Switch Box, 4 Inch Wide

OVERVIEW

When you''re building a custom air-cooled rig, whether it''s a street-pounding Beetle or a sand-shredding Baja bug, managing your electrical controls shouldn''t be an afterthought. The EMPI 4-Inch Wide Switch Box is the ultimate solution for enthusiasts who demand a clean, professional-grade cockpit. This isn''t just a generic housing; it''s a heavy-duty aluminum canvas designed to centralize your toggles, rockers, and gauges in a location that actually makes sense for the driver. By moving your critical controls away from the cluttered dashboard and into a dedicated console, you gain immediate access to lighting, fuel pumps, and ignition systems without fumbling in the dark or reaching across the cabin. It is the perfect bridge between raw utility and custom style, ensuring your wiring stays organized and protected from the elements.

Crafted from high-quality aluminum, this switch box is built to withstand the intense vibrations and harsh environments inherent to the Volkswagen lifestyle. The blank faceplate is the standout feature here, offering you the absolute freedom to drill and mount your components exactly where you want them, rather than being forced into a restrictive, pre-set layout. Its unique tapered designmeasuring wider at the top than at the baseprovides an ergonomic angle that makes viewing gauges or flipping switches feel natural during high-speed maneuvers or technical off-road climbs. Whether you are finishing a minimalist dune buggy interior or adding auxiliary power controls to a classic Type 1, this box delivers the refined, race-ready look that Appletree customers expect. It is versatile enough to be mounted under the dash, on a center tunnel, or even integrated into a roll cage setup.

FITMENT

This universal-style console is designed for custom applications across the entire air-cooled VW spectrum, including but not limited to:

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): All years and models including Standard and Super Beetle.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years.
• Volkswagen Bus (Type 2): Split Window and Bay Window models.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): Perfect for rugged, open-air electrical protection.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Ideal for fiberglass bodies like Meyers Manx or tube-chassis rails.
• Baja Bugs: Excellent for housing off-road light switches and winch controls.
• Volkswagen Type 3: Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback custom builds.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the EMPI AC903049 Switch Box:

• Top Width: 6 1/2 inches (provides ample room for multiple switches).
• Bottom Width: 4 inches (tapered for a sleek, ergonomic profile).
• Total Length: 4 3/8 inches.
• Front Height: 3 9/16 inches.
• Back Height: 2 inches (creates an angled face for better visibility).
• Material: High-grade Aluminum.
• Face Style: Blank (requires drilling for custom switch/gauge placement).
• Finish: Natural Aluminum (can be polished, painted, or powder-coated).

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Layout Before You Drill

Since this box features a blank face, the layout is entirely up to you. I always recommend applying a layer of blue painter''s tape across the entire faceplate before you start marking your holes. Use a fine-point Sharpie to map out your switch spacing and gauge diameters. This not only allows you to visualize the final product but also protects the aluminum finish from scratches while you work. Always use a center punch before drilling to ensure your drill bit doesn''t "walk" across the smooth aluminum surface, which could ruin the professional look of your console.

2. Ensure Proper Grounding and Insulation

While aluminum is a conductive material, you should never rely on the box itself or its mounting hardware as your primary ground source for your switches or gauges. Always run a dedicated, high-quality ground wire from your components back to a central ground block or a clean spot on the chassis. Additionally, because the interior of the box is compact, use heat-shrink tubing on all wire terminations. This prevents accidental shorts against the aluminum housing, which is especially important in high-vibration environments like off-road sand rails or stiffly-sprung street Beetles.

3. Deburr for Wire Longevity

After you have drilled your mounting holes and the large cutouts for your switches, take the time to deburr every single edge. Aluminum can leave behind very sharp "flashing" or burrs that can easily slice through wire insulation over time as the vehicle vibrates. Use a small round file or a dedicated deburring tool to smooth out the edges of every hole. This small extra step will prevent mysterious electrical shorts six months down the road and ensures that your custom-built switch box remains as reliable as it is functional.