Wiper Arm Left, Black, For Beetle 73-77, Super 71-72

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the safety and period-correct aesthetics of your air-cooled Volkswagen, the wiper system is often overlooked until the clouds break and visibility drops. This EMPI Left Side Wiper Arm is engineered to provide the precise tension and structural integrity required for late-model Beetles. Finished in a sleek, satin black coating that matches the factory trim of the 1970s, this arm replaces your aged, bent, or faded original hardware with a unit that restores both function and form. As a master specialist, I can tell you that a weak wiper arm spring is the primary culprit for "streaking" on the windshield, and this high-quality EMPI replacement ensures the blade stays firmly planted against the glass even during high-speed highway driving or heavy coastal storms.

Restoring a classic VW means paying attention to the details that define the era. Starting in the early 70s, Volkswagen transitioned from chrome and polished finishes to the more modern, utilitarian black trim. This wiper arm is the exact driver''s side component needed to maintain that authentic look. Designed with a precision-machined splined base, it slides onto your wiper pivot shaft with a snug fit, preventing the annoying "slop" or play that often develops in worn-out aftermarket alternatives. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration or simply performing essential maintenance to keep your daily driver road-worthy, this arm offers the reliability and durability that Appletree Auto customers have come to expect from the EMPI brand.

FITMENT

This wiper arm is specifically designed for the left (driver''s) side. Please review the following application list carefully, as VW wiper configurations changed significantly during the 1970s:

• VW Beetle (Standard Sedan & Convertible): 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1977.
• VW Super Beetle: 1971 and 1972 ONLY.
• Note: This arm DOES NOT fit Super Beetles from 1973 and later, as those models utilized a curved windshield and a different wiper arm geometry.
• Position: Left Side (North American Driver''s Side).

SPECS

Each arm is manufactured to strict tolerances to ensure a "plug-and-play" installation process that mirrors the original VDO or Bosch equipment.

• Part Number: 111-955-407H.
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant Satin Black Powder Coat/Paint.
• Material: Heavy-duty stamped steel with a high-tension internal spring.
• Attachment Type: Splined shaft mounting with a flip-up cover for the securing nut.
• Compatibility: Designed for use with standard hook-style or pin-style wiper blades.
• Length: Factory-spec length for maximum windshield coverage without hitting the window rubber.
• Weight: Approximately 0.25 lbs.

PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

Tip 1: Protecting Your Cowl During Removal

Removing an old, seized wiper arm can be a recipe for a scratched paint job if you aren''t careful. Never use a standard screwdriver to pry the arm off the pivot shaft directly against the body of the car. Instead, use a dedicated small wiper arm puller or, at the very least, place a thick piece of cardboard or a shop rag over the cowl. Once you remove the 10mm or 11mm nut, a gentle wiggle or a specialized puller tool will pop the arm off the splines without chipping your finish. Always ensure the splines on the pivot shaft are clean and free of debris before sliding the new EMPI arm into place.

Tip 2: Perfecting the "Park" Position

Before you tighten the nut on your new wiper arm, it is critical to "clock" the arm correctly. Turn your wiper motor on and then back off so it returns to its natural park position. Place the arm onto the splined shaft so the blade sits about an inch to an inch-and-a-half above the bottom windshield rubber. This prevents the wipers from "clapping" against the seal or the cowl during operation. If you find the wipers are hitting the side pillar, simply pop the arm off, rotate it one or two splines downward, and re-test. Never tighten the nut until you have dry-tested the sweep by hand or with a wet windshield.

Tip 3: Don''t Forget the Tension Spring Maintenance

A common mistake enthusiasts make is installing a new arm but using an old, hardened wiper blade. For the best performance, pair this new EMPI arm with a fresh set of high-quality blades. Additionally, during your regular oil changes or seasonal maintenance, apply a tiny drop of lithium grease or light machine oil to the hinge point of the wiper arm. This keeps the spring tension consistent and prevents the arm from becoming "lazy" or sticking in the upright position, ensuring that the blade always maintains even pressure across the entire surface of the glass.