Vinyl Seat Cover, Front & Rear Set, Fits Beetle 70-72, Black

OVERVIEW

Revitalizing the interior of your classic Volkswagen is one of the most rewarding steps in any restoration project, and this EMPI Vinyl Seat Cover Set is designed to bring that factory-fresh feel back to your 1970-1972 Beetle. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these covers feature the iconic basket weave pattern that defined the era, providing an authentic look and feel that stays true to the original VW aesthetic. Whether your original upholstery is cracked from decades of sun exposure or you are looking to upgrade a budget interior, these heavy-duty vinyl covers offer a durable, high-quality solution. The black finish is deep and consistent, ensuring that your cabin looks sharp and professional while resisting the rigors of daily driving and car show circuits alike.

This comprehensive kit includes covers for both the front and rear seats, providing a complete uniform look for your Type 1 Sedan. While many aftermarket covers compromise on material thickness, EMPI utilizes a robust vinyl that is engineered to handle the tension of installation and the friction of regular use. The design is intended for a straightforward installation, allowing enthusiasts to achieve a tight, wrinkle-free fit that mirrors the work of a professional upholstery shop. By choosing this specific set for your 1970-1972 model, you are ensuring that the dimensions and seam placements align perfectly with the seat frames of that specific production window, avoiding the loose or over-stretched appearance common with universal-fit alternatives. Investing in these covers doesn''t just improve your comfort; it significantly boosts the resale value and pride of ownership of your air-cooled legend.

FITMENT

This seat cover set is specifically designed for the following Volkswagen models:

• 1970 Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1) Sedan
• 1971 Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1) Sedan
• 1972 Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1) Sedan
• Note: Specifically tailored for Sedan models; please verify seat frame style for late 1972 transitions.

SPECS

Technical specifications and material details for the EMPI 00-4639-0 seat cover set:

• Part Number: 00-4639-0
• Material: Heavy-duty automotive grade vinyl
• Pattern: Period-correct Basket Weave texture
• Color: Classic Black
• Kit Contents: 2 Front Seat Back Covers, 2 Front Seat Bottom Covers, 1 Rear Seat Back Cover, 1 Rear Seat Bottom Cover
• Installation Style: Slip-on design (Hog rings recommended for professional tension)
• Shipping Weight: 12.0 lbs
• GTIN: 707924327861
• Compatibility: Fits Type 1 Sedan seat frames for the 70-72 model years

PRO TIPS

1. The Sunshine Method for Pliability

Before you even attempt to pull these covers over your frames, place them in direct sunlight or a warm room for at least 30 to 60 minutes. Vinyl is naturally stiff when cold, but once it warms up, it becomes significantly more elastic and easier to manipulate. This extra flexibility allows you to pull the seams tight over the corners of the seat frames without the risk of tearing the material or struggling with stubborn wrinkles. If you are working in a cold climate, a handheld hair dryer can be used on a low setting to gently warm specific areas as you work, but be careful not to hold it too close or stay in one spot too long, as excessive heat can damage the vinyl texture.

2. Inspect and Replace Your Seat Padding

New seat covers can only look as good as the padding underneath them. If your original horsehair pads or foam are crumbling, compressed, or missing chunks, the new vinyl covers will appear baggy or lumpy. While the covers are off, take the time to inspect the seat springs and padding. We highly recommend installing new TMI or EMPI seat pads or adding a layer of high-density upholstery foam and cotton batting to fill out the "shoulders" of the seat. A fresh layer of burlap over the springs will also prevent the metal from eventually cutting through your new padding and vinyl, ensuring your interior restoration lasts for another fifty years.

3. Proper Tension and Tool Usage

Although these are marketed as a slip-on style, achieving a true concours-level finish requires the right tools. Use a set of hog ring pliers and high-quality hog rings to anchor the covers to the seat frames. Start by centering the cover on the seat back or bottom and work from the center out toward the corners. Constantly check the alignment of the basket weave pattern to ensure it remains straight and doesn''t "drift" as you apply tension. If you encounter a stubborn wrinkle, you can often "massage" it out toward the edge before final clipping. Don''t forget to check that your seat adjustment tracks are clean and lubricated while the seats are out of the car, as this is the best time to ensure smooth operation.