Chrome Emergency Brake Handle Kit, Fits Beetle & Dune Bugg

OVERVIEW

Elevate the interior aesthetics and mechanical reliability of your classic air-cooled ride with the EMPI Chrome Emergency Brake Handle Kit. For many VW owners, the original factory parking brake handle has become a pitted, rusted, or mechanically loose eyesore that detracts from an otherwise clean cabin. This kit isn''t just a superficial cover; it is a comprehensive replacement solution designed to bring a show-quality mirror finish to your center console area while ensuring your parking brake engagement is crisp, firm, and dependable. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration on a 1960s Beetle or adding the final touches of flash to a custom fiberglass dune buggy, this chrome-plated steel assembly provides the perfect balance of vintage style and modern durability. The high-luster finish is engineered to resist the oils from your hands and the environmental moisture that typically plagues standard silver-painted or bare metal components.

Functionality is just as important as form when it comes to your Volkswagen''s safety systems. Over decades of use, the internal ratcheting teeth and the pawl inside the stock handle can wear down, leading to a "slipping" sensation or a failure to hold the vehicle on an incline. This EMPI kit includes not only the heavy-duty chrome handle but also the essential internal gears and hardware required for a complete overhaul. By replacing the entire unit, you eliminate the play and sloppiness common in aged components, restoring that satisfying "click" every time you set the brake. It is a direct replacement for OEM part number 113-798-305CR, making it a "bolt-on" upgrade that requires no permanent modifications to your tunnel. When paired with new emergency brake cables, this kit ensures your Beetle or sand rail stays exactly where you parked it, looking sharp all the while.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1950 through 1977
• VW Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973
• VW Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All models utilizing a Type 1 VW chassis or floor pan

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 5605-15
• OEM Reference Number: 113-798-305CR
• Material: High-Strength Chrome Plated Steel
• Finish: Triple-Chrome Mirror Polish
• Kit Components: Chrome Handle, Ratchet Gear, Internal Pawl, Tension Spring, Release Button, and Pivot Pin
• Quantity: Sold as a Complete Kit
• Application: Emergency / Parking Brake System

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Lubricate the Internal Ratchet Mechanism

Before you slide the handle onto the mounting bracket, apply a generous amount of high-quality white lithium grease or a synthetic clear grease to the internal ratchet teeth and the pawl. While the chrome finish is durable, the friction between the moving steel parts can lead to premature wear or a "gritty" feel if left dry. Proper lubrication ensures a smooth, silent operation and prevents the metal-on-metal grinding that eventually rounds off the teeth, ensuring your brake stays locked securely for years to come.

Tip 2: Slacken Your Cables During Installation

To make the installation of the new handle much easier, go under the rear of the vehicle or to the adjustment nuts at the base of the handle and loosen the emergency brake cables completely. If there is too much tension on the cables while you are trying to line up the pivot pin for the new chrome handle, you risk scratching the finish or cross-threading the adjustment nuts. Once the handle is securely pinned to the tunnel, you can then re-tension the cables to the factory specification (usually 3 to 4 clicks to fully lock the wheels).

Tip 3: Protect the Finish During Assembly

Chrome is beautiful but can be susceptible to "tool marks" during a hasty installation. When you are tapping the pivot pin into place or using pliers to seat the return spring, wrap your tool jaws in a layer of electrical tape or use a microfiber cloth as a barrier. This prevents the hardened steel of your tools from leaving permanent nicks or scratches on your brand-new EMPI handle. Additionally, consider installing a new rubber or leather boot at the same time to protect the lower mechanism from dirt and debris that can fall into the tunnel.