Parking Brake Handle, Restoration Line — German OEM, Powder-Coated Refurbished | VW Beetle 1956–1979 & Super Beetle (R03 / R04 / R05 / R06)
Couldn't load pickup availability
VW Beetle Parking Brake Handle — Refurbished German OEM, R03 / R04 / R05 / R06
Short answer: These are genuine German factory VW Beetle parking brake handles, stripped and powder coated, not reproductions. Choose 1964 & Earlier (R03) for a 1956–1964 Beetle, 1965–1966 (R04), 1967 Only (R05), or 1968–1979 (Short, R06) for any 1968-and-later Beetle and the 1971–1979 Super Beetle. Each handle is sold individually.
Part numbers: R03 (1956–1964) · R04 (1965–1966) · R05 (1967) · R06 (1968–1979 short handle)
Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1956–1964 | VW Beetle (Type 1) | R03, early handle; semi-gloss black powder coat |
| 1965–1966 | VW Beetle (Type 1) | R04, 16" long handle; semi-gloss black |
| 1967 | VW Beetle (Type 1) | R05, 1967-only application; semi-gloss black |
| 1968–1979 | VW Beetle | R06 short handle, about 3" shorter than the 16" '65–67 handle; satin gloss |
| 1971–1979 | VW Super Beetle | R06 short handle |
| Pre-1956 | Rod-style Beetle | Does not fit: the rod-style handle is a separate part (see Brakes) |
| — | Type 2 Bus or Type 3 | Does not fit |
Handles are not interchangeable between year groups.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Condition | Refurbished original German OEM, used factory handles pulled from donor cars |
| Finish | Powder coat (R03–R05 semi-gloss black; R06 satin gloss) |
| Length | R04 and R05 (1965–1967): 16"; R06 (1968-on): about 3" shorter |
| Sold as | Individual handle |
| Boxed dimensions | 12 x 4 x 2 in |
What's Included / Not Included
- Included: 1 parking brake handle for the year option you choose.
- Not included: handle internals and ratchet gear. Rebuilding the whole lever? Add the Refurbished German Parking Brake Handle Pieces kit and a Parking Brake Handle Ratchet Gear.
Why It Matters
Parking brake handles crack at the ratchet pivot and lose their finish after decades of use. Every core in this listing is pulled from disassembled donor vehicles, hand-inspected for cracks, stripped, and checked to confirm it moves and mounts correctly before coating. Because these are original German-built pieces, expect the light surface texture and character of a genuine 50+ year old stamping, not the sterile finish of a modern casting.
Installation Notes
- If your cables are stretched, replace them in pairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which parking brake handle fits my 1967 VW Beetle?
The 1967 Only (R05) handle. 1965–1966 cars take R04, 1968 and later take the short R06, and 1964 and earlier take R03.
Does the short R06 parking brake handle fit a 1965–1967 Beetle?
No. Those years use the longer 16" handle; the 1968-on handle is about 3" shorter.
Are these VW parking brake handles reproductions?
No. Every option is a genuine German factory handle, refurbished and powder coated.
Where do the refurbished parking brake handles come from?
Used German factory handles pulled from donor cars, hand-inspected for cracks, stripped, and checked to confirm they move and mount correctly before coating.
Do these parking brake handles fit a VW Bus or Type 3?
No. They do not fit the Type 2 Bus or Type 3.
What are the part numbers for VW Beetle parking brake handles?
R03 (1956–1964), R04 (1965–1966), R05 (1967) or R06 (1968–1979 short handle). Each is sold individually.
Browse Brakes, Hardware, and more for the VW Beetle.
The Washburn's Metal Difference
Washburn's Metal is a family-run air-cooled VW & Porsche specialist shop — every part we sell is inspected before it ships, and our team is on hand by phone or email if you have a fitment question before or after you order. We stand behind what we sell: if a part doesn't fit as described, reach out and we'll make it right.
Parts are legal for use on pre-pollution-controlled vehicles only.
Prop 65 Warning
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
