Bump Stop, Oem Rear, for Beetle 60-79, Ghia 60-74 Each

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the structural integrity and ride quality of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, the rear suspension bump stop is a critical component that often goes overlooked until it is too late. This OEM-style rear bump stop is designed to act as the final cushion for your suspension travel, preventing the metal components of your spring plates and trailing arms from making violent contact with the chassis. Over decades of service, original rubber bump stops become brittle, crack, or completely disintegrate due to exposure to road grime, oil, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Replacing these worn-out units with our high-quality EMPI replacements ensures that your Beetle, Ghia, or Type 3 maintains its factory-specified protection, saving your shock absorbers and torsion housing from unnecessary impact damage during heavy compression.

At Appletree Auto, we understand that restoration is about more than just aesthetics; it is about preserving the mechanical longevity of your vintage investment. This rear bump stop is manufactured from a high-density, automotive-grade rubber compound that replicates the original shore hardness and compression rate of the factory 311-501-191 part. Whether you are navigating pothole-ridden city streets or taking your Beetle on a long-distance cruise, these bump stops provide the essential progressive damping needed at the limit of your suspension''s travel. Designed for a precise fit into the factory mounting cups, these are an absolute must-have for any rear-end refresh, ensuring that your classic VW handles bumps with the same composure it had when it first rolled off the assembly line in Wolfsburg.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Standard): 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Notchback, Fastback, Squareback): 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973
• Application Note: Fits both Swing Axle and IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) configurations for the years listed above.

SPECS

• Part Number: 311-501-191 / 98-5012-B
• Material: Heavy-duty vulcanized rubber for maximum durability and oil resistance.
• Position: Rear suspension (Left or Right side).
• Profile: OEM tapered conical design for progressive energy absorption.
• Finish: Natural black rubber.
• Quantity: Sold individually (Two required per vehicle).
• Compatibility: Direct replacement for factory original equipment.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Check Your Mounting Cups Before Installation

Before you attempt to press your new bump stops into place, take a moment to inspect the metal mounting cups on your chassis. Because these areas are prone to collecting moisture and road salt, they often suffer from surface rust or scale. Use a wire brush or a small sanding drum to clean out the inside of the cup. If the metal is pitted, applying a thin layer of chassis paint or rust inhibitor will prevent further degradation. A clean, smooth mounting surface ensures the new rubber seats fully and won''t work its way out over time.

Tip 2: Use a Lubricant to Ease the Press-Fit Process

Installing new, stiff rubber bump stops can be a struggle if you try to do it dry. To make the job significantly easier, apply a small amount of dish soap or a dedicated rubber lubricant to the base of the bump stop. Avoid using petroleum-based greases, as these can eventually break down the rubber compound and cause the bump stop to soften or fail prematurely. With a bit of soapy water, you can usually pop these into place using a pry bar for leverage or by carefully lowering the weight of the vehicle to "press" the stop into the cup.

Tip 3: Vital Protection for Lowered Volkswagens

If you have lowered your VW using adjustable spring plates or by re-indexing your torsion bars, your suspension travel is significantly reduced. In these scenarios, your bump stops are no longer just "emergency" cushions; they become an active part of your suspension much more frequently. Never run a lowered car without bump stops. Without them, you risk bottoming out the internal valving of your shocks, which will blow the seals and ruin them instantly. If your car is extremely low, you may need to trim these slightly, but always ensure there is a rubber buffer between the suspension arm and the frame.