Foam Pad, Rear Seat Backrest, Fits Beetle 56-64, Each

RECLAIM THE COMFORT OF YOUR CLASSIC WITH THE EMPI REAR SEAT BACKREST FOAM PAD

When it comes to restoring the interior of a vintage Volkswagen, nothing ruins a high-quality upholstery job faster than reusing old, crumbling padding. This EMPI Rear Seat Backrest Foam Pad is the ultimate solution for owners of 1956 to 1964 Beetles who want to restore that factory-fresh feel and firm support. Originally, these cars came with horsehair or coconut fiber padding that, over the decades, breaks down into a fine dust, leaving your seats sagging, uncomfortable, and messy. By upgrading to this precision-cut high-density foam, you are not just fixing a seat; you are ensuring that your backrest maintains its proper contour and structural integrity for years of cruising. It''s the essential foundation upon which every great interior restoration is built, providing the necessary loft and tension to make your new seat covers look tight, professional, and wrinkle-free.

At Appletree Auto, we know that the devil is in the details, and this foam pad is engineered specifically to match the unique dimensions of the early-to-mid-sixties Beetle rear backrest. Unlike generic foam blocks that require hours of messy carving and shaping, this unit comes pre-cut to the correct taper and thickness required for the 1956-1964 model years. Whether you are building a concours-level restoration or a reliable daily driver, this pad eliminates the lumps and hollow spots common with aging interiors. When paired with a new set of seat covers, this foam creates a crisp, well-defined silhouette that mirrors the way the car looked when it first rolled off the assembly line in Wolfsburg. Don''t settle for a "good enough" interior when you can have the firm, supportive comfort that only a fresh, modern foam core can provide for your vintage VW.

VEHICLE FITMENT AND COMPATIBILITY

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle (Sedan): 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964
• Note: Specifically designed for the rear seat backrest (the vertical portion of the rear seat).
• Note: Fits standard sedan models only.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND DETAILS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-4466-0
• Material: High-density, automotive-grade polyurethane foam.
• Texture: Firm yet resilient to prevent bottoming out against the seat frame.
• Installation Position: Rear Seat Backrest.
• Color: Natural White/Off-White foam.
• Sold As: Individually (One pad required per car).
• GTIN: 707924327175
• Compatibility: Replaces original horsehair or straw-based padding.

PRO TIPS FROM THE APPLETREE SPECIALISTS

1. Prepare the Seat Frame Thoroughly: Before you even think about laying down your new foam, take the time to inspect the metal seat frame. Use a wire brush to remove any rust and old adhesive. We highly recommend painting the frame with a rust-inhibitor or a fresh coat of semi-gloss black paint. Not only does this prevent future corrosion, but it also ensures a clean, smooth surface for the foam to bond to, preventing any "crunching" sounds when passengers lean back.

2. Use High-Quality Spray Adhesive: To keep the foam from shifting over time, you should lightly tack it to the frame using a high-temp automotive upholstery spray adhesive. Apply the glue to both the frame and the back of the foam, let it get "tacky" for about 30 to 60 seconds, and then carefully press the foam into place. Start from the center and work your way out to the edges to avoid air pockets or misalignment. This step is crucial for maintaining the seat''s shape during the cover installation process.

3. The Thin Plastic Trick: Installing new vinyl seat covers over fresh foam can be a struggle because the vinyl tends to "grab" the foam, making it hard to slide into position. To make this easier, cover the new foam pad with a very thin layer of plastic (like a dry-cleaner bag or thin painters'' plastic) before pulling the seat cover over it. The plastic allows the cover to slide smoothly into place without snagging the foam. Once the cover is aligned and clipped down, the plastic remains inside, invisible and silent, while making the entire job significantly easier on your hands and the material.