit with hardware and wire separators to keep ignition leads organized.
• Finish: High-luster chrome plating and durable Grey powder-coated or anodized accents.

PRO TIPS

1. Ensure a Leak-Free Installation

When installing the chrome valve covers and the sump plate included in this kit, always use high-quality gaskets and a light skim of sealant if necessary. Chrome surfaces are exceptionally smooth, which can sometimes make it harder for gaskets to "bite" compared to raw steel. It is a professional secret to scuff the gasket mating surface of the chrome valve cover very lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper to ensure the gasket stays perfectly in place. This prevents the common "chrome-leak" and keeps your newly dressed engine looking pristine and oil-free for thousands of miles.

2. Check Your Pulley Alignment

The addition of a new chrome top pulley and pulley bolt is a highlight of this kit, but it is crucial to ensure your belt alignment remains true. After installing the new pulley, use a straight edge to verify that the top and bottom pulleys are perfectly in line. If the belt is running at even a slight angle, it will cause premature wear on the belt and can even lead to alternator bearing failure. Use the provided shims and spacers correctly to achieve a perfect 1/2 inch of belt deflection for optimal cooling and charging performance.

3. Manage Your Spark Plug Wire Routing

The grey ignition wires and wire separators are designed to give your engine a clean, organized look, but they serve a functional purpose too. Never allow your spark plug wires to rest directly against the cylinder head tins or the exhaust manifold. Even high-temperature silicone wires can eventually degrade if subjected to direct, constant contact with the hottest parts of the engine. Use the included wire separators to keep the leads suspended and organized. This not only looks better but prevents arcing and "misfires" that can occur if the insulation breaks down over time due to heat soak.