HEAD LIGHT LENS, Left Or Right Side, for Beetle 54-66

OVERVIEW

Restore the classic face of your vintage Volkswagen with the premium EMPI replacement headlight lens. Designed specifically for the iconic sloped headlight assemblies found on early Beetles, this lens is the perfect solution for yellowed, pitted, or cracked glass that diminishes both the aesthetic appeal and the safety of your air-cooled treasure. As a master restorer knows, the eyes of the Beetle are its most defining feature, and nothing revitalizes the look of a 1954 to 1966 Bug like a crisp, crystal-clear glass lens. This high-quality reproduction features the correct fluting patterns required to properly disperse light across the road, ensuring that your nighttime cruises are as safe as they are stylish. Whether you are performing a concours-level restoration or simply maintaining your daily driver, this lens provides the authentic OEM appearance and fitment you demand.

Engineered to meet or exceed original factory specifications, this EMPI lens (OEM reference 111-941-115H) is manufactured from heavy-duty, high-transparency glass that resists the pitting and sandblasting effects common with road wear. Unlike cheaper plastic alternatives that can fog or warp under the heat of high-wattage bulbs, this genuine glass unit maintains its clarity for decades. It is designed to fit seamlessly into the chrome headlight rim and seat perfectly against the bucket seal, preventing moisture intrusion that can lead to reflector corrosion. Because this lens is non-directional, it can be used on either the driver or passenger side, making it a versatile addition to your garage spare parts shelf. When you choose EMPI parts from Appletree Auto, you are investing in a legacy of air-cooled performance and reliability that has served the VW community for over half a century.

FITMENT

This headlight lens is designed for the following Volkswagen models equipped with original sloped-style headlight assemblies:

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, and 1966.
• Note: This lens is specific to the ''sloped'' headlight style. It will NOT fit 1967 and later US-spec Beetles which utilized the ''upright'' sealed beam style headlights.
• Placement: Universal fitment for either the Left (Driver) or Right (Passenger) side.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the EMPI 98-9501-0 Headlight Lens:

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 98-9501-0
• OEM Cross Reference: 111-941-115H
• Material: Heavy-duty tempered clear glass
• Lens Style: Fluted / Prismatic for optimal light beam dispersion
• Shape: Oval / Sloped (Early Type)
• Outside Diameter: Precision matched to factory 111-series headlight rims
• Weight: Approximately 1.85 lbs per unit
• Quantity: Sold individually (One lens per package)

PRO TIPS

1. Always Replace Your Lens Gaskets Simultaneously

When installing a new glass lens, never reuse your old, flattened, or dry-rotted rubber gaskets. The seal between the glass lens and the chrome rim, as well as the seal between the rim and the fender, is critical for longevity. A fresh gasket ensures a snug, vibration-free fit that prevents the glass from rattling or cracking against the metal rim. More importantly, it keeps moisture out of the headlight bucket, which protects your expensive chrome reflectors from tarnishing and prevents electrical shorts in the bulb socket. We highly recommend applying a very thin coat of silicone lubricant to the rubber to help it seat perfectly and prevent it from sticking to the glass in the future.

2. Verify Orientation for Correct Beam Pattern

While the lens shape is symmetrical enough to fit into the rim in multiple positions, the fluting on the glass is engineered to be oriented in a specific way to throw light correctly onto the road. Before tightening your headlight rim mounting screw, ensure the lens is centered and that the fluting lines are perfectly vertical (or aligned according to the ''TOP'' marking if present on the glass). If the lens is rotated even slightly, your beam pattern will be skewed, potentially blinding oncoming traffic or leaving dark spots in your field of vision. Take an extra minute to step back and look at the front of the car to ensure both lenses are perfectly leveled for that professional, factory-correct look.

3. Use Clean Hands and Microfiber During Installation

Glass lenses are prone to picking up oils from your skin, which can bake onto the surface or attract dust once the headlights are in use. I always suggest wearing powder-free nitril gloves during the install process to keep the interior surface of the lens pristine. Once the lens is locked into the rim, use a high-quality glass cleaner and a microfiber towel to remove any fingerprints or smudges before you hit the road. If you are running higher-wattage H4 conversion bulbs inside your sloped housings, keeping the glass clean is even more important, as surface contaminants can create localized heat spots. A clean lens ensures maximum light output and keeps your vintage VW looking like it just rolled off the assembly line in Wolfsburg.