Emergency Brake Cable, for Beetle & Ghia 58-64, 1742mm

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the safety and reliability of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, few components are as overlooked yet vital as the emergency brake system. Over decades of use, original factory cables are prone to stretching, internal fraying, and eventual snapping due to moisture ingress and metal fatigue. This EMPI replacement emergency brake cable is engineered to restore the firm, dependable holding power your Beetle or Karmann Ghia had when it first rolled off the assembly line. Measuring exactly 1742mm, this cable is the specific solution for the unique chassis configurations found in the late fifties and early sixties, ensuring that when you pull that handle, your vehicle stays exactly where you parked it, even on the steepest inclines.

Precision is everything in a VW restoration, and using the wrong length cable can lead to a nightmare of adjustment issues or a complete lack of tension. This high-quality cable features a robust steel construction designed to resist the high-tension loads required to lock the rear brake shoes against the drums. Whether you are performing a full body-off restoration or simply performing routine maintenance to pass a safety inspection, replacing your old, crunchy cables with these fresh units will significantly improve the tactile feel of your handbrake lever. Remember, these are sold individually, and because the cables usually wear at the same rate, we always recommend replacing them in pairs to ensure even tension and balanced braking performance across the rear axle.

FITMENT

This emergency brake cable is designed for the following Volkswagen models:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, and 1964 (Up to July 1965).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (Coupe & Convertible): 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, and 1964 (Up to July 1965).
• Custom Applications: Often used in Dune Buggies or Sand Rails utilizing a 1958-1964 shortened pan or standard chassis.

SPECS

Technical specifications and construction details for part number 113-609-721F:

• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• OEM Reference Number: 113-609-721F.
• Total Cable Length: 1742mm (Approximately 68.58 inches).
• Material: Multi-strand high-tensile strength steel.
• Protective Coating: Zinc plated or black oxide finish for superior corrosion resistance.
• Connection Type: Threaded end for handle-side adjustment with a hook/eyelet end for the brake actuator arm.
• Quantity Required: 2 per vehicle.
• Shipping Weight: 0.69 lbs per cable.

PRO TIPS

1. Lubricate Before Installation

One of the most common mistakes builders make is sliding a dry cable into the guide tubes. Before you thread this 1742mm cable through the chassis, apply a generous coating of high-quality white lithium grease or a dedicated cable lubricant. This prevents the steel cable from "sawing" against the internal guide tube, reduces the effort required to pull the handle, and provides a critical barrier against moisture that causes internal rust. Don''t skip this step if you want your handbrake to feel smooth and last for another twenty years.

2. Inspect Your Guide Tubes

Before installing your new EMPI cables, take a moment to inspect the steel guide tubes that run through the center tunnel and exit near the rear torsion housing. If these tubes are kinked, cracked, or filled with old, hardened grease, your new cables will bind and potentially snap prematurely. Use a bit of compressed air or a flexible wire brush to clear any debris. If the tube is disconnected from the frame at the rear, it must be welded or secured; otherwise, the cable tension will pull the tube rather than the brake shoes, resulting in zero stopping power.

3. Proper Adjustment Sequence

Never try to "fix" a weak handbrake by only tightening the nuts at the handle. The correct procedure is to first back off the adjustment nuts at the handbrake lever until the cables are slack. Then, adjust your rear brake shoe star adjusters until the shoes are properly seated against the drums. Only after the drum brakes themselves are perfectly adjusted should you take up the slack at the handle. This ensures that the cable pull is even and that you aren''t over-stretching your new cables to compensate for worn-out brake shoes or poorly adjusted stars.