Stainless Brake Line Clamp, For 3/16 Inch Brake Line, 4 Pack

OVERVIEW

When it is time to finalize the plumbing on your air-cooled restoration or custom chassis build, the difference between a professional-grade installation and a DIY headache lies in the details. These EMPI Stainless Steel Brake Line Clamps are engineered specifically for the standard 3/16-inch hard lines found on nearly every vintage Volkswagen, Porsche, and custom sand rail on the road today. Unlike the standard zinc-plated or plastic clips that degrade, rust, or snap over time, these clamps are manufactured from high-grade polished stainless steel. This ensures that your brake and clutch lines remain securely fastened to the floor pan, trailing arms, or frame horns, preventing dangerous line fatigue caused by vibration and movement. Whether you are running a street-legal Beetle or a high-performance off-road Baja Bug, keeping your hydraulic lines tucked away and rigid is paramount for both safety and pedal feel.

The aesthetic appeal of these clamps cannot be overstated for those aiming for a show-quality finish. The polished stainless steel provides a brilliant, mirror-like shine that complements braided stainless hoses and chrome suspension components perfectly. In the harsh environments often faced by dune buggies and woods racers, moisture and salt are the enemies of brake systems; these clamps offer superior corrosion resistance that far exceeds OEM specifications. This 4-pack provides enough hardware to secure a significant portion of your line routing, ensuring that your 3/16-inch steel or copper-nickel lines stay exactly where you put them. By choosing these EMPI clamps, you are investing in a lifetime solution that eliminates the risk of "line-rub" and enhances the overall structural integrity of your vehicle''s braking system.

FITMENT

These clamps are universal for any vehicle utilizing 3/16-inch (4.75mm) hydraulic lines, but they are specifically curated for the following air-cooled applications:

• VW Type 1 Beetle / Bug: 1946 through 1979 (All models including Standard and Super Beetle)
• VW Type 2 Bus / Transporter / Kombi: 1950 through 1979 (Split Window and Bay Window)
• VW Type 3 Fastback, Squareback, Notchback: 1961 through 1973
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1955 through 1974
• VW Type 181 Thing: 1973 through 1975
• Custom Chassis: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Manx-style bodies, and Trikes
• Porsche: 356 and 912 models utilizing 3/16-inch hard lines

SPECS

Below are the technical specifications for the EMPI 17-2717-0 Stainless Brake Line Clamp set:

• Material: High-Quality 304 Polished Stainless Steel
• Compatible Line Size: 3/16 Inch (Standard Brake and Clutch Hard Line)
• Quantity: 4 Clamps Per Package
• Finish: Mirror Polished for Show-Quality Appearance
• Mounting Hole Diameter: Standard clearance for 10-24 or 1/4-inch mounting hardware
• Design: Single-line wrap-around style for maximum grip and minimal profile
• Corrosion Rating: High (Salt-spray and moisture resistant)

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: Prevent Harmonic Vibration. When routing your 3/16-inch brake lines along the center tunnel or the frame horns of your VW, ensure that you place a clamp every 10 to 12 inches. Long, unsupported runs of hard line can develop harmonic vibrations during high-RPM driving or rough off-road conditions. Over time, this vibration can lead to work-hardening of the metal line, eventually causing a hairline crack and a catastrophic loss of brake pressure. These stainless clamps provide the rigidity needed to dampen that vibration effectively.

Pro Tip 2: Protect the Finish During Installation. To keep these polished stainless clamps looking their best, avoid using serrated pliers directly on the polished surface when bending the tab over the line. If you need to "snug" the clamp around the line, wrap the jaws of your pliers in electrical tape or use a small piece of scrap rubber. This prevents marring the mirror finish. Additionally, ensure you are mounting to a flat surface; if the mounting area is curved, slightly pre-shape the base of the clamp to match the contour before tightening your mounting screw to avoid distorting the clamp.

Pro Tip 3: Routing Logic and Heat Management. Always plan your routing to keep brake lines as far away from heat sources as possible. On air-cooled engines, this means keeping lines clear of the exhaust J-tubes and heater boxes. Use these clamps to pull the lines tight against the chassis and away from any moving parts, such as the clutch release arm or the throttle linkage. If you are building a custom sand rail, try to mount the clamps on the "inside" or "top" of frame rails to protect the lines from rocks and debris kicked up by the tires.