Door Panel Clips, for VW Aircooled Door Panels, 50 Pieces

OVERVIEW

When it comes to completing a high-quality interior restoration on your vintage Volkswagen, the smallest details often make the biggest difference. There is nothing more frustrating than spending hundreds of dollars on premium TMI or stock replacement door panels only to have them sag, rattle, or pop loose because of fatigued, forty-year-old hardware. These EMPI door panel clips are the professional solution for securing your upholstery firmly against the door skin, ensuring a flush, factory-perfect fit that eliminates annoying vibrations while you are cruising down the highway. Designed to replicate the original German tension specifications, these clips provide the exact amount of clamping force needed to hold heavy vinyl and fiberboard panels in place without damaging the delicate mounting holes in your door frame.

This comprehensive 50-piece kit is a must-have for any serious air-cooled enthusiast or professional upholstery shop. Most Type 1 Beetles and Karmann Ghias require approximately 20 to 30 clips to complete a full interior, meaning this bulk pack provides more than enough hardware to finish both front doors and the rear quarter panels with spares left over for future maintenance. Whether you are installing a set of custom aluminum door cards in a rugged Baja Bug or returning a 1967 Split Window Bus to its former showroom glory, these clips offer the versatility and durability required for the job. By replacing your bent or rusted hardware with these zinc-plated spring steel clips, you are investing in the longevity of your interior and protecting your door panels from the warping that occurs when they are not properly supported.

FITMENT

These door panel clips are designed for a wide range of air-cooled Volkswagen models and are compatible with both original equipment and aftermarket door panels. Please review the specific year ranges below:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle & Super Beetle: 1950 through 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter / Bay Window: 1968 through 1979
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback): 1964 through 1973
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All years with standard panel mounting

SPECS

Every clip in this kit is manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment standards to ensure a seamless installation process. Below are the technical specifications for the EMPI 00-4846-0 kit:

• Part Number: 00-4846-0
• OEM Reference Number: N143891
• Material: High-tensile spring steel for maximum retention
• Finish: Zinc-plated for superior corrosion and rust resistance
• Quantity: 50 pieces per package
• Application: Direct replacement for stock door panel mounting holes
• Compatibility: Works with original rubber door clip seals (boots)
• Weight: Approximately 0.22 lbs for the entire kit

PRO TIPS

1. Use New Rubber Boots for a Weather-Tight Seal

While these clips are responsible for the physical hold of the panel, they work best when paired with a fresh set of rubber door clip seals (also known as boots). These small rubber grommets sit in the holes of the door skin. Not only do they provide a tighter, rattle-free fit for the clip, but they also prevent moisture from migrating from the inside of the door onto your expensive door panel boards. If your old boots are cracked or missing, we highly recommend replacing them at the same time you install these new EMPI clips to prevent your new panels from warping due to dampness.

2. Proper Alignment Prevents Panel Damage

Before you start hammering the panel into place with the palm of your hand, take a moment to ensure every single clip is perfectly centered over its corresponding hole in the door skin. If a clip is slightly off-center and you apply pressure, you risk "blowing out" the hole in the fiberboard door panel or bending the clip into an unusable shape. I always recommend starting at the top corner near the hinge and working your way around the perimeter. Use a flashlight to peek behind the panel and verify alignment for each clip before giving it a firm, steady push to seat it. If it doesn''t snap in easily, don''t force it; pull the panel back and realign the clip.

3. Temperature Matters During Installation

If you are working on your restoration in a cold climate, try to avoid installing your door panels in a freezing garage. Vintage-style fiberboard and vinyl become brittle in the cold, making them much more prone to cracking or tearing when you are trying to snap the clips into place. For the best results, keep your door panels and the bag of clips inside your house at room temperature until you are ready to install them. This makes the panel material slightly more forgiving and allows the clips to "seat" into the panel holes without causing stress fractures. It''s a small step that can save you from a very expensive mistake.