Stainless Steel Rear Over Ride

OVERVIEW

Elevate the classic aesthetic of your vintage Volkswagen with the EMPI Stainless Steel Rear Over Ride Kit. These vertical guards, often referred to in the community as "towel bar" overriders, are the definitive finishing touch for any serious Resto-Cal or period-correct restoration project. While the original factory pieces were often prone to pitting and rust over decades of exposure, this EMPI kit is engineered from high-grade stainless steel that has been polished to a mirror-like luster. This means you get the deep, reflective shine of traditional chrome without the constant fear of oxidation or peeling. Whether you are cruising to a local show or daily driving your air-cooled treasure, these overriders provide that iconic "heavy-duty" look that defined the early era of German automotive design, making your rear bumper assembly look significantly more robust and sophisticated.

Beyond the undeniable visual upgrade, these overriders serve a practical purpose in protecting your investment. By adding vertical height and structural reinforcement to the rear blade bumper, they offer an extra layer of defense for your rear apron and engine lid against minor low-speed impacts. This kit is designed to bolt directly onto standard blade-style bumpers, integrating seamlessly with the existing lines of your Beetle. As a master air-cooled specialist, I can tell you that the fit and finish of the 16-9802-0 kit are top-tier, ensuring that you won''t be fighting with misaligned holes or warped metal during the installation process. When you choose EMPI stainless steel components from Appletree Auto, you are investing in a part that is built to outlast the car itself while maintaining a show-quality appearance for years to come.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Sedan): 1952 through 1967
• VW Beetle (Convertible): 1952 through 1967
• Note: Fits Standard Beetle models equipped with "Blade Style" bumpers.
• Note: Does not fit 1968 and later "Europa" style bumpers.

SPECS

• Part Number: 16-9802-0
• Material: High-Grade Polished Stainless Steel
• Finish: Mirror-Polished Chrome-Like Shine
• Position: Rear Bumper (Left and Right sides included)
• Quantity: Sold as a pair (2 Overriders)
• Design: Vertical "Towel Bar" style for vintage aesthetics
• Weight: Approximately 6.05 lbs
• Hardware: Pre-drilled for standard mounting points
• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent (Stainless steel construction prevents rust)

PRO TIPS

1. Leave Your Bolts Loose Until Final Alignment

When you are installing these overriders onto your rear bumper, the biggest mistake you can make is tightening the mounting hardware prematurely. Start by loosely threading the bolts through the bumper blade and into the overriders. Once both sides are mounted and the horizontal "towel bars" (if used) are positioned, step back and check the symmetry from the rear of the vehicle. Stainless steel is durable, but you want to ensure there is no tension on the metal that could lead to whistling or vibration. Only once everything is perfectly level and centered should you perform the final torque-down. This ensures a professional, factory-straight look every time.

2. Use Rubber Grommets to Protect Your Finish

To keep your bumper and overriders looking pristine, I always recommend using high-quality rubber grommets or seals at the contact points where the overrider meets the bumper blade. Metal-on-metal contact can lead to micro-scratches or vibration noise during engine idling. By placing a thin rubber barrier between the two, you create a snugger fit and prevent the stainless steel from marring the finish of your bumper. This also helps seal the mounting holes from moisture, which is a common area where road salt and grime like to collect on vintage air-cooled Volkswagens.

3. Maintain the Luster with Non-Abrasive Polish

Even though these are made of stainless steel and won''t rust like traditional chrome, they still require occasional maintenance to keep that "deep" mirror reflection. Road film, exhaust soot, and hard water spots can dull the surface over time. I suggest using a high-quality, non-abrasive metal polish specifically formulated for stainless steel. Avoid using steel wool or harsh scouring pads, as these will create fine scratches that are difficult to buff out. A simple microfiber towel and a dedicated polish once a month will keep these overriders looking like they just came out of the box, ensuring your VW remains the star of the parking lot.