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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SKU: 55448379343

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Carmen Alicea
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 4
Baby bumps and bodyguards
Format: Kindle
Dark, emotional, and unexpectedly tender, Not Ready is an omegaverse romance that delivers found family feels, fierce protectiveness, and a very pregnant heroine who refuses to break. Vale’s on the run from a stalker, but lands in the arms of three private security alphas, cue the swoony tension, fake marriage twist, and slow-burn heat. It’s a little gritty, a little soft, and a whole lot addictive. If you love protective alphas, high stakes, and heroines with quiet strength, this one’s a must-read.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2025
S
Verified Purchase
Shianne Whipple
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Strong Omegaverse Comfort and a Attention Grabbing Plot
Format: Kindle
Jillian West never misses when it comes to Omegaverse, and Not Ready is no exception. This story was the perfect blend of cozy comfort and emotional depth while still delivering a strong plot. Vale is such a powerful heroine, she is strong, capable, and determined but I love that she still allows her pack to love and take care of her. It’s that balance of independence and vulnerability that makes her so relatable. The relationship dynamics were amazing: Bishop is steadfast and completely head over heels, Mercy is skeptical but protective in his own way, and Holt is the hesitant one whose slow fall is so satisfying to watch unfold. The romance hits that sweet spot between insta-love and cautious build, keeping me hooked the entire way through. And that ending. Oh my god, the cliffhanger! I need the next book in this duet immediately.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2025
N
Verified Purchase
NLB
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Interesting
Format: Kindle
So I will say I enjoyed the story, for sure had its moments where it dragged but it was a great story. I really liked that omegas picked their alphas/make the pack. Normally the Alphas make it and the omega fits in with them which is great but I enjoyed this new version where all the power basically went to the omega. It was a nice change of pace. I can admit some of the weird bedroom stuff with her being pregnant was odd, it’s really not hard to do stuff when pregnant (I know I’ve had two and it’s normal and even encouraged at the end especially if you want the baby out). But I like the story as a whole and will read the second, I do hope the next one isn’t dragged bc it stopped being action or tense after she met her alphas and I don’t think it was brought up or properly done when they tried to do it. More sweet after she left.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2024
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Verified Purchase
Altairjones
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 3
I’m a little disappointed.
Format: Kindle
I usually like Jillian West’s books but this one was missing a lot for me. The pregnancy didn’t come across as real. She’s on her feet for 12 hour days but is perfectly healthy at 8 months pregnant? Yet the week she moves in all of a sudden she’s not? She is planning on actually running during one of the plot buildups. But at 8 months pregnant that’s incredibly hard to do. The lack of breathing ability and lung space, the change in body center, mass, and gravity. All of it prohibits running, unless you’re an athlete this didn’t come off as at all realistic. I didn’t feel any connection with the alphas. There wasn’t any emotional connection. It could be because of the tense it was written in. But I didn’t get any deep feelings out of this. It came across as checking off boxes. Even the spicy scenes weren’t really believable for me. I wanted to see them fall for her, and it just kind of all fizzled. Even Bishop. One thing I did really like was the ending. I did not see it coming and I’m interested in reading book two because of it. But on the whole this book was mostly disappointing for me.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2024
M
Verified Purchase
Melissa Williams
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 4
4.25 stars
Format: Kindle
Vale is an 8 month pregnant omega working as a waitress at a strip club and a cam girl. She starts to get very creepy vibes from a regular at the club, and her baby daddy ghosted her. She has had an online relationship with a man named Bishop through her cam girl status. One night, bishop was paying to watch her sleep and ansthe creepy regular Andrew break in and watch her sleep he tells vale to come to him at his business now. She flees and finds herself at a large security company with some.hot of alphas who are there to help her. This imegaverse is a little different than I have read, but I am thoroughly enjoying it. Vale is not a traditional omega she was raised by a single beta mom, and the alphas are not normal alphas they have never really loved pack life. But they are ruthless mercenaries. They need her, and she needs them. I love the aspect of the stalker and now the plot twists at the end, so so good. Sometimes, it seemed a little slow and stale mated, but since this a duet, I think It was just her starting to have Vale get to know her alpha suitors. Cliffhanger for sure with this one.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2024

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