Hood Seal, for Beetle 61-77, Super 71-72

OVERVIEW

Restoration enthusiasts and daily drivers alike know that the front trunk areaaffectionately known as the "frunk"is one of the most vulnerable spots on a vintage Volkswagen. This EMPI Hood Seal is engineered to provide a factory-standard barrier against the elements, ensuring that rain, road grime, and moisture stay out of your cargo area and away from your sensitive wiring harness and fuel tank. Specifically designed for the 1961 through 1977 Standard Beetle and the specific 1971-1972 Super Beetle window, this seal is a direct replacement for the often-cracked, dry-rotted, or flattened original rubber. By restoring the airtight integrity of your hood, you aren''t just protecting your spare tire and trunk liner; you are also significantly reducing cabin wind noise and preventing the annoying hood rattle that occurs when the hood isn''t properly cushioned against the body during high-speed cruising.

Constructed from high-quality, weather-resistant rubber, this seal is built to withstand the rigors of both intense summer heat and freezing winter temperatures without losing its elasticity. The installation process utilizes the original metal crimp channel located on the body of the vehicle, allowing the seal to slip in and be pinched into place for a secure, permanent fit that looks exactly like it did when it left the Wolfsburg factory. Unlike cheap universal adhesive strips that eventually peel away and leave a sticky residue, this channel-mount design mimics the original German engineering to provide a clean, professional finish. Whether you are performing a high-end body-off restoration or simply trying to keep your groceries dry during a summer rainstorm, this EMPI hood seal offers the reliability, durability, and precise fitment that air-cooled VW owners have come to expect from Appletree Auto.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Standard Beetle (Sedan): 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
• Volkswagen Standard Beetle (Convertible): 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
• Volkswagen Super Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1971, 1972 (Does not fit 1973-79 Curved Windshield Super Beetles)
• Reference Part Number: 113-823-731B

SPECS

• Material: Heavy-duty, UV-resistant EPDM rubber compound.
• Installation Style: Body-mounted channel fit (slips into the metal crimp channel).
• Color/Finish: Matte Black.
• Cross-Section: OEM profile for optimal compression and sealing.
• Weight: Approximately 0.6 lbs.
• Total Length: Pre-cut to fit the full perimeter of the Beetle hood opening.
• Durability: Resistant to oil, gasoline, and ozone exposure.

PRO TIPS

1. Prepare the Metal Channel Thoroughly

Before you even think about installing your new EMPI seal, you must ensure the metal channel on the body is clean and free of debris. Use a small flat-head screwdriver or a specialized channel cleaning tool to scrape out old rubber bits, dried glue, or rust. If you find surface rust inside the channel, treat it with a rust inhibitor or a dab of POR-15. If the channel is bent or pinched shut in certain areas, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to gently open it back up to a uniform width. A clean, straight channel is the difference between a 15-minute job and a 2-hour struggle. Don''t skip this step or your seal may bulge or sit unevenly.

2. Use the Right Lubricant for Installation

Rubber seals can be notoriously stubborn when you are trying to slide them into a tight metal track. Never use petroleum-based lubricants like WD-40 or grease, as these can break down the rubber over time and cause it to turn into a gooey mess. Instead, use a mixture of mild dish soap and water in a spray bottle, or a dedicated rubber lubricant like RuGlyde. Spray the channel and the mounting "tang" of the seal liberally. This will allow the seal to glide into the corners without stretching the rubber. Remember, if you stretch the rubber during installation, it will eventually "shrink" back over time, leaving gaps at the ends.

3. The Dollar Bill Test and Final Crimping

Once the seal is seated in the channel, use a rubber mallet and a wood block (or a specialized crimping tool) to gently pinch the metal channel at 4-to-6-inch intervals