Chassis Bulkhead (Napoleon Hat) – 113-701-131 The 113-701-131 is a foundational piece for any Volkswagen Type 1 chassis restoration. When the original bulkhead rusts, the front of the body can begin to "sag" or vibrate, leading to poor door alignment and cowl cracks. This replacement part provides a fresh, solid surface for the body mounting gaskets and bolts to compress against. Because this part is welded across the main tunnel and to both floor pans, replacing it is the ideal time to inspect the forward fuel line exit and the master cylinder mounting area for hidden damage. Detailed Vehicle Compatibility VW Bug (Beetle Sedan): 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977 VW Bug (Beetle Convertible): 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970 VW Karmann Ghia: 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974 VW Thing: 1973, 1974 Product Highlights & Features Factory-Correct Profile: Features the precise curvature needed to clear the top of the chassis tunnel while providing a flat mounting flange for the body. Weld-Ready Steel: Arrives in a clean finish or light storage coating, allowing for high-quality penetration when welding to the floor pans and tunnel. Integrated Body Bolt Holes: Includes the pre-stamped locations for the front body-to-chassis mounting bolts, ensuring they line up perfectly with the captive nuts in the body. Technical Specifications Part Number: 113-701-131 Common Name: Napoleon Hat Material: Heavy-Gauge Mild Steel Application: Front Chassis Transverse Support Installation & Maintenance Tips The "Box" Connection: When welding the Napoleon Hat in place, ensure you have a solid connection to the Frame Head (113-701-037G, Link Pin) or (113-701-037L, Ball Joint). These two parts work together to create the "box" section that gives the front of the Beetle its strength. Body Alignment: If possible, test-fit the body onto the chassis before final welding of the Napoleon Hat. This confirms that the body bolt holes are perfectly aligned and that the bulkhead is at the correct height relative to the rest of the pan. Rust Prevention is Key: Once welded, the interior "hollow" section of the Napoleon Hat is difficult to access. Use a weld-through primer before installation and apply a cavity wax or internal frame coating after welding to prevent moisture from rusting the new metal from the inside out.
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