Wire Cover, for All Years Karman Ghia

Durable Protection for Your Classic Karmann Ghia Wiring

When you''re restoring a classic Karmann Ghia, it''s often the small details that make the biggest difference in both the final presentation and the long-term reliability of the vehicle. The original factory wire cover was manufactured from a pressed fiberboard material that, while functional when the car was new, simply hasn''t stood the test of time against moisture, humidity, and physical wear. Over the decades, these stock covers tend to warp, sag, or completely disintegrate, leaving your intricate wiring harness exposed to damage from cargo shifting in the trunk or potential electrical shorts. This EMPI Wire Cover is specifically engineered to solve that exact problem, providing a rigid, protective barrier that keeps your Ghia''s electrical system safe while significantly cleaning up the aesthetics of the front luggage compartment.

Unlike the flimsy cardboard-style originals, this upgraded unit is constructed from high-quality, heavy-duty ABS plastic that is designed to withstand the rigors of a daily driver or a high-end show car. It features a professional black crinkle finish that offers a clean, period-correct look right out of the box, ensuring it blends seamlessly with your interior or trunk lining. For those enthusiasts looking for a custom touch, the high-grade ABS material is fully paintable, allowing you to color-match the cover to your car''s exterior or interior theme. This is an essential component for any serious air-cooled enthusiast who values organization and protection. Whether you''re finishing a ground-up restoration or just looking to replace a tattered original piece, this wire cover offers the perfect blend of modern material durability and classic Volkswagen styling.

Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

This wire cover is designed to fit the specific contours of the Type 14 chassis. It provides a clean fit for the following models:

• Karmann Ghia Coupe: 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Karmann Ghia Convertible: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974

Technical Specifications

Built to exceed the quality of the original equipment, this wire cover features the following technical specifications:

• Material: High-Impact Thermoformed ABS Plastic.
• Finish: Texture-grained black crinkle finish.
• Resistance: Naturally resistant to moisture, rot, and common automotive chemicals.
• Installation Type: Direct replacement for OE fiberboard part.
• OEM Cross Reference: 141-863-515C.
• Manufacturer Part Number: 00-3565-B.
• Paintability: Can be sanded and painted using plastic-adhesion promoters and automotive topcoats.

Pro Tips from the Appletree Specialist Team

Tip 1: Perform a Wiring Audit Before Final Installation

Since you''ll have the old cover removed, this is the absolute best time to perform a thorough inspection of your Ghia''s dashboard wiring. Classic Volkswagens are notorious for "creative" previous-owner wiring repairs. Check for brittle insulation, loose spade connectors, or any signs of heat damage. Clean up your grounds and secure any dangling wires with zip ties so they sit flush against the body. This ensures that when you install your new ABS cover, it sits perfectly flat and doesn''t pinch any sensitive circuits.

Tip 2: Mastering the Custom Painted Look

If you decide to paint this cover to match your Ghia''s body color, preparation is the key to a long-lasting finish. Start by cleaning the ABS surface thoroughly with a wax and grease remover to get rid of any mold-release agents from the manufacturing process. Use a high-quality plastic adhesion promoter before applying your primer and base coat. Because ABS is slightly flexible, adding a small amount of flex additive to your clear coat can prevent the paint from cracking over time as the plastic expands and contracts with temperature changes.

Tip 3: Check Your Mounting Hardware

The original fiberboard covers were often held in by small clips or screws that may have rusted or gone missing over the last fifty years. Before you begin the installation, verify that your mounting points are clean and free of corrosion. If your original clips are mangled, we recommend replacing them with fresh hardware to ensure the cover doesn''t rattle. A small strip of thin foam weatherstripping applied to the back edge of the cover can also help create a vibration-free seal against the body, giving your Ghia that solid, high-quality feel during your next cruise.