Door Handle Guard, Stainless, for Beetle 60-67, Pair

OVERVIEW

Protect your vintage investment while adding a touch of period-correct class with these EMPI Stainless Steel Door Handle Guards. Designed specifically for the iconic "cupped" door handle area of the 1960 through 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, these guards serve a dual purpose that every VW enthusiast can appreciate. Over years of use, the paint behind your door handles becomes a magnet for unsightly scratches, scuffs, and chips caused by fingernails, rings, and keys as you reach to open the door. These stainless steel guards provide a robust physical barrier that prevents this wear and tear, ensuring that your paint job remains pristine even in high-traffic areas. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration or simply looking to preserve your daily driver''s original finish, these guards are an essential accessory for any classic bug.

Beyond the practical protection they offer, these door handle guards deliver a significant aesthetic upgrade that screams "vintage accessory." Crafted from high-quality stainless steel and polished to a mirror-like shine, they complement the existing chrome trim on your Beetle without the risk of rusting or pitting that lower-quality chrome-plated steel parts often suffer from. The fitment is engineered to follow the exact contours of the Beetle''s door skin, providing a seamless look that appears as though it could have rolled off the assembly line in Wolfsburg. Sold as a pair, these guards are a cost-effective way to add a custom, high-end look to your exterior while shielding your Volkswagen from the rigors of daily use. When it comes to preserving the "jewelry" of your air-cooled classic, Appletree Auto knows that these small details make the biggest difference.

FITMENT

This product is designed for the following Volkswagen models:

• 1960-1967 VW Beetle (Sedan)
• 1960-1967 VW Beetle (Convertible)
• Fits both Standard and Deluxe models within these year ranges.
• Specifically engineered for doors with the recessed cup behind the exterior handle.

SPECS

• Material: High-Grade Polished Stainless Steel for maximum corrosion resistance.
• Finish: Mirror-Polished Chrome-like shine.
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (Includes driver and passenger side guards).
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-6447-0
• Installation Type: Fits behind the exterior door handle (requires handle removal for install).
• Compatibility: Designed for original or high-quality reproduction door handles.

PRO TIPS

1. Clean the Surface Thoroughly Before Installation

Before you slide these guards into place, ensure the painted surface behind the door handle is meticulously clean and waxed. Any grit, dirt, or abrasive particles trapped between the stainless guard and your paint can act like sandpaper over time due to vibration. We recommend using a high-quality clay bar followed by a coat of carnauba wax to create a protective barrier. This ensures that the guard protects your paint rather than contributing to micro-scratches underneath.

2. Inspect Your Door Handle Seals

Since you will need to remove the door handle to install these guards (usually done by removing the single 10mm or flathead bolt located behind the rubber flap on the door edge), this is the perfect time to inspect your door handle seals. If your current seals are cracked, flattened, or dry-rotted, they can allow moisture to enter the door shell, leading to internal rust. Replacing the seals at the same time as installing your EMPI guards ensures a tight, water-proof fit and keeps your door internals dry and functional.

3. Alignment is Key for a Professional Look

When reinstalling the handle over the guard, don''t tighten the mounting bolt all the way down immediately. Snug it up just enough so you can still slightly shift the guard and the handle. Step back and look at the lines of the door to ensure the guard is perfectly centered in the "cup" and that the handle is sitting level. Once everything is aligned symmetrically on both sides of the car, perform the final tightening. This small extra step prevents the guards from looking "crooked" and ensures they provide the maximum coverage area for your fingers.