Chrome Bumper Bolts, Beetle 68 68-73, Sold as a set of 4

OVERVIEW

When you''re finishing a restoration or just upgrading your exterior trim, the smallest details often make the biggest difference. These EMPI chrome bumper bolts are specifically designed to provide the perfect finishing touch for your 1968 through 1973 Volkswagen Beetle. Over decades of service, original factory hardware often becomes pitted, rusted, or rounded off from repeated removals, which significantly detracts from the overall look of your classic air-cooled VW. These bolts feature a high-quality, mirror-like chrome finish that perfectly complements your "Europa" style bumpers, ensuring that your hardware looks as fresh and clean as the rest of your vehicle. By replacing your dull or corroded factory bolts with these high-luster alternatives, you instantly elevate the curb appeal of your Bug, whether it''s a daily driver or a weekend show car.

Beyond the aesthetic upgrade, these bolts are engineered for a precise mechanical fit on late-model Beetle bumper brackets. Measuring 8mm x 15mm, they are the correct "short" version required for these specific years, ensuring they secure the bumper skin to the bracket without protruding too far or causing unnecessary interference. Each bolt is manufactured from durable steel to withstand the vibrations and environmental stresses inherent in vintage motoring. While this set includes four boltsenough to handle the primary mounting points for a single bumperit is important to remember that a complete bumper overhaul for both the front and rear of your Beetle typically requires six bolts in total. Investing in fresh, high-quality hardware not only makes the installation process smoother but also ensures that your bumper remains securely attached and correctly aligned through every mile of your journey.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973
• VW Super Beetle: 1971, 1972 (Front and Rear fitment for Europa style bumpers)
• VW Beetle Convertible: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972
• Note: Fits vehicles equipped with "Europa" style bumpers utilizing M8 hardware.

SPECS

• Product Type: Bumper Mounting Bolts
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 98-1014-0
• OEM Reference: 113-707-191C
• Material: High-Strength Steel
• Finish: Triple Chrome Plated
• Thread Size: M8 (8mm)
• Thread Pitch: 1.25mm
• Length: 15mm
• Head Style: Domed Carriage Style
• Quantity: Sold as a set of 4

PRO TIPS

1. Use Anti-Seize Lubricant for Future Maintenance

Before you thread these new chrome bolts into your bumper brackets, apply a small dab of nickel or copper-based anti-seize to the threads. Air-cooled VWs are notorious for "rust-welding" bumper hardware due to their exposure to road salt, moisture, and grime. Taking this extra step now ensures that if you ever need to remove the bumper for bodywork or bracket replacement in the future, the bolts will back out smoothly without snapping or damaging the captive nuts in your brackets. This also helps prevent the chrome from cracking due to the excessive torque often needed to break loose a rusted bolt.

2. Calculate Your Total Bolt Count Before Starting

It is a common mistake for owners to assume a single pack of four will cover the entire car. On a standard 1968-1973 Beetle, you typically need three bolts per bumper (six total for the car) to fully secure the bumper skin to the brackets and the brackets to the impact points. Since this set comes with four, we highly recommend ordering two sets. This gives you enough bolts to complete the entire car and leaves you with two spare bolts in your glovebox or toolbox just in case one gets lost or damaged during a future repair.

3. Perfect Alignment with the "Loose Fit" Method

When installing your bumpers, do not tighten any of the bolts down fully until every single bolt has been started by hand. Bumper brackets on older Beetles can often be slightly tweaked or bent from years of use. By keeping the bolts loose, you allow yourself enough "wiggle room" to level the bumper and ensure it is centered on the body of the car. Once everything is perfectly aligned and the gaps are even on both the driver and passenger sides, you can then go back and torque them down. This prevents cross-threading and ensures your Beetle has that perfectly symmetrical look from the front and rear.