Molding Clip, for Beetle 52-66, 50 Pieces

OVERVIEW

When it comes to completing a concourse-quality restoration or simply refreshing the exterior of your classic Volkswagen, the smallest details often make the biggest difference. These EMPI Molding Clips are the essential hardware required to securely fasten your chrome body molding to the exterior panels of your Beetle or Type 3. Over decades of service, original clips often succumb to metal fatigue, or worse, they become a breeding ground for surface rust that can bleed onto your fresh paint job. This comprehensive pack of 50 clips ensures that you have more than enough to handle a full vehicle overhaul, providing that tight, factory-fresh fit that prevents your trim from rattling, shifting, or falling off while cruising down the highway. Designed to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, these clips are the bridge between your car''s iconic silhouette and the gleaming chrome accents that define the air-cooled era.

Engineered for durability and ease of installation, these clips are specifically designed to work in tandem with the rubber molding boots (plugs) that protect your bodywork from metal-to-metal contact. A common mistake in many budget restorations is reusing old, bent clips which can lead to uneven trim lines or, even worse, scratched paint. By utilizing this bulk pack of 50 pieces, you are ensuring a uniform tension across every inch of your side trim, hood molding, and quarter panel accents. Whether you are building a daily driver or a trailer queen, these clips provide the structural integrity needed to keep your chrome straight and true. Don''t let a missing or weak $0.50 part ruin the look of your expensive trim pieces; invest in the proper hardware to ensure your Beetle looks as good as it did when it rolled off the assembly line in Wolfsburg.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle (Sedan/Sunroof/Convertible): 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966.
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback/Fastback/Notchback): 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966.
• Note: While listed for 52-66, these are most commonly utilized on the "narrow" style trim found on these vintage ranges.

SPECS

• EMPI Part Number: 98-1051-0.
• OEM Reference Number: 113-853-585B.
• Material: High-tensile spring steel with corrosion-resistant plating.
• Quantity: 50 pieces per package.
• Length: Approximately 5/8 inches (standard narrow trim size).
• Application: Secures exterior body molding to the chassis via rubber grommets.
• Finish: Zinc-plated for enhanced longevity against moisture.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Never Skip the Rubber Boots

While it might be tempting to snap these clips directly into the body holes, you must always use the corresponding rubber molding boots (often called plugs or grommets). These boots serve two critical purposes: they provide the necessary friction to hold the clip securely in place, and they act as a gasket to prevent water from entering the interior of your body panels. Without the boots, the metal clips will vibrate against your paint, eventually leading to chipped finish and localized rust. Always inspect your holes for burrs or sharp edges before inserting the rubber boots to ensure a watertight seal.

Tip 2: The Sliding Installation Method

For the best results and to avoid kinking your expensive aluminum or stainless steel molding, we recommend sliding the clips into the molding channel first. Space them out according to the holes on your car''s body. Once the clips are positioned within the trim piece, align the entire strip of molding with the rubber-lined holes in the body. Starting from one end, gently apply pressure with the palm of your hand to "pop" the clips into the boots. This method ensures that the clips are perfectly centered and prevents you from having to "fish" for the clip head with the molding already on the car.

Tip 3: Rust Prevention and Maintenance

Even though these clips are plated, the areas where they snap into the body are notorious for trapping moisture. During your restoration, it is a "master tech" secret to apply a tiny dab of clear silicone sealant or high-quality wax around the hole before pushing the rubber boot in. Additionally, a light coat of lithium grease on the "v-shaped" part of the clip can help it slide into the rubber boot more easily without tearing the rubber. This extra step provides an additional barrier against the elements and makes future removal much easier if you ever need to polish your trim or repaint the vehicle.