Molding Clip, for Beetle 67-79, 50 Pieces

OVERVIEW

When it comes to finishing a high-quality restoration or simply maintaining the classic lines of your vintage Volkswagen, the small details often make the biggest difference. These EMPI body molding clips are designed specifically for the 1967 and later Beetle and Type 3 models, providing the secure, tight fit necessary to keep your exterior trim exactly where it belongs. Over decades of vibration, road salt, and moisture, original clips often become brittle, rust away, or lose their spring tension, leading to rattling trim or, worse, molding that falls off on the highway. By replacing your aged hardware with these precision-engineered clips, you ensure that your chrome or polished aluminum trim sits flush against the body panels, preserving the iconic silhouette that defines the air-cooled era. They are the essential link between your car''s sheet metal and its decorative jewelry, ensuring a professional finish that lasts.

This comprehensive 50-piece kit offers enough hardware to complete a full vehicle restoration, saving you the headache of hunting down individual clips mid-project. Each clip is manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards, featuring the correct tensioning curves and dimensions to interface perfectly with the molding channel and the rubber mounting bungs. Whether you are building a show-winning concours Beetle or a reliable daily driver, having a fresh set of clips prevents the metal-to-metal contact that can lead to paint damage and premature corrosion. Don''t settle for loose, vibrating trim that detracts from your VW''s appearance; invest in the professional-grade hardware that provides the "snap-in" security your project deserves. These clips are the "late style" design, which revolutionized the way trim was mounted starting in the 1967 model year, moving away from the earlier screw-on or metal-tab styles.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback): 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974

SPECS

• Quantity: 50 Pieces (Full Car Set)
• OEM Reference Number: 113-853-585C
• Material: High-Tension Spring Steel
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant zinc or black oxide coating
• Length: Approximately 5/8 inch (16mm)
• Application Style: Push-in style for use with rubber grommets
• Compatibility: Works with standard 1967-79 thin-style chrome or aluminum body molding

PRO TIPS

1. Always Replace the Rubber Bungs

These metal clips are designed to snap into rubber molding bungs (grommets) that sit in the holes of your body panels. If you are replacing your clips, it is highly recommended to install a fresh set of rubber bungs at the same time. Old rubber becomes hard and brittle, which can cause the clips to sit loosely or even crack the paint around the mounting hole. New bungs provide the necessary cushion to prevent metal-to-metal contact and create a water-tight seal that keeps moisture out of your heater channels and quarter panels.

2. Proper Installation Sequence

For the easiest installation and to avoid bending your expensive molding, always slide the clips into the back of the trim piece first. Space them out so they align perfectly with the holes in your car''s body. Once the clips are positioned in the molding, you can line the assembly up with the rubber bungs and apply firm, even pressure to "pop" the clips into place. Trying to put the clips into the car first and then snapping the molding onto them is much more difficult and often results in scratched paint or kinked trim.

3. Use a Lubricant for a Smooth Fit

If you find that the clips are resisting entry into the new rubber bungs, don''t force them with a hammer, as this can dent the molding. Instead, apply a very small amount of dish soap or a silicone-based lubricant to the "nose" of the metal clip. This allows the clip to slide through the rubber bung with much less effort. Once the lubricant dries, the rubber will grip the clip firmly. This simple trick ensures a centered fit and prevents the frustration of a clip getting stuck halfway in, which can be a nightmare to remove without damaging the trim.