Door Lock Collar, for Beetle 67-79, Ghia 67-70, Bus 74-79

OVERVIEW

When you are restoring a vintage Volkswagen, it is often the smallest components that make the biggest difference in the final feel and sound of the vehicle. This door lock rod collar is a prime example of a "hidden" part that drastically improves the cabin experience by providing a finished look and functional stability. Over several decades of use, the original factory plastic or rubber collars become brittle, crack, and eventually disintegrate due to UV exposure and temperature fluctuations. This leaves your door lock pull pins loose and prone to annoying rattles every time you hit a bump or close the door. By replacing these worn-out collars with our high-quality reproductions, you restore that tight, factory-fresh feel to your door hardware. This isn''t just about aesthetics; it is about maintaining the structural integrity of your interior components and ensuring that your door lock mechanism operates smoothly without excess play or vibration.

Engineered to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, this collar is designed specifically for late-model Beetles, Ghias, and Type 2 Buses. It provides the necessary friction and guidance to keep the door lock pull rod centered and stable within the door panel opening. Without a functional collar, the rod can vibrate against the metal of the door or the door card, leading to premature wear on the surrounding upholstery and a noisy, unrefined driving experience. Whether you are performing a full ground-up restoration or just trying to eliminate a nagging rattle in your daily driver, this inexpensive yet essential part is a must-have for any serious air-cooled enthusiast. It is sold individually, allowing you to replace exactly what you need, and fits both the driver and passenger sides for maximum versatility across multiple air-cooled platforms including the Type 3 and Super Beetle.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• VW Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970
• VW Bus (Type 2): 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• VW Type 3 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback): 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973

SPECS

• Part Number: 111-837-355
• Material: High-density, UV-resistant automotive polymer
• Color: Classic Satin Black
• Placement: Fits Left (Driver) or Right (Passenger) doors
• Function: Stabilizes door lock pull rod and prevents interior rattling
• Unit: Sold Each (Order two for a complete vehicle set)
• OEM Compatibility: Direct replacement for factory original equipment

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Soften the Material for Easier Installation

If you are installing these collars in colder weather, the plastic can be quite rigid, making it difficult to snap into the door panel without risking a crack. I highly recommend placing the collars in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water for about three to five minutes before installation. This softens the material just enough to allow it to be pliable, ensuring a snug fit into the door card or metal housing without the frustration of it fighting back or snapping during the process.

Tip 2: Inspect Your Lock Pins Simultaneously

While you have the door lock collar removed, it is the perfect time to inspect your actual door lock pull pins. Often, if the collar has been missing for a long time, the threads on the pull pin or the rod itself can become stripped or corroded from the rod vibrating against the door frame. If the pin feels loose even with a new collar, consider adding a tiny drop of blue thread-locker to the pull pin threads to ensure it stays at the correct height and doesn''t unscrew itself over time.

Tip 3: Proper Door Panel Alignment

When installing new door panels along with these collars, always ensure the door lock rod is perfectly centered in the door panel hole before snapping the panel clips into place. If the rod is angled, it will put uneven pressure on your new collar, which can cause it to pop out or wear prematurely. A quick trick is to use a small screwdriver to guide the rod through the center of the hole as you press the panel against the door. Once the panel is secure, the collar should snap right into place and hold the rod in its intended vertical orientation.