Headlight Stone Guard, Fits Beetle 54-66, Stainless, Pair

Protect Your Vintage Glass with Authentic Period-Correct Styling

Elevate the front-end aesthetics of your classic Volkswagen while providing a critical layer of protection for your expensive glass lenses with these EMPI Stainless Steel Headlight Stone Guards. Designed specifically for the iconic sloped headlight era of the Beetle, these mesh guardsoften referred to as gravel guardsare a staple for any enthusiast looking to capture the vintage rally or rugged off-road look. Back in the day, these were essential equipment for European rally racing and long-distance touring to prevent flying debris from shattering the headlamps. Today, they serve as both a functional shield against road hazards and a high-impact visual upgrade that sets your air-cooled VW apart from the crowd at any local show or cruise-in. Constructed from high-grade stainless steel, these guards offer a brilliant, mirror-like finish that resists the elements far better than traditional chrome-plated steel, ensuring your vintage ride maintains its luster for years to come.

Installation of these stone guards is remarkably straightforward, designed to clip securely onto the headlight rim without the need for permanent modifications to your precious vintage fenders. This makes them an ideal choice for the purist who wants the option to return to a stock look or the custom builder looking for that extra bit of "Cal-Look" or "Rat-Rod" flair. The tightly woven mesh pattern is engineered to deflect stones and large insects without significantly obstructing the light output, keeping your night driving safe while your glass remains pristine. Whether you are navigating gravel backroads or simply cruising the highway where modern construction debris is a constant threat, these EMPI stone guards provide peace of mind. Sold as a complete pair, they are the perfect finishing touch for any mid-fifties to mid-sixties Beetle restoration project, offering that elusive balance of form and function that every air-cooled specialist demands.

Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

These stone guards are designed specifically for the "Sloped Headlight" style found on early to mid-sixties Volkswagens. Please verify your headlight bucket and rim style before ordering.

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1954 through 1966 (Sloped Headlight Models)
• VW Sunroof Beetle: 1954 through 1966
• VW Convertible Beetle: 1954 through 1966
• Custom Applications: Fits most 7-inch sloped glass assemblies used in air-cooled VW builds.

Technical Specifications and Features

Built to meet the rigorous standards of Appletree Automotive enthusiasts, these specs ensure you are getting the best hardware for your Volkswagen.

• Material: High-Quality 304 Grade Stainless Steel for maximum corrosion resistance.
• Finish: Polished Stainless (Mirror Finish).
• Pattern: Classic Diamond-Weave Mesh.
• Configuration: Sold as a Pair (Left and Right sides included).
• EMPI Part Number: 18-1112-0.
• Installation Method: Tension-clip style that hooks over the headlight trim ring.
• Compatibility: Designed for sloped, non-upright headlight glass.
• Weight: Approximately 1.08 lbs (shipping weight).

Expert Pro Tips for Installation and Maintenance

Tip 1: Ensure a Snug Fit to Prevent Vibration

When installing your new stainless stone guards, it is vital to ensure the mounting clips are seated firmly against the headlight rim. Over decades of use, some aftermarket or original headlight rims may have slight variations in thickness. If the guard feels loose after snapping it into place, you can carefully use a pair of needle-nose pliers (wrapped in a microfiber cloth to prevent scratching) to slightly increase the tension on the mounting tabs. A tight fit is essential; if the guards are allowed to vibrate or "chatter" against the glass, they can eventually etch the lens or, worse, fly off at highway speeds. Always double-check the security of the guards after your first few miles of driving to ensure they haven''t shifted.

Tip 2: Maintain the Stainless Luster with Regular Cleaning

While stainless steel is incredibly resistant to rust compared to chrome, it is not completely immune to "tea staining" or surface contamination from road salt and brake dust. To keep your EMPI stone guards looking brand new, we recommend removing them periodically to clean both the mesh and the headlight glass behind them. Use a high-quality metal polish specifically formulated for stainless steel to buff out any dull spots. Because dirt and moisture can get trapped between the mesh and the glass, this regular maintenance prevents the buildup of road grime that can lead to pitting on your headlight rims or cloudy glass lenses. A quick coat of synthetic wax on the guards will also help water bead off and make future cleanings much easier.

Tip 3: Check Light Alignment After Installation

Although these mesh guards are designed to be low-profile, the physical act of clipping them onto your headlight rims can sometimes cause the headlight bucket or the trim ring to shift slightly if the mounting screws are old or loose. After you have successfully installed the pair, park your Beetle on a level surface facing a wall and turn on your headlights. Ensure that the beam pattern hasn''t shifted and that the mesh isn''t creating any unusual shadows or "hot spots" in the light throw. If you notice a significant change, it is the perfect time to lubricate your headlight adjustment screws and re-align your beams. This ensures that you get the rugged look you want without compromising your visibility during night-time cruises.