Fender Beading Kit with Hardware, Does 1 Fender

Fender Beading Kit with Hardware - The Professional Choice for a Perfect VW Finish

When you''re in the final stages of a Volkswagen restoration or simply refreshing the look of your classic Bug, the details make all the difference. This IAP Fender Beading Kit is designed to provide that crisp, clean factory line between the fender and the body of your Beetle. Often overlooked until the last minute, old fender beading is usually cracked, brittle, or caked in decades of overspray, which can ruin the aesthetic of even the best paint jobs. Our kit provides a high-quality, flexible vinyl seal that not only looks sharp in its classic black finish but also serves the critical function of preventing metal-on-metal contact. This reduces vibration and prevents the paint from chafing, which is the primary cause of rust formation along the fender seams.

What sets this kit apart from generic rolls of beading is the inclusion of the specific hardware required for a complete installation. We know there is nothing more frustrating than getting halfway through a project only to realize your original 40-year-old fender bolts are snapped or too rusted to reuse. This kit includes the necessary bolts and washers to secure one fender properly, ensuring a tight, uniform fit against the body. The beading itself comes pre-notched for the bolts, saving you the tedious task of measuring and cutting slots manually. Whether you are mounting a fresh set of reproduction fenders or re-installing your original German steel, this kit provides the professional-grade components needed to get the job done right the first time.

Detailed Fitment and Application

This kit is designed for the Volkswagen Type 1 platform and is universal for either front or rear fenders. Please note that one kit covers one fender. To do a complete car, you will need to order four kits.

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1946 through 1977
• VW Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• VW Beetle Convertible: 1949 through 1979
• Custom Applications: Can be adapted for Fiberglass Baja Bugs or Dune Buggies with modified fender mounting points.

Technical Specifications and Materials

Every component in the 113-898-022 kit is selected for durability and ease of installation in the garage or professional shop environment.

• Material: UV-Resistant High-Grade Flexible PVC/Vinyl.
• Color: Classic Satin Black.
• Notching: Pre-notched bolt locations for standard Beetle patterns.
• Hardware Included: Full set of fender bolts and flat washers for one fender.
• Corrosion Resistance: Zinc-plated hardware to resist moisture and road salt.
• Length: Generous length to fit both the larger front fenders and the rear fenders of all Type 1 models.
• Part Number Reference: 113-898-022 / 113898022.

Pro Tips from the Appletree Garage

1. Temperature is Your Best Friend During Installation

One of the most common mistakes builders make is trying to install fender beading while it is cold. Vinyl has a "memory" and can be stiff right out of the package. For the smoothest installation, lay the beading out in the sun for 20 minutes or use a heat gun on a low setting to make it pliable. This allows the beading to contour perfectly to the curves of the Beetle body without kinking or pulling away from the seam. A warm seal is a happy seal, and it will lay much flatter against the paint once the bolts are torqued down.

2. The "Loose-Fit" Technique for Perfect Alignment

Never tighten your fender bolts one by one as you go. Instead, start all the bolts by hand through the fender, the beading, and into the body captive nuts just a few threads deep. Once all bolts are started, have an assistant hold the fender at the desired height while you begin tightening from the top center bolt, working your way outward and downward. This prevents the beading from "bunching up" or stretching unevenly, ensuring the visible round portion of the bead remains perfectly parallel to the body line for the entire length of the fender.

3. Anti-Seize and Paint Protection

Before you thread those new zinc-plated bolts into your car, apply a small amount of anti-seize lubricant to the threads. The captive nuts inside the Beetle body are notorious for rusting and spinning free, which makes future fender removal a nightmare. Additionally, we recommend applying a thin layer of high-quality carnauba wax to the body area where the beading will sit. This creates a barrier that prevents moisture from being trapped against the paint, providing an extra layer of protection against the "Beetle Rot" that often starts in the fender channels.