This product is handmade in Europe and can take up to eight weeks to arrive. No returns or exchanges accepted.
What This Is
A custom-sewn leather e-brake boot for your 1955-77 Volkswagen Beetle. It replaces the factory boot and installs on your factory frame or trim. It is not a complete e-brake assembly.
What's Included
- Included: 1 leather e-brake boot, cut and sewn to order.
- Not included: e-brake handle, trim or hardware. You reuse your factory parts.
Before You Order
- Fits 1955-77 Volkswagen Beetle.
- It's made to order, so it can take up to 8 weeks to arrive and can't be returned or exchanged. Please double-check your year, fitment, and colors before ordering.
- International shipping: every piece ships from Poland, so a $15 international shipping charge applies to each item at checkout.
Installation
Difficulty: Moderate | Tools: screwdrivers, basic hand tools, glue or a stapler depending on your frame
You'll remove the e-brake trim, move the new boot onto your factory frame, and reinstall.
▼ Click to Open / Close Step-by-Step Installation Guide (12 Steps)
Step 1. Remove the shift knob. Simply screw it off anti-clockwise.
Step 2. Remove the rubber shift boot by pulling upwards until the boot unseats from the groove it sits in, then pull it completely off the shaft. (Note: The boot can be left in place if so desired. Removal is optional.).
Step 3. If your vehicle is using aftermarket carpeting with a rubber grommet that covers the two shifter mounting bolts, use a razor knife or "Exacto" knife and cut the grommet to expose the two mounting bolts. (On standard carpeting the bolts are exposed.) Using a 12mm six-point shallow 3/8" drive socket and a ten to twelve inch wobble drive extension attached to a 3/8" rachet wrench, loosen two bolts several turns. Do not remove them completely!
Step 4. The spring under the shifter will raise the retaining plate as you loosen the bolts. Allow the plate to raise about 1/4". Clean the plate and area underneath it with a shop rag and cleaner to make certain the area is clean and you do not get grease on the new shift boot.
Step 5. Open the top of the new boot by pulling the Velcro flaps apart, and slide the boot over the shifter shaft until the bottom opening of the boot is level with the top of the floor pan and has gone past the bottom of the retaining plate.
Step 6. Using a clean dull flat blade screwdriver or similar tool, carefully push the bottom edges of the new boot underneath the retaining plate on all sides. You do not need to put a lot of leather underneath the plate. About 1/8" to 1/4" overlap of the retainer plate over the boot edging is sufficient.
Step 7. Tuck it all over it's perimeter.
Step 8. Using the 12mm six-point shallow 3/8" drive socket and a ten to twelve inch wobble drive extension attached to a 3/8" rachet wrench, go through the opening at the top of the boot and tighten down the two bolts for the retainer plate.
Step 9. Close the Velcro flap at the top of the shift boot and slide it down the shift shaft to the desired location to get the desired appearance you want from the boot. You can tighten or loosen the flaps of the boot if needed.
Step 10. Remove the ball knobs of the heater levers.
Step 11. Carefully pull the existing factory boot up from underneath the carpeting. There is a vinyl lip on the boot that the carpeting lays on top of. Slide the boot up the brake lever shaft and off the shaft. Save the boot for reference. Clean the lever shaft and the heater levers and the area where the boot flanges were, thoroughly, to prevent dirt or grease from getting on the new custom boot. If you are not eliminating the heater levers, using the old boot as a template and a sharp razor knife or "Exacto" knife, carefully cut two slits into the new boot for the heater levers. ( Note: Only make the cuts as long as the original openings in the stock boot.) Slide the new boot over the e-brake lever and down the lever into the final position, carefully feeding the heater levers through the slits you created.
Step 12. Using a clean dull flat blade screwdriver or similar tool, carefully push the bottom flange edges of the new boot underneath the carpeting to hold it in place as the original boot was. Reinstall the two previously removed ball knobs.
Leather care: apply a leather conditioner with UV protection every 4-6 weeks to keep it from drying out and cracking.
Options & Pricing
Choose your material, colors, and stitching color in the options above. Add-on prices are added in the cart.
Material
- Regular Leather
- Perforated Leather
- Faux Alcantara
- Carbon Fiber Vinyl
Two-tone: choose a second color in the options above.
Style
- Quadruple Thread +$9
Quadruple stitching color applies to the outer lines of thread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is my personal information kept private? Is it safe to use my credit card?
A: Yes, your personal information is kept private and it is safe to use your credit card.
Q: How much will shipping cost?
A: Unfortunately, the cost of shipping is a real expense. Our goal is to minimize your shipping costs. Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the items in your cart and will be displayed prior to you placing an order. Please note that oversized items may be subject to additional charges, which will be noted on the product page.
Q: How do I track my order?
A: Once your order ships, you will receive a tracking notification via email.
Q: Can someone outside of the United States place an order?
A: Yes, we are happy to provide worldwide service for our customers. Your shipping charges will be calculated during the checkout process. Customs and duty fees are the responsibility of the buyer.