Wheelhouse, Right Rear Center, for Beetle 52-79 Super 71-79

Product Overview

Restore the structural integrity and aesthetic lines of your classic Volkswagen with our premium Right Rear Center Wheelhouse section. As any seasoned air-cooled enthusiast knows, the rear wheelhouse area is a notorious trap for moisture, road debris, and salt, leading to inevitable corrosion that compromises the vehicle''s strength and fender mounting points. This KeyParts replacement panel is engineered to provide a factory-accurate solution for those deep restoration projects where a simple patch won''t suffice. By replacing the entire center section of the right rear wheelhouse, you ensure that your Beetle or Super Beetle maintains its original geometry, allowing for perfect body panel alignment and a solid foundation for your rear suspension and engine bay surrounds.

Manufactured from high-grade, heavy-gauge stamped steel, this panel reflects the exact contours of the original German production pieces. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that fitment is everything when it comes to metalwork, which is why we source components that minimize the need for extensive modification during installation. This wheelhouse section serves as the backbone of the rear quarter, providing the necessary rigidity to support the rear fender and seal the interior from the elements. Whether you are performing a concours-level restoration or simply saving a daily driver from the ''tin worm,'' this component delivers the reliability and durability that VW owners have trusted for decades. It is the professional choice for ensuring your Bug remains on the road for another fifty years.

Vehicle Fitment

• Volkswagen Beetle (Standard Sedan): 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
• Volkswagen Beetle (Standard Convertible): 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
• Volkswagen Super Beetle (Sedan): 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975
• Volkswagen Super Beetle (Convertible): 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 111-809-174
• Manufacturer: KeyParts
• Position: Right (Passenger Side) Rear, Center Section
• Material: Heavy-Duty Stamped Steel
• Finish: Protective Black Storage Primer
• Weight: Approximately 4.0 lbs
• Installation Method: Weld-in replacement panel
• Compatibility: Fits Type 1 chassis platforms across multiple decades

Pro Tips from the Appletree Garage

1. Master the Prep Work and Primer Removal

Before you even think about firing up the welder, you must properly prep the new panel. The black coating found on these panels is a storage primer designed to prevent flash rust during transit and storage; it is not a weld-through primer. Use a flap disc or a wire wheel to strip the primer back to bare, shiny metal specifically in the areas where you will be performing your plug welds or butt welds. Once the metal is bare, apply a high-quality zinc-based weld-through primer to the mating surfaces. This ensures a clean arc, prevents porosity in your welds, and provides internal corrosion protection that you won''t be able to reach once the panel is permanently attached.

2. Use Clecos and Fenders for Precision Alignment

One of the most common mistakes in wheelhouse repair is welding the panel in slightly "cocked," which leads to a nightmare when trying to bolt the rear fender back on. We highly recommend using Cleco fasteners or heavy-duty sheet metal screws to "mock up" the panel first. Once the panel is held in place, temporarily bolt your rear fender to the new wheelhouse and the quarter panel. Check the gap between the fender and the body, and ensure the bolt holes line up perfectly without stress. If the fender sits naturally and the lines look crisp, you know your wheelhouse is in the correct position. Tack weld it in place, remove the fender, and then proceed with your final welding passes.

3. Don''t Skimp on Post-Weld Corrosion Protection

The rear wheelhouse is a high-impact zone for rocks and moisture kicked up by the tires. After you have finished your welding and grinding, it is vital to seal the deal. Apply a high-quality automotive seam sealer to every joint where the new panel meets the original chassis to prevent water from wicking into the seams. Follow this with a robust undercoating or a specialized bedliner spray. For the "blind" side (the interior side that faces the engine or luggage area), ensure you apply a cavity wax or a rust-inhibiting paint. Taking these extra steps ensures that your hard work won''t be undone by road salt and rain a few seasons down the road.