Stainless Fender Guard, Front, Fits Beetle, Pair

OVERVIEW

Elevate the classic aesthetic of your air-cooled Volkswagen while providing essential protection against the hazards of the open road with our EMPI Stainless Steel Front Fender Guards. Often referred to by enthusiasts as "gravel guards," these high-quality accessories are designed to shield the vulnerable lower rear section of your front fenders from rock chips, road salt, and debris kicked up by your tires. Unlike inferior chrome-plated versions that often succumb to pitting and rust within a single season, these guards are manufactured from premium-grade stainless steel and polished to a mirror-like finish. This ensures that your Beetle maintains its showroom shine even in harsh driving conditions, making them a must-have for any daily driver or weekend show car restoration project where paint preservation is a top priority.

At Appletree Automotive, we understand that "Resto-Cal" and vintage-style builds demand both form and function. These fender guards deliver exactly that, offering a period-correct look that screams 1950s and 60s nostalgia. Each pair comes complete with a protective plastic edge trim that prevents the stainless steel from rubbing directly against your fresh paint job, ensuring a snug, rattle-free fit. Whether you are cruising to a local meetup or embarking on a cross-country vintage rally, these guards provide the peace of mind that your investment is protected from the inevitable gravel spray of the modern highway. Sold as a complete pair for both the driver and passenger sides, they include all the necessary mounting hardware to get your VW looking its best in no time at all.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1946 through 1977 (Standard models)
• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle Convertible: 1950 through 1979
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971 through 1975 (Sedan)
• Volkswagen Super Beetle Convertible: 1971 through 1979
• Note: While designed for Type 1 fenders, these can be adapted to various custom applications with similar fender contours.

SPECS

• Material: High-Grade 304 Stainless Steel for maximum corrosion resistance.
• Finish: Mirror-Polished High-Shine Surface.
• Trim Type: Black plastic/rubberized protective edge piping included.
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (Includes Left and Right sides).
• Hardware Included: Stainless steel mounting screws/clips for a complete installation.
• Installation Location: Lower rear portion of the front fenders.
• Manufacturer: EMPI (Part Number 00-6439-0).
• Weight: Approximately 0.23 lbs per pair.

PRO TIPS

1. Precision Drilling for a Perfect Finish

When installing these fender guards, you will likely need to drill small pilot holes into your fenders. To prevent the paint from chipping or cracking during this process, we highly recommend placing a strip of high-quality painter''s tape over the area where you intend to drill. Mark your holes on top of the tape, and always use a sharp, high-speed steel (HSS) drill bit. Start with a very small pilot hole before moving up to the final size required for the mounting screws. This extra step ensures a clean exit and entry, keeping your fender''s structural integrity and paint finish intact.

2. Custom Contouring for a Flush Fit

Every Volkswagen fender has lived a different life, and aftermarket fenders can sometimes vary slightly in their exact curvature. Before you tighten down your hardware, "dry fit" the guard against the fender. Because these are made of high-quality stainless steel, they possess a slight degree of flexibility. If you notice a small gap between the guard and the fender, you can gently hand-manipulate the stainless steel to match your specific fender''s contour. Taking the time to ensure the guard sits perfectly flush will not only look better but will also prevent road grime from getting trapped behind the guard.

3. Maintenance and Long-Term Protection

Even though these guards are made from stainless steel and won''t rust like mild steel or cheap chrome, they still benefit from regular maintenance to keep that mirror finish. We recommend applying a high-quality metal polish or a coat of carnauba wax to the guards at least once every few months. This creates a slick barrier that makes it even harder for road tar and bugs to stick. Additionally, during your regular car wash, make sure to spray behind the guards to flush out any fine sand or salt that might have worked its way past the trim, ensuring your fender remains as pristine as the day you installed the guards.