Rear Splash Panel, Right Side, for Beetle 52-77, Super 71-79

OVERVIEW

Restore the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of your classic Volkswagen with this premium KeyParts Rear Splash Panel for the right (passenger) side. Often referred to as the wheelhouse splash guard, this critical component acts as the primary barrier between your rear tire and the sensitive engine compartment. Over decades of service, original splash panels are notorious for succumbing to "road spray rot," where moisture, salt, and debris become trapped against the metal, leading to extensive corrosion. Replacing a rusted or jagged splash panel isn''t just about looks; it''s about protecting your air-cooled engine from road grime and ensuring that your rear quarter panel and heater channels remain shielded from the elements.

Crafted with precision stamping techniques, this panel mimics the factory geometry to ensure a seamless fit during your restoration project. Whether you are performing a full body-off restoration or a quick patch-up to pass inspection, using a dedicated replacement panel saves hours of fabrication time compared to hand-forming sheet metal. This panel is designed for weld-in installation, providing the rigid support needed to maintain the proper contours of the rear wheel arch. By choosing this KeyParts component from Appletree Automotive, you are investing in a part that respects the original lines of the Type 1 chassis while offering the durability required for modern driving conditions.

FITMENT

This rear splash panel is designed for the right-hand (passenger) side and fits a wide range of air-cooled Volkswagen Type 1 models, including:

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977.
• VW Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979.
• VW Beetle Convertible: 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979.

SPECS

• Product Name: Rear Splash Panel, Right Side.
• Manufacturer: KeyParts.
• OEM Reference Number: 111-809-126.
• Material: Heavy-duty stamped automotive steel.
• Placement: Right Side (Passenger Side), Rear Wheelhouse.
• Finish: Protective shipping primer (requires prep before final paint).
• Installation Type: Weld-on replacement.
• Compatibility: Fits all standard and Super Beetle models within the specified year ranges.

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Surface Preparation is Paramount

Most replacement body panels, including this splash panel, come coated in a black "shipping primer." While this prevents the metal from rusting in the warehouse, it is not a suitable base for automotive paint or high-quality welding. Before you begin the installation, you must strip the primer from the areas you intend to weld. We highly recommend using a weld-through primer on the mating surfaces to provide internal rust protection that won''t interfere with your arc or plug welds. Taking this extra step ensures your repair lasts as long as the car itself.

2. Check Alignment Before Final Tacks

The rear wheelhouse area can often be slightly distorted on older VWs due to previous accidents or decades of vibration. Before you commit to final welding, use Cleco fasteners or locking C-clamps to hold the splash panel in place. Mock up your rear fender and check the clearance and bolt-hole alignment. It is much easier to trim or slightly adjust the splash panel now than it is to grind out a series of welds later because the fender won''t sit flush against the body. Always measure twice and weld once.

3. Seal and Undercoat for Longevity

Because the rear splash panel is constantly bombarded by rocks, water, and road salt, the welded seams are vulnerable to "creep-rust." Once the panel is welded in place, clean the seams thoroughly and apply a high-quality automotive seam sealer to both the interior and exterior joints. After the sealer has cured, apply a robust undercoating or bedliner material to the wheel-well side of the panel. This provides a cushioned barrier that prevents stone chips from breaking the paint surface and starting the corrosion process all over again.