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

Why a refurbished original beats a reproduction Type 3 frame head

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 endless headaches downstream — front beam tracking issues, body alignment problems at the cowl, master cylinder mounting that doesn't quite line up.

For a numbers-correct or driver-quality Type 3 restoration, starting with a refurbished original German frame head saves significant fabrication time and produces a much better-aligned finished car.

Type 3 frame heads are also 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.

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)

Fitment

• VW Type 3 Notchback: 1962–1973
• VW Type 3 Squareback (Variant): 1962–1973
• VW Type 3 Fastback: 1965–1973
• VW 1500 and 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.

FAQ

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.