Headlight Stone Guard, Fits Beetle 67-79, Bus 68-79, Pair

OVERVIEW

Elevate the rugged aesthetic and functional protection of your vintage Volkswagen with these premium EMPI stainless steel headlight stone guards. Designed specifically for the later model upright headlights, these mesh covers provide a classic period-correct look that transitions perfectly from the street to the dirt. Whether you are building a Baja Bug, a weekend trail-runner, or a vintage-inspired California Looker, these guards offer an essential layer of defense against flying gravel, road debris, and stray stones that can easily crack expensive glass lenses. The high-quality mesh pattern is engineered to provide maximum impact resistance without significantly obstructing light output, ensuring that your nighttime visibility remains safe while your hardware stays protected. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that maintaining the integrity of your air-cooled VW means choosing parts that stand up to the elements, and these stone guards are built to do exactly that.

Crafted from high-grade stainless steel, these guards are built to resist corrosion and maintain their polished shine even in harsh environments. Unlike cheaper chrome-plated steel alternatives that often pit and rust after a single season of rain or humidity, these stainless units are designed for longevity. The installation is straightforward and non-permanent, allowing you to secure them over your existing 7-inch sealed beam or H4 conversion headlights with ease. Sold as a pair, they provide a symmetrical, aggressive face to your Beetle or Bus that immediately sets it apart from the crowd. Don''t leave your lighting vulnerable to the hazards of the road; these EMPI stone guards are the perfect blend of old-school style and modern durability, ensuring your classic VW stays looking its best while performing at its peak.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Standard & Super): 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Bus (Type 2 / Bay Window): 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Compatibility Note: Designed specifically for the 7-inch diameter "Upright" style headlight assemblies found on the models listed above. These will not fit the pre-1967 "Sloped" glass headlight assemblies.

SPECS

• Material: High-Quality Polished Stainless Steel
• Finish: Bright Polished Mirror Finish
• Mesh Style: Classic Cross-Hatch Wire Mesh
• Diameter: Optimized for standard 7-inch (178mm) round headlights
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (Left and Right sides)
• Part Number: 00-9302-0
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Mounting Type: Integrated clip-on tension tabs for secure fitment

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Tensioning for a Rattles-Free Ride

When installing your new stone guards, it is vital to check the tension of the mounting clips. Over decades of use, headlight rings can vary slightly in thickness due to different aftermarket manufacturers or wear. If the guards feel loose once snapped into place, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to slightly bend the tension tabs inward. This ensures a "death grip" on the headlight rim, preventing the guards from vibrating or rattling against the glass lens at high speeds, which could otherwise cause micro-scratching over time.

2. Cleaning Maintenance and Lens Care

Even though these guards are made of stainless steel and won''t rust, road salt, grime, and bugs will inevitably get trapped behind the mesh. During your regular wash routine, we recommend removing the guards once every few months to thoroughly clean both the back of the mesh and the surface of the headlight lens. Leaving dirt trapped against the glass for extended periods can act like sandpaper under vibration. A quick wipe-down with a quality glass cleaner and a stainless-steel polish will keep the assembly looking brand new and maximize your light output.

3. H4 Conversion Compatibility

If you have upgraded your classic VW from the original sealed beam units to modern H4 halogen or LED conversion housings, these stone guards will still fit perfectly. Because H4 housings often have a slightly more convex (curved) lens than original sealed beams, make sure the mesh is not pressing directly against the center of the glass. There should be a small air gap. If the mesh is touching the glass, you can gently "dome" the guard by hand before installation to provide the necessary clearance, ensuring that heat from higher-wattage bulbs doesn''t transfer directly to the metal mesh.