Door Striker Plate, Left Side, for Beetle 60-64

OVERVIEW

Restoring the structural integrity and functional precision of your classic Volkswagen Beetle requires attention to the smallest details, and few components are as vital to your daily driving experience as the EMPI Door Striker Plate. Specifically designed for the left side (driver''s side) of 1960 through 1964 Beetles, this striker plate acts as the critical anchor point for your door latch mechanism. Over decades of use, original striker plates often suffer from rounded edges, metal fatigue, or deep grooves caused by misaligned doors. This wear and tear leads to the dreaded door rattle, difficulty in closing the door securely, or even doors that pop open while driving. By replacing your worn-out factory unit with this high-quality EMPI reproduction, you ensure that satisfying, solid "thud" that every VW enthusiast craves when closing their door.

Engineered to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, this striker plate (part number 111-837-035B) is manufactured from high-strength steel to withstand the constant impact and friction of the door latch. The precision-stamped design ensures a perfect fit within the door pillar, allowing for the micro-adjustments necessary to achieve perfect body lines. Whether you are performing a concours-level restoration or simply trying to make your daily driver safer and quieter, this striker plate is an essential upgrade. Don''t settle for sagging doors or unreliable latching when a professional-grade solution is available. This component is sold individually and is finished with a protective coating to resist corrosion, ensuring that your air-cooled investment stays protected for years to come.

FITMENT

This door striker plate is designed specifically for the Left Side (Driver''s Side) on the following Volkswagen models:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle Sedan: 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964
• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle Convertible: 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964
• Note: This fits the specific 1960-1964 latch style and will not fit earlier "ice cube" style latches or later 1965-and-up rotary latches.

SPECS

• Part Number: 111-837-035B (EMPI 98-8321-B)
• Position: Left Side (Driver''s Side)
• Material: Heavy-duty stamped steel construction
• Finish: Zinc-plated for superior rust and corrosion resistance
• Mounting: Standard 3-bolt pattern for Type 1 pillars
• Compatibility: Designed for use with original or reproduction door latches
• Weight: Approximately 0.35 lbs

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Precise Alignment is Key to Longevity

When installing your new striker plate, do not fully tighten the mounting screws until you have tested the door closure several times. The striker plate is designed to be adjustable within the pillar housing. Aim for a position where the door latch hits the center of the striker wedge without requiring the door to be lifted or slammed. If you find the door is "dropping" as it hits the striker, your door hinges likely need service or shimming. A perfectly aligned striker plate prevents premature wear on both the plate itself and your expensive door latch mechanism.

Tip 2: Use the Right Tools and Hardware

The original screws used to hold these plates are often seized or have damaged heads from years of "make-do" tools. We highly recommend using a high-quality impact driver to remove the old screws to avoid stripping the countersunk heads. When installing the new EMPI plate, inspect your mounting screws; if they are burred or rusted, replace them with fresh hardware. Always use a large #3 or #4 Phillips or Pozidriv bit (depending on your specific screw type) to ensure you can apply enough torque to keep the plate from shifting during daily use.

Tip 3: Proper Lubrication for a Smooth Action

Once your striker plate is installed and aligned, apply a very thin film of high-quality white lithium grease or a specialized door latch lubricant to the contact surfaces. Avoid using heavy chassis grease, as it tends to attract road grit and dust, which acts like sandpaper and will grind down the finish of your new striker plate. A clean, lightly lubricated striker ensures that the latch moves effortlessly over the wedge, reducing the physical effort needed to close the door and providing a much more "modern" and refined feel to your vintage Volkswagen.