Pedal Pad Replacement, Fits Stock VW Pedals, CNC & Racetrim

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the safety and drivability of your air-cooled classic, the smallest components often make the biggest difference. These premium replacement pedal pads are designed to provide the tactile grip and reliability you need whether you are navigating city traffic in a vintage Beetle or pushing the limits of a sand rail in the dunes. Over decades of use, original rubber pads become smooth, brittle, or simply disappear, leaving you with a slick metal surface that is incredibly dangerous, especially when your shoes are wet or muddy. Our replacement pads feature a deep-ribbed texture that bites into your footwear, ensuring that every engagement of the clutch and every press of the brake pedal is precise and slip-free. As a master air-cooled specialist, I cannot emphasize enough how much a fresh set of pads improves the "connected" feel of your VW, making the driving experience safer and more enjoyable.

What sets this specific pedal pad apart is its incredible versatility across both stock and high-performance applications. While it is an exact OEM-style replacement for the Volkswagen Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 platforms, it is also the industry standard for aftermarket performance pedal assemblies. If you are running a CNC or Racetrim hanging pedal set in your off-road buggy or drag car, these are the exact pads designed to fit those heavy-duty steel plates. Constructed from a high-density, oil-resistant rubber compound, these pads are built to withstand the rigors of daily driving and the harsh environments of off-road racing. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that restoration is in the details, and replacing your worn-out, dry-rotted pads with these high-quality units is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to refresh your interior and your vehicle''s safety profile.

FITMENT

These pedal pads are sold individually and are designed to fit both the brake and clutch pedals on the following vehicles and aftermarket assemblies:

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1946 through 1979 (All models including Super Beetle)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• VW Bus (Type 2): 1955 through 1967 (Split Window models)
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• CNC Pedal Assemblies: Fits standard CNC brake and clutch pedal plates
• Racetrim Pedal Assemblies: Fits standard Racetrim sand rail and buggy pedal sets

SPECS

• Material: High-density, industrial-grade vulcanized rubber
• Texture: Multi-ribbed horizontal traction pattern for maximum grip
• Part Number Reference: 311-721-173A (311721173A)
• Quantity: Sold Individually (Order two for a complete brake and clutch set)
• Installation Style: Direct slip-on over the metal pedal plate
• Resilience: Resistant to oil, grease, and UV dry-rotting
• Color: Classic Satin Black

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: The Warm Water Trick for Easy Installation

Because these pads are designed with a tight tolerance to ensure they don''t slip off during aggressive driving, they can be a bit stubborn to install when the rubber is cold. Before you attempt to stretch them over your pedal plates, drop the new pads into a bowl of very hot (but not boiling) water for about three to five minutes. This softens the rubber compound and makes it much more pliable. Once warmed, dry them quickly and stretch them over the plate; they will shrink slightly as they cool, creating a rock-solid, secure fit that won''t budge when you are stomping on the brakes.

Tip 2: Inspect the Metal Pedal Plate First

Before you slide your new Appletree pads on, take a moment to inspect the underlying metal pedal plates. Years of metal-on-shoe contact can often create sharp burrs or rust on the edges of the plate. If you leave these burrs, they will act like a knife and slice through your brand-new rubber pads from the inside out. Use a fine-tooth file or a bit of sandpaper to smooth out the edges of the metal plates and wipe them clean of any old grease or debris. This ensures the rubber seats perfectly and prevents premature failure of the new pad.

Tip 3: Avoid Silicone-Based Protectants

It is tempting to spray your new interior parts with "shiny" protectants to make them look show-ready, but you should NEVER use silicone-based sprays or "Armor All" type products on your pedal pads. These chemicals make the rubber surface extremely slippery, defeating the entire purpose of the ribbed safety design. If your foot slips off the clutch or brake because of a cleaning product, it can lead to a serious accident. To keep them looking new, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth or a mild soap-and-water solution. If you want that deep black look, use a dedicated rubber cleaner that leaves a "dry" matte finish.