VW Type 3 Frame Head | Squareback, Notchback & Fastback 1962–1973 | Refurbished OEM German Steel

VW Type 3 Frame Head | Refurbished Original German OEM Steel

The Type 3 frame head is the front structural chassis section that houses the front beam mounts, the master cylinder mount, and the forward body attachment points. This is a refurbished original German VW frame head — sourced from a solid donor Type 3 chassis, media-blasted, and structurally inspected. It is the correct foundation for a serious Type 3 chassis restoration.

Type 3 frame heads are harder to find than Beetle equivalents — fewer Type 3s were built, fewer survived, and fewer remain in serviceable structural condition. When we have one available, it's a real opportunity.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Type 3 Notchback: 1962–1973

• VW Type 3 Squareback (Variant): 1962–1973

• VW Type 3 Fastback: 1965–1973

• VW 1500 & 1600: Type 3 chassis applications

Will NOT fit: Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Bus, or any other VW. The Type 3 chassis is unique to the Type 3 model line.

Why Choose a Refurbished Original?

The Type 3 frame head is a complex multi-piece stamping with critical alignment relationships between the front beam mount points, the body attachment points, and the master cylinder mount. Original German stampings hold these alignments correctly; even good reproductions are notorious for being slightly out of square, which causes problems downstream — front beam tracking issues, body alignment problems at the cowl, and master cylinder mounting that doesn't quite line up. Starting with a refurbished original German frame head saves significant fabrication time and produces a much better-aligned finished car.

Key Features & Benefits

• Original German OEM: Genuine factory stamping, not a reproduction.

• Correct Alignment: Holds factory relationships between beam mounts, body mounts, and master cylinder mount.

• Restoration-Ready Prep: Media-blasted and structurally inspected for cracks, alignment, and integrity.

• Hard-to-Find Core: Sourced from a solid donor Type 3 chassis.

Technical Specifications

• Condition: Refurbished original German OEM

• Material: OEM German steel

• Prep: Media-blasted, structurally inspected for cracks, alignment, and integrity

• Application: VW Type 3 chassis (Squareback, Notchback, Fastback)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is the Type 3 frame head so hard to find? Two reasons. First, Type 3 production volumes were always lower than Beetle — far fewer cars built means far fewer surviving donor chassis. Second, the frame head is one of the first areas to rust on Type 3s due to its location and lack of factory drainage. Sound originals are increasingly rare.

• Can I weld this in myself, or do I need a frame jig? A frame jig (or at minimum, very careful measurement and bracing during installation) is strongly recommended. The frame head determines front-end geometry — if it's installed even slightly out of square, the car will never align correctly. Most builders take this to a qualified VW or fabrication shop for installation.

• Is it ready to paint? It's media-blasted and inspected. Most builders prefer to do final prep, any final fitting, and paint themselves during the broader chassis restoration. We deliver it ready for that next step.

• Does it include the front beam, master cylinder, or other bolted-on parts? No. This is the structural frame head piece only. Front beam, master cylinder, brake lines, and all bolted-on components are separate.

• Will this fit a Type 3 Variant (Squareback)? Yes. Squareback (also called Variant in some markets), Notchback, and Fastback all share the same Type 3 chassis structure.

• What if my existing frame head is only partially rusted? Some builders cut and section repair, splicing in original metal from a donor frame head. We can sometimes supply partial sections — contact us if you need a specific piece rather than the complete frame head.

Explore Related Categories

Building a Type 3? Browse VW Type 3 for more model-specific parts, Body Panels for sheet metal and structural components, and Chassis for the rest of your restoration foundation.