Billet Emergency Brake Button, for Aircooled VW

OVERVIEW

Elevate your classic Volkswagen''s interior with the premium EMPI Billet Emergency Brake Button, a small detail that makes a massive impact on your cockpit''s overall aesthetic. For decades, the factory-standard plastic buttons have been a notorious weak point in the VW interior, often becoming brittle from decades of sun exposure and eventually cracking or popping off entirely at the most inconvenient moments. This precision-machined aluminum replacement doesn''t just solve the durability issue; it provides a high-end, custom look that perfectly complements other billet accessories like window cranks, door pulls, and shift knobs. Whether you are restoring a show-winning Beetle to its former glory or building a rugged, high-performance sand rail, this button offers a tactile, solid feel every time you engage or release your parking brake, ensuring your interior looks as sharp as the rest of your build.

Crafted by EMPI, a legendary name in the air-cooled industry for over half a century, this billet style accessory is designed for a universal fit across the entire classic VW range. The polished, machined finish catches the light perfectly, adding a subtle yet impactful "pop" to your center console area that plastic simply cannot replicate. Installation is an absolute breeze, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to upgrade your cabin without requiring specialized tools or hours of labor. By replacing that dull, yellowed, or broken plastic with high-grade aluminum, you are investing in a component that will outlast the vehicle itself while maintaining a timeless, high-performance aesthetic that resonates with enthusiasts and concours judges alike. Don''t let a five-dollar plastic part bring down the look of your ride when you can have the strength and style of billet aluminum.

FITMENT

This EMPI Billet Emergency Brake Button is designed to fit the threaded emergency brake handle rods found on virtually all vintage air-cooled Volkswagens and off-road derivatives, including:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1950 through 1979 (Transporter, Kombi, and Microbus)
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1961 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback)
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Fits most Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Baja Bugs, and Manx-style bodies utilizing a stock VW emergency brake assembly.

SPECS

Technical specifications and material details for the EMPI 11-4533-0 Billet Button:

• Material: High-Quality 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum
• Finish: Polished Machined Aluminum for a mirror-like shine
• Part Number: 11-4533-0
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Attachment Style: Internal threads for a secure, screw-on fitment
• Design: Smooth cylindrical body with an ergonomic thumb-press face
• Durability: Corrosion-resistant and UV-stable unlike factory plastic
• Weight: Approximately 0.1 lbs

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Removing the Stubborn Original Button

If your original plastic button is still intact but you want to upgrade, it can sometimes be difficult to unscrew by hand after 50 years of sitting in place. Use a pair of pliers to grip the old button, but wrap it in a thick rag or a piece of rubber first to prevent it from shattering into small plastic shards. If the button is already gone and only the threaded rod remains, ensure the threads are clean of any old plastic residue or adhesive before attempting to screw on your new billet button. A quick pass with a wire brush on the rod threads will ensure a smooth, effortless installation.

Tip 2: Inspect the Internal Release Spring

When you have the button off, it is the perfect time to inspect the emergency brake release spring located inside the handle. If your brake handle feels "mushy" or the button doesn''t pop back out after being pressed, the spring is likely tired or rusted. We recommend applying a small dab of white lithium grease to the tip of the rod and the spring before installing the billet button. This ensures the button moves smoothly against the handle housing and prevents that annoying "metal-on-metal" squeak that can occur with dry components.

Tip 3: Avoid Cross-Threading During Installation

Because you are threading a hard billet aluminum button onto a steel rod, it is vital to start the threads by hand. Align the button perfectly straight with the rod and turn it slowly counter-clockwise until you feel the threads "click" into place, then begin turning clockwise to tighten. Do not use tools to tighten the button; hand-tight is more than sufficient. Over-tightening with pliers can mar the beautiful polished finish and may make it nearly impossible to remove if you ever need to service the emergency brake assembly in the future. Just snug it down until it sits flush against the handle.