Stock Arm Rests, Fits Beetle 58-67, Black, Pair

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the interior of your vintage Volkswagen, the small details often make the biggest impact on both comfort and resale value. These EMPI Stock Style Arm Rests are designed specifically for the 1958 through 1967 VW Beetle, providing a period-correct appearance that looks like it just rolled off the assembly line in Wolfsburg. Over decades of use, original arm rests frequently become brittle, crack, or develop a sticky residue due to UV exposure and cabin heat. Replacing your weathered or missing factory units with this high-quality pair instantly refreshes the cockpit, giving your door panels a finished, professional look that enthusiasts and judges alike will appreciate. Crafted from durable molded urethane, these arm rests replicate the original factory grain and contour, ensuring that your restoration remains faithful to the heritage of the air-cooled era.

Beyond the aesthetic upgrade, these arm rests serve a vital ergonomic function. They provide the necessary leverage for closing the heavy steel doors of a vintage Type 1 without putting undue stress on the door release handles or the door panels themselves. Because these are sold as a complete pair, you can ensure a perfectly matched texture and sheen for both the driver and passenger sides of your vehicle. Whether you are performing a concourse-level restoration or simply maintaining a daily driver, these units offer the perfect balance of vintage styling and modern material longevity. They are engineered to withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining their shape and color, making them a "must-have" component for any 1958-1967 Beetle interior overhaul. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that "good enough" isn''t in your vocabulary, which is why we stock these EMPI units to provide the fit and finish your classic VW deserves.

FITMENT

These stock-style arm rests are precision-molded to fit the following Volkswagen Type 1 models:

• VW Beetle (Sedan): 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967
• VW Beetle (Convertible): 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967
• Note: Fits vehicles with standard door configurations utilizing the two-bolt mounting pattern.

SPECS

• Material: High-density, automotive-grade molded urethane.
• Color: Classic Satin Black finish.
• Texture: Factory-correct grain pattern to match vintage interior components.
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (Includes Left and Right sides).
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 00-4442-0.
• Mounting: Utilizes original factory mounting locations for a direct-fit installation.
• Durability: UV-resistant formula to prevent cracking and fading in high-heat environments.

PRO TIPS

1. Inspect Your Mounting Hardware and Threaded Inserts

Before you begin the installation, take a close look at the threaded inserts inside your door frame. Over the years, these can become stripped or rusted, which will prevent the arm rest from seating securely. If the threads are damaged, use a tap to clean them out or install a threaded insert repair kit. Always use the correct oval-head screws intended for VW arm rests; using a standard flat-head screw can dig into the urethane and ruin the clean look of your new parts. A drop of medium-strength thread locker on the mounting screws can also prevent the handles from vibrating loose over time.

2. Perfecting the Door Panel Alignment

When installing these arm rests over new door panels, don''t tighten the mounting screws all the way down immediately. Start by threading both screws in by hand to ensure they are properly aligned with the door frame holes. Once both are started, press the arm rest firmly against the door panel and tighten them evenly. This prevents the door panel from "bunching" or shifting, which can cause unsightly wrinkles around the handle base. Ensuring the panel is flat against the door before the final torque is applied results in a much cleaner, factory-sealed appearance.

3. Long-Term Material Preservation

While modern urethane is significantly more durable than the original 1960s rubber compounds, it still benefits from proper care. Avoid using harsh, petroleum-based cleaners or "high-shine" silicones that can leave a greasy residue and eventually lead to material breakdown. Instead, use a high-quality water-based vinyl and rubber protectant with UV blockers. Applying this twice a year will keep the black finish deep and rich while preventing the urethane from drying out. This is especially important for Beetles that are frequently parked in the sun or used in desert climates where interior temperatures can soar.