Heater Cable Dust Boot, for Beetle 45-79, Ghia 56-74, Each

OVERVIEW

Maintain the smooth operation of your vintage Volkswagen''s heating system with this high-quality Heater Cable Dust Boot. Often overlooked during routine maintenance, these rubber boots play a critical role in protecting the integrity of your heater control cables. Positioned where the heater cable exits the chassis or floor pan guide tubes, these boots act as a resilient barrier against the harsh environment found underneath your vehicle. By sealing the exit point, they effectively trap essential lubrication inside the guide tubes while preventing road salt, grime, moisture, and abrasive debris from entering the cable housing. Without these boots, your heater cables are prone to binding, rusting, and eventually snapping, which can leave you without heat during the coldest months of the year.

Crafted from durable, weather-resistant rubber compounds, these boots are designed to withstand the constant flexing and temperature fluctuations common in the air-cooled engine bay and undercarriage area. Replacing your cracked, dry-rotted, or missing boots is a cost-effective way to ensure that your heater levers inside the cabin operate with minimal effort. Whether you are performing a full body-off restoration or simply trying to get your daily driver ready for winter, these EMPI-sourced dust boots provide the factory-correct fit and function required for a professional-grade repair. Don''t let a small piece of rubber compromise your driving comfort; ensure your heater boxes are receiving the full range of motion they were designed for by keeping your cables clean and protected.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1945 through 1977 (Sedan and Convertible)
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1964 through 1973
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974

SPECS

• Part Number: 113-711-691 (Interchange: 98-7022-B)
• Material: Heavy-duty, flexible black rubber
• Quantity: Sold individually (Each) - Most vehicles require two for a complete set
• Application: Seals the heater cable exit point at the rear of the floor pan
• Compatibility: Works with both OEM and aftermarket heater cables and guide tubes
• Function: Keeps grease in and contaminants out to prevent cable binding

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Lubrication is Key

Before sliding the new dust boot into place, it is the perfect time to lubricate your heater cables. We recommend pulling the cable back slightly and applying a high-quality white lithium grease or a specialized cable lubricant. Once the cable is coated, slide the boot over the guide tube. This ensures that the boot is sealing in fresh grease, which will significantly extend the life of your cables and make the heater levers much easier to actuate from the driver''s seat.

2. Use a Lubricant for Installation

Rubber boots can sometimes be stubborn to slide over the flared ends of the metal guide tubes, especially when the rubber is cold. To prevent tearing the new boot during installation, apply a small amount of dish soap or silicone spray to the inner lip of the boot and the outside of the metal tube. This allows the boot to pop into the retaining groove easily without excessive force. Avoid using petroleum-based greases on the outside of the boot, as they can cause some types of rubber to degrade over time.

3. Inspect the Guide Tubes

While you have the old boots off, take a moment to inspect the metal guide tubes that emerge from the chassis. If these tubes are rusted or have sharp, jagged edges, they can slice through your new rubber boots in a matter of weeks. Use a bit of sandpaper or a small file to smooth out any burrs on the metal tube before installing the new boot. If the tubes are severely rusted, consider cleaning them and applying a rust-inhibitor paint to ensure the new boot has a clean, smooth surface to seal against.