Guide Tube Boot, for Beetle & Ghia 58-71, Thing 73-74

OVERVIEW

Maintaining the integrity of your air-cooled Volkswagen''s chassis tunnel is a critical task that many enthusiasts overlook until it is too late. The EMPI Guide Tube Boot is an essential component designed to seal the exit point where the accelerator and clutch cable guide tubes emerge from the rear of the frame fork. Without a proper seal in this location, your VW''s central tunnel becomes a catch-all for road salt, water, and abrasive debris. Over time, this moisture leads to internal corrosion of the floor pans and, more importantly, causes your control cables to rust, bind, or snap at the most inconvenient moments. This high-quality rubber boot acts as the primary line of defense, ensuring that your cables remain protected from the harsh environmental conditions found underneath the vehicle.

Crafted from durable, ozone-resistant rubber, this guide tube boot is engineered to withstand the constant heat cycles and chemical exposure typical of the engine and transmission area. Whether you are performing a full body-off restoration or simply replacing a snapped clutch cable, installing a fresh boot is a non-negotiable step for a professional-grade repair. It provides a tight, secure fit that mimics the original factory specifications, restoring the weather-tight seal that your Beetle, Ghia, or Thing relied on when it first rolled off the assembly line. Don''t let a small, inexpensive piece of rubber be the reason your vintage VW suffers from premature tunnel rot or cable failure; upgrade to a fresh EMPI boot today and keep your classic on the road for years to come.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1958.5 (Mid-year) through 1971
• VW Super Beetle: 1971
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1958.5 (Mid-year) through 1971
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1971.5
• VW Type 4: 1968 through 1971.5
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974

SPECS

• Part Number: 113-701-293C
• Alternate Part Number: 98-8618-B
• Material: Heavy-duty, flexible black rubber
• Function: Seals accelerator and clutch cable guide tubes at the chassis exit
• Compatibility: Designed for standard manual transmission chassis configurations
• Resistance: High resistance to oil, grease, and road grime
• Installation Location: Rear frame fork/transmission mounting area

PRO TIPS

1. Lubrication is Key for Installation

When installing a new guide tube boot, never attempt to slide it over the metal guide tubes while the rubber is dry. The friction can cause the rubber to tear or result in an improper seating against the chassis. Use a small amount of silicone-based lubricant or even a light dish soap solution on the inner diameter of the boot. This allows the boot to slide effortlessly into position and ensures that it creates a vacuum-tight seal against the metal surfaces. Avoid using petroleum-based greases, as these can eventually degrade the rubber material over several years.

2. Inspect During Every Cable Replacement

Make it a habit to inspect the condition of your guide tube boot every time you replace an accelerator or clutch cable. Because this part is located in a high-impact area prone to heat from the engine and debris from the road, the rubber can become brittle and crack. A cracked boot allows water to travel down the guide tube and directly into the tunnel, where it pools and causes hidden rust. If you see any signs of "dry rot" or tearing, replace the boot immediately to protect your expensive chassis and cable components.

3. Verify Proper Seating on the Chassis

After sliding the boot onto the guide tubes, ensure that the larger flange end is fully seated against the chassis opening. It is common for the boot to look like it is in place while actually being slightly crooked, which leaves a gap for moisture to enter. Use a small flat-head screwdriver or a trim tool to gently tuck the edges of the boot around the exit hole. A properly seated boot should not move when the cables are articulated, providing a permanent barrier against the elements while allowing the cables to move freely inside their respective tubes.