{"product_id":"bbt-center-chassis-support-napoleon-hat-vw-beetle-ghia-type-1-convertible","title":"BBT Napoleon Hat Center Chassis Support — VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia \u0026 Type 1 Convertible (98-5328-B)","description":"\u003cp\u003eBBT 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat the Napoleon Hat is and why it matters structurally\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e BBT (Belgian reproduction sheet metal specialist)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Structural support tying floor pan tunnel to body, under rear seat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInstallation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Weld-in replacement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 98-5328-B (BBT) \/ VW reference 113701131\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConfiguration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Left-hand drive (LHD) standard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFitment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVW Beetle (Standard and Super): 1946 onward — all years using the standard Napoleon Hat geometry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVW Karmann Ghia (Type 14): all years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVW Beetle Convertible (Type 1 Convertible \/ Cabriolet): all years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is it called a \"Napoleon Hat\"?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I install this without dropping the body?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYou 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this come with the rear seat bracket?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs BBT quality equivalent to original German?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBBT 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this fit a Super Beetle?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes — the Napoleon Hat geometry is the same on Standard and Super Beetles. The floor pan structure under the rear seat is shared.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to coat or treat it before welding?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Washburn's Metal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44493444481139,"sku":null,"price":274.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/98-5328-B_FRO-500x334.jpg?v=1774596273","url":"https:\/\/shop.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/bbt-center-chassis-support-napoleon-hat-vw-beetle-ghia-type-1-convertible","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}