Heater Cable, Rear for Beetle & Ghia 65-72

OVERVIEW

Restore the comfort and functionality of your vintage Volkswagen with this high-quality rear heater cable, specifically engineered for the 1965 to 1972 Beetle and Karmann Ghia. In the world of air-cooled VWs, the heating system is often overlooked until the first frost hits, and a snapped or seized cable can make your driving experience miserable. This specialized split cable is the mechanical link between your central control lever and the heater boxes (heat exchangers) located on either side of your engine. By utilizing a "Y" configuration design, this single component allows you to synchronize the opening and closing of both heater flaps simultaneously, ensuring that warm air is directed into the cabin exactly when you need it. Whether you are performing a full body-off restoration or just trying to get your daily driver ready for winter, replacing an old, frayed, or rusted cable is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your interior climate control.

Over decades of use, the original heater cables are subjected to moisture, road salt, and lack of lubrication, leading to internal corrosion within the chassis guide tubes. This often results in a "stiff" lever that is difficult to move, or worse, a total failure where the cable snaps at the most inconvenient time. Our replacement rear heater cable is manufactured to precise OEM specifications to ensure a smooth glide through the guide tubes and a perfect fit at the heater box connection points. At Appletree Auto, we know that original German engineering relies on precise mechanical tension; that is why this cable is constructed from durable, high-tensile steel wire designed to resist stretching and kinking. Don''t settle for a freezing cabin or a jammed heater lever when a simple, robust replacement can bring your VW''s heating system back to life. This is a must-have item for any Type 1 enthusiast looking to maintain the authentic operation of their classic Volkswagen.

FITMENT

This heater cable is designed for the following air-cooled Volkswagen models:

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971, 1972
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the 111-711-713 heater cable:

• Part Number: 111-711-713
• Cable Type: Split Rear Heater Cable ("Y" Style)
• Material: High-tensile galvanized steel wire for corrosion resistance
• Application: Connects heater lever to left and right heat exchangers
• Length: Specific to 1965-1972 chassis dimensions
• Configuration: Single lead from lever splitting into two leads for rear boxes
• Finish: Natural steel
• Installation: Direct replacement for factory original equipment

PRO TIPS

PRO TIP 1: Lubrication is Key to Longevity. Before you slide the new cable into the chassis guide tubes, we highly recommend coating the entire length of the wire with a high-quality white lithium grease or a specialized cable lubricant. These guide tubes often collect condensation and debris over the years, which can lead to premature rusting of a dry cable. By pre-lubricating the wire, you ensure a "butter-smooth" operation at the lever and significantly extend the life of the component by preventing internal friction and oxidation. This extra step during installation makes a world of difference in how the heater controls feel from the driver''s seat.

PRO TIP 2: Inspect and Clear Your Guide Tubes. It is common for old, snapped cable fragments to remain stuck inside the metal guide tubes that run through the center hump of the VW chassis. Before installing your new cable, use a blast of compressed air or a thin "snake" to ensure the path is completely clear. If you feel resistance when pushing the new cable through, do not force it, as you may kink the wire. A kinked cable will never slide properly and will eventually snap. If the tube is severely clogged, a small amount of penetrating oil can help loosen old debris before you attempt the final pass with the new cable.

PRO TIP 3: Proper Tensioning at the Heater Box. When attaching the ends of the cable to the heater box flaps, ensure that your heater lever inside the car is in the fully "closed" position. Pull the cable taut (but not overly tight) at the heater box end and tighten the barrel nut or clamping screw. It is vital that both sides are adjusted evenly so that the flaps open and close in unison. If one side stays partially open, you might experience unwanted heat in the summer or insufficient airflow in the winter. Double-check that the cable has enough slack to allow the return springs on the heater boxes to pull the flaps fully shut when the lever is down.