Headlight Eyebrow, Stainless Steel Smooth, Sold As Pair

OVERVIEW

Elevate the vintage aesthetic of your air-cooled Volkswagen with these EMPI Smooth Stainless Steel Headlight Eyebrows. Often referred to as ''eyelids'' in the VW community, these iconic accessories provide that classic, sleepy, or custom look that has been a staple of the Cal-Look and Resto-Cal movements for decades. Unlike cheap chrome-plated steel versions that are prone to pitting and rusting after a single season of moisture, these are manufactured from high-quality stainless steel. This ensures a deep, mirror-like shine that resists corrosion and holds up against the elements, whether you are cruising the coastal highways or showing your car at a dusty local swap meet. The smooth design offers a clean, understated alternative to the slatted or "grille-style" eyebrows, giving your Beetle, Bus, or Ghia a refined silhouette that highlights the circular geometry of the 7-inch headlights.

Installation is remarkably straightforward, making this one of the most cost-effective ways to drastically change the "personality" of your vehicle''s front end. These eyebrows are designed to be sandwiched between the headlight lens and the chrome trim ring, held securely in place by the tension of the assembly. Beyond the visual upgrade, they provide a slight bit of protection for the upper portion of your glass lenses from road debris and sun exposure. Because they are sold as a pair, you can achieve a perfectly symmetrical look in minutes. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration or just want to add a touch of period-correct flair to your daily driver, these stainless steel eyebrows deliver the durability and style that Appletree Auto customers expect from EMPI heritage products.

FITMENT

These headlight eyebrows are designed for universal application on 7-inch round headlights, which were standard on the vast majority of air-cooled Volkswagens. Detailed fitment includes:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1949 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle).
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1950 through 1979 (Split Window and Bay Window models).
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1961 through 1973 (Notchback, Squareback, and Fastback).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1955 through 1974.
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: 1973 through 1975.
• Custom Applications: Fits Dune Buggies, Bajas, and Sand Rails utilizing standard 7-inch headlight buckets.

SPECS

This technical breakdown ensures you know exactly what you are bolting onto your vintage ride:

• Material: High-Grade Polished Stainless Steel.
• Finish: Smooth Mirror Polish (Non-Slatted).
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (2 pieces included).
• Compatible Diameter: Fits standard 7-inch (178mm) sealed beam or H4 conversion headlights.
• Mounting Method: Compression fit between the headlight glass and the outer trim ring.
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 00-6458-0.
• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent (Stainless steel construction prevents red rust).

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Perfect Alignment and Symmetry

When installing your eyebrows, don''t tighten the headlight trim ring screw all the way until you have stepped back about 10 feet from the front of the car. It is very easy to accidentally install one eyebrow at a slightly different angle than the other, which can give your VW a "confused" or "lopsided" expression. Use the body line of the fender or the bumper as a horizontal reference point to ensure both eyebrows are level and sitting at the exact same height on the lens surface.

Tip 2: Protecting Your Chrome Trim Rings

Since these eyebrows sit between the glass and the trim ring, they add a small amount of thickness to the stack. When you are re-installing your chrome headlight rings, be careful not to force the ring over the eyebrow tab. If the fit is tight, you can lightly lubricate the edge of the eyebrow tab with a tiny amount of wax. Also, ensure your trim ring drain hole is still at the 6 o''clock position so moisture doesn''t trap behind the new stainless steel accessory.

Tip 3: Maintenance for Long-Term Shine

While stainless steel won''t rust like chrome-plated steel, it can still develop "tea staining" or surface contaminants from road salt and grime. To keep these eyebrows looking like liquid chrome, wipe them down occasionally with a high-quality stainless steel polish or a quick detailer spray. Avoid using abrasive steel wool or harsh scouring pads, as these can create fine scratches in the polished finish. A clean microfiber towel is all you need to maintain that show-winning luster for years to come.