Wire Cover, Type 1 68-77

OVERVIEW

If you have ever spent time under the hood of a classic Beetle, you know that the original factory fiberboard wire covers are notorious for failing over the decades. Originally designed as a simple barrier to hide the dashboard wiring and trunk components, these cardboard-like panels often succumb to moisture, warping, and rot, leaving your trunk looking neglected and your sensitive electrical connections exposed to cargo damage. This EMPI Wire Cover for 1968 through 1977 Type 1 Beetles is the definitive solution for owners who want to upgrade their vehicle''s aesthetics while providing a permanent, rigid barrier that will outlast the car itself. Crafted from high-impact ABS plastic, this cover won''t sag or disintegrate like the OEM counterpart, ensuring that your front trunk (frunk) maintains a clean, professional, and organized appearance during every car show or grocery run.

Beyond its incredible durability, this wire cover is designed with the enthusiast''s customization needs in mind. It features a sleek black crinkle finish that mimics a factory-plus look right out of the box, seamlessly blending with your interior and trunk upholstery. However, because it is constructed from high-quality ABS, it provides an excellent substrate for those who wish to color-match their trunk to the exterior of their Volkswagen. Whether you are performing a concours-level restoration or building a daily driver, this panel serves as a vital finishing touch. It installs directly behind the spare tire area, effectively sealing off the "spaghetti" of wires behind the dashboard and protecting your wiper motor, flasher relays, and ignition switch wiring from being snagged by loose items in the trunk.

FITMENT

This wire cover is engineered specifically for the late-model Standard Beetle chassis. Please note that this part is NOT compatible with 1302 or 1303 Super Beetle models due to differences in the strut tower geometry and trunk depth. It is designed for:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle (Standard): 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1977.
• Note: Fits sedan and convertible models within these year ranges.
• Exclusion: Does not fit 1971-1979 Super Beetles.

SPECS

Every EMPI component is manufactured to meet or exceed the expectations of the air-cooled community. Here are the technical specifications for the 113-863-515H wire cover:

• Part Number: 113-863-515H (Reference EMPI 00-3571-B).
• Material: Heavy-duty, vacuum-formed ABS plastic.
• Texture: Black crinkle / pebble grain finish.
• Paintable: Yes (requires plastic-adhesion promoter).
• Resistance: Moisture, oil, and heat resistant.
• Installation Location: Front trunk, rear-most section (against the cowl/dash).
• Weight: Approximately 1.0 lb.

PRO TIPS

1. Clean Up the Wiring Before Installation

Before you snap this durable cover into place, take the opportunity to organize your wiring harness. Over the years, many Beetles have had aftermarket radios, gauges, or fog lights added, leading to a mess of tangled wires. Use nylon zip ties or corrugated loom to bundle your wires and tuck them neatly against the cowl. This ensures that the new ABS cover sits perfectly flush against the body mounting points and prevents any "bulging" caused by stray wires pushing against the plastic panel. It also makes future troubleshooting much easier if you ever need to remove the panel to access a fuse or relay.

2. Custom Painting for a Show-Quality Look

If you want your trunk to stand out, you can paint this ABS cover to match your VW''s body color. To get a professional result, start by cleaning the panel 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 followed by a primer surfacer. Since this is a crinkle-finish part, you can either sand it smooth for a glass-like finish or paint directly over the texture for a unique semi-gloss look. Always use a flex-additive in your clear coat if you are using automotive-grade paints to prevent cracking during installation.

3. Secure with Proper Fasteners

While some owners simply wedge the cover into place, using the correct mounting hardware will prevent vibrations and rattles while driving. Depending on your specific year and previous repairs, you may need the factory-style spring clips or small sheet metal screws with trim washers. If your original mounting holes are stripped or enlarged, we recommend using a small plastic "U-nut" or speed clip on the body flange. This allows the screw to bite into metal rather than just the plastic, ensuring the cover stays tight and silent even when driving over rough roads or during high-speed cruising.