SKU: 55448379343

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

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Description

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,

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.

Shipping Notes
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Exchange/Return Notes
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  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
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SKU: 55448379343

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4.4 ★★★★★
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Jessika
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 4
Definitely worth the read!
Format: Kindle
After taking a deep breath and taking in that wicked twist of an ending, I have finally composed myself. My first thought when I started this book was that I love Reyna's character. I was intrigued by her connection with her familiar and the Ruin that is plaguing her land. It came as no surprise that she took her sister's place in an attempt to protect her. When they reach the Air Court everything slows down. This is where it was iffy for me. First of all, I like multiple POV's in books however 7 is a bit much. It starts to interrupt the story line. I felt like I was finally making progress connecting with one character, then it was switched to another person. I felt they all had necessary or pertinent information but not necessarily were they all POV worthy. The only other thing that annoyed me was that Reyna constantly was " trapped." She would rush off without thinking, only to need rescuing. She is brilliant in a fight, but she really doesn't think through anything. Lorcan is amazing. I know he might be on the "bad" list, but his background is so interesting. Eislyn(Reyna's sister) is really so sweet, but calculating. I enjoyed her and Thane's dialogue. The author did an amazing job with the imagery in this book. Everything was so detailed it was easy to fall into the scene. I love unexpected twists and while part of the ending I expected, I wasn't expecting how it took place. All in all, I found it very entertaining and I am very invested in continuing this series. Favorite quotes: "The truth may be twisted but never false." "Who was she if she was not the enemy of the Air Court? What was her purpose of she no longer has that?" "In a war-torn land, love was always a lie."
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2020
K
Verified Purchase
KAB
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Read!!! Great story!!!
Format: Kindle
The series is long, but Ms. Wolfhart does a fantastic job of weaving this tale while bringing so much to the characters. Surprises and plot twists along the way to keep you intrigued. There is some graphic sex, but is no way the focal point. Grammar was excellent (a rare find with a lot of self publishers) with only a few noted errors. I rarely give 4 stars, let alone 5.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2021
E
Verified Purchase
Elisa
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 3
Sadly, DNF
Format: Kindle
I read this thru KU. I LOVED the synopsis. And then I began reading... and it was a DNF at 68% after picking it up and putting it down several times because I really loved the main female character. *****SPOILERS***** Pros: The world is unique, intriguing and fun. The primary female character is bad-a** but not a b*tech or a mary sue. The primary female has depth. I really want to know what happens to her even tho it's been weeks and I don't remember her name. The villains to the point I read are pretty good -- an ever present threat of mysterious and possibly many culprits. Cons: Way, way too many points of view. I stopped counting at 7. It's the prime reason why I don't care about most of the characters or remember their names even when I like them. There's just too many points of view so almost none of the characters have enough book space for the author to properly develop them. This literally killed the book for me. Actually it killed my desire to read. For weeks. The main male is more villain than hero. He agreed to marry the main female then locks her up & eschews her for her sister, all while bad mouthing her as unfit to rule when he never spent any time with her getting to know her. He is actually unfit to rule as he is blind to the woes of his own kingdom and starts off a peace mission to secure a ceasefire through marriage by murdering an inn full of people in her country for no real reason. Plus, he constantly makes promises he does not keep. And it's gross of him to pine for the sister behind the main female's back. ***** As much as I really wanted to see what happened to the main female character, it wasn't enough for me to keep trying to slog thru this book. There was a lot of potential here that just fell short. Hence, 3 stars.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2021
M
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MaryBeth K
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Fae Courts with High Intrigue
Format: Kindle
This book is one that just builds and builds and then surprises you to no end. You may think you know the villains and then you are jolted in another direction. Princess Reyna is a real gem, strong of character, a fierce fighter, and loyal to her family and kingdom. Just when you think she and Lorcan, well you know, the plot is flipped. Can't wait to see where this goes in book two.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2023
K
Verified Purchase
Kindle Customer Maureen
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 4
Slow, sorry but good
Format: Kindle
This was a slow moving book. Lots of character pov chapters, lots of superfluous descriptions and endless courtly appearances stalled this book to start. Once you get into the heart of the story, it takes off. Before you know it the book is done. My favorite character is Reyna. She is so strong. She is true to herself. She gets into a lot of trouble with her headstrong ways but it's entertaining. I have high hopes for Lorcan. He is honorable to a fault. Thane had turned out to be better than I thought but i still don't like him. Eislin is useless. Great plot twists at the end. I'm looking forward too book 2.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2020

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