Bowden Tube Bracket, for All Beetle & Ghia Transmissions

OVERVIEW

Precision is everything when it''s time to shift gears in your air-cooled Volkswagen. The EMPI Bowden Tube Bracket is a critical component for maintaining the structural integrity of your clutch system. Designed specifically for all Type 1 transmissions, this bracket serves as the essential anchor point for the flexible Bowden tube. Without a sturdy, properly aligned bracket, your clutch cable cannot maintain the necessary tension to actuate the pressure plate effectively. This high-quality replacement ensures that your cable-actuated system remains rigid where it needs to be, preventing the common "clutch chatter" that plagues many vintage Beetles and Ghias when their original brackets become bent, rusted, or fatigued over decades of use.

Beyond its standard application, this bracket offers impressive versatility for custom builds and performance upgrades. While it is the go-to choice for restoring a stock cable setup, it also serves as a robust anchor point for those converting to a hydraulic clutch system using a slave cylinder. Constructed from heavy-duty steel and finished with a durable zinc plating, this bracket is built to withstand the harsh environment under your vehicle, resisting corrosion from road salt, moisture, and grime. Whether you are performing a frame-off restoration on a 1967 Beetle or building a high-performance sand rail, this bracket provides the reliability and fitment required to keep your drivetrain operating smoothly under any conditions.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1950 - 1977
• VW Super Beetle: 1971 - 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 - 1974
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 - 1974
• VW Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All models utilizing a Type 1 (Beetle-style) swing-axle or IRS transmission.
• VW Kit Cars: All models based on the Type 1 chassis and transaxle.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: AC301140B
• Material: Heavy-Duty Stamped Steel
• Finish: Bright Zinc Plated for Corrosion Resistance
• Application: Type 1 Transmissions (Swing Axle & IRS)
• Function: Bowden Tube Retainer or Slave Cylinder Anchor
• Shipping Weight: 0.25 lbs
• GTIN: 707924355512
• Quantity: Sold Individually

PRO TIPS

1. Solving the Mystery of Clutch Chatter

If your VW shakes violently when you are taking off in first gear, the Bowden tube arc is usually the culprit. The Bowden tube must have a specific "sag" or curve (usually between 1 to 1.5 inches) to isolate engine movement from the clutch cable. If your bracket is bent or loose, it changes this geometry, leading to terrible chatter. When installing this new EMPI bracket, ensure it is bolted tightly to the transmission case and check that your Bowden tube creates a smooth "S" curve. This simple alignment check can make your vintage VW feel like it has a modern, smooth-shifting transmission.

2. Prep the Transmission Mounting Boss

Since this bracket mounts directly to the side of the transmission case, the mounting hole is often filled with decades of grease, dirt, and oxidation. Before installing your new zinc-plated bracket, use a wire brush and some brake cleaner to clear the mounting surface. It is also a great idea to run a tap through the threaded hole in the case to ensure the bolt seats fully. A loose bracket will allow the Bowden tube to deflect every time you step on the pedal, which will eventually lead to cable failure or a cracked bracket. A clean, metal-to-metal contact ensures the bracket stays put forever.

3. Hydraulic Slave Cylinder Anchor

For those of you moving away from the traditional cable setup and into the world of hydraulic clutches, this bracket is your best friend. It is incredibly strong and provides the perfect geometry to mount a pull-type slave cylinder. When using it as a hydraulic anchor, make sure you are using high-grade hardware to secure it to the transaxle. The zinc plating provides an excellent base, but if you decide to weld additional supports to it for a high-pressure racing application, be sure to grind off the plating in the weld zone to ensure a safe and clean weld. This bracket is the foundation for a rock-solid pedal feel in any performance application.