Billet Look Running Boards, For All Years Aircooled Beetle

OVERVIEW

Elevate the aesthetic of your classic Volkswagen with the EMPI Billet Look Running Boards, the ultimate fusion of vintage styling and modern durability. These aren''t your standard, flimsy steel boards that succumb to rust and peeling rubber mats after a few seasons. Crafted from high-quality extruded aluminum, these running boards feature a stunning black satin finish that provides a sleek, aggressive foundation, contrasted perfectly by a high-luster polished outer edge. Whether you are building a high-end show car, a daily driver, or a weekend cruiser, these boards offer a "billet" custom appearance that immediately separates your Beetle from the stock crowd while maintaining the iconic lines of the Type 1 body style.

Functionality meets form in this robust design, as the extruded aluminum construction ensures these boards remain rigid and corrosion-resistant for the life of your vehicle. The vintage-inspired ribbed surface provides excellent foot traction while paying homage to the original VW design language. Unlike traditional boards where the rubber mat can trap moisture against the metal, leading to terminal rust, this all-aluminum design breathes and resists the elements effortlessly. Each set comes as a complete pair and includes all the necessary mounting hardware to ensure a straightforward installation process, allowing you to spend less time in the garage and more time on the road showcasing your Beetle''s refreshed profile.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle (Standard): All Years (1946-1977)
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: All Years (1971-1979)
• Volkswagen Beetle Convertible: All Years

SPECS

• Material: Heavy-duty extruded aluminum construction.
• Finish: Black Satin powder-coated body with a polished aluminum outer rib.
• Quantity: Sold as a complete pair (includes driver and passenger sides).
• Hardware: Full mounting hardware kit included for a bolt-on installation.
• Design: Vintage-style longitudinal ribbing for maximum grip and period-correct aesthetics.
• Corrosion Resistance: Naturally rust-proof aluminum material ideal for humid or coastal climates.
• Part Number: 15-3018-0 (EMPI).

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: Clean Your Fenders First. Before installing your new billet-look boards, take a moment to inspect the captive nuts inside your front and rear fenders. Over decades, these threads often become clogged with road grime, undercoating, or rust. Use a thread chaser or a tap (typically M7x1.0 for original hardware, though check your specific fenders) to clean the threads. This prevents cross-threading and ensures the running board sits perfectly flush against the fender beads for that professional, gap-free look.

Pro Tip 2: The Hand-Tighten Rule. When mounting aluminum running boards, never tighten the bolts fully on one side before starting the others. Start all bolts by handincluding those going into the fenders and those securing the board to the heater channel. Once every bolt is threaded in several turns, gradually tighten them in a sequence, moving back and forth between the front and rear fenders. This allows the board to "center" itself and prevents unwanted tension that could lead to clicking or popping sounds while driving.

Pro Tip 3: Maintain the Shine. While the black satin finish is incredibly durable, the polished aluminum edge is exposed to road salt and moisture. To keep that "billet" pop looking its best, apply a high-quality aluminum metal polish to the bright-work edges once every few months. Avoid using harsh degreasers or acidic wheel cleaners on these boards, as they can dull the satin black finish. A simple wash with pH-neutral car soap followed by a quick wipe-down of the polished ribs will keep these boards looking brand new for years to come.