BBT Napoleon Hat Center Chassis Support — VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia & Type 1 Convertible (98-5328-B)

BBT center chassis support — commonly called the "Napoleon Hat" for its distinctive shape — for VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia, and Type 1 Convertible. Stamped reproduction sheet metal replacement for the structural support piece that ties the floor pan tunnel to the body. EMPI / BBT part #98-5328-B.

What the Napoleon Hat is and why it matters structurally

The Napoleon Hat is the curved, hat-shaped stamping that sits under the rear seat of an air-cooled VW Beetle, bridging the floor pan tunnel and tying it into the body structure. It's a critical structural member — particularly on Convertible Beetles, which rely on additional body bracing to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof. The factory part is heavily prone to rust because it sits below seat-line where moisture, debris, and decades of leaks accumulate.

Once the original Napoleon Hat rusts through, the floor pan tunnel and rear seat support lose their structural connection to the body. The car still drives, but body flex increases, doors stop aligning correctly, and rust spreads to adjacent structure. Replacing it during a floor pan or rust restoration is the right time — it's far more accessible with the body off or with the rear seat area exposed.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: BBT (Belgian reproduction sheet metal specialist)
• Function: Structural support tying floor pan tunnel to body, under rear seat
• Installation: Weld-in replacement
• Part number: 98-5328-B (BBT) / VW reference 113701131
• Configuration: Left-hand drive (LHD) standard

Fitment

• VW Beetle (Standard and Super): 1946 onward — all years using the standard Napoleon Hat geometry
• VW Karmann Ghia (Type 14): all years
• VW Beetle Convertible (Type 1 Convertible / Cabriolet): all years

Note: Standard configuration is left-hand drive. RHD cars (UK, Australia, South Africa) may require modification or a different part. Confirm with us before ordering for an RHD application.

FAQ

Why is it called a "Napoleon Hat"?
The bicorn shape of the stamping resembles the hat Napoleon famously wore — a tradition of VW restoration slang that goes back decades. The part has no official name in factory VW parts catalogs other than its part number.

Can I install this without dropping the body?
You can, but it's significantly easier with the body off or with the floor pans and rear seat area substantially exposed. Most restorers install the Napoleon Hat during a broader floor pan or chassis restoration when the area is already open.

Does this come with the rear seat bracket?
This is the Napoleon Hat structural piece only. Additional rear seat mounting brackets and surrounding sheet metal may need separate replacement depending on the extent of your rust.

Is BBT quality equivalent to original German?
BBT is one of the better reproduction sheet metal manufacturers — Belgian, well-known in European VW restoration circles, and generally accepted as the closest reproduction match to original German stamping quality. Not identical to NOS German, but very close.

Will this fit a Super Beetle?
Yes — the Napoleon Hat geometry is the same on Standard and Super Beetles. The floor pan structure under the rear seat is shared.

Do I need to coat or treat it before welding?
We recommend stripping any factory coating from the weld areas, welding it in, then sealing and undercoating the area properly to prevent the new piece from rusting out the same way.