Bumper Conversion Bracket, Beetle 68-73 To Early, Rear

OVERVIEW

If you are looking to shed the bulky, utilitarian look of the stock ''Europa'' bumpers on your late-model Bug, these EMPI Rear Bumper Conversion Brackets are the ultimate solution for achieving that coveted vintage aesthetic. Between 1968 and 1973, Volkswagen moved away from the sleek, slim blade bumpers in favor of larger, heavier units to meet changing safety regulations, but for many enthusiasts, this sacrificed the classic lines of the air-cooled icon. These conversion brackets allow you to seamlessly backdate your 1968-1973 Beetle''s rear end by mounting the 1967-and-earlier style blade or towel-bar bumpers directly to your existing chassis mounts. This simple modification instantly transforms the silhouette of your car, giving it the timeless look of a pre-1967 classic without the need for expensive bodywork or custom fabrication.

Precision-engineered by EMPI, these brackets are built to withstand the rigors of the road while providing a rock-solid mounting point for your new chrome. Each bracket is manufactured from high-quality, heavy-gauge steel to ensure that your bumper stays perfectly aligned even under vibration and road stress. The satin black powder-coated finish not only looks professional but also provides a durable barrier against rust and corrosion, which is vital for components tucked away behind the bodywork. Whether you are building a Cal-Look cruiser or a period-correct restoration with a twist, these brackets provide the necessary offset and bolt pattern to bridge the generational gap in Beetle design, making the installation process straightforward for both the weekend mechanic and the professional builder alike.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Standard): 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973
• Note: Designed specifically for Rear Bumper applications only.
• Note: Requires the use of 1967-and-earlier style "Blade" or "Towel Bar" bumpers.

SPECS

• Part Number: 15-2046-0
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Material: Heavy-Duty Gauge Steel
• Finish: Satin Black Powdercoat
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (Left and Right)
• Application: Rear Bumper Conversion
• Compatibility: Adapts Early Style Bumpers to Late Style Chassis Mounts
• Weight: Approximately 5.25 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Alignment Process

Alignment is everything when backdating your VW''s exterior. We highly recommend loosely threading all mounting bolts into the chassis and the bumper before performing the final torque-down. Because these brackets adapt two different eras of manufacturing, there is often a slight variance in the bumper pressings or the aftermarket bumper quality. By keeping the hardware loose, you can shift the assembly to ensure the bumper is perfectly level and centered with the rear apron before locking it into place. This prevents the "crooked bumper" look that often plagues rushed installations.

2. Address the Fender Seal Gap

Don''t forget your grommets and seals when performing this conversion. When switching from the large Europa bumper brackets to these slim conversion brackets, you will notice that the original holes in your 1968-1973 rear fenders are much larger than the new bracket arms. To achieve a professional, finished look, you should source specific conversion bumper seals. These specialized seals are designed to cover the larger 1968-1973 fender openings while fitting snugly around the slimmer early-style bracket arms, preventing moisture from entering the fender cavity and completing the visual transition.

3. Use Anti-Seize and Quality Hardware

Always protect your investment with high-quality hardware and proper lubrication. We suggest using a liberal amount of anti-seize lubricant on the mounting bolts that thread into the captive nuts in the rear bumper. Since the rear of a Beetle is a high-heat and high-moisture environment, the anti-se