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mcclint
Samba Member
Joined: April 29, 2005
Posts: 34
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 Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2025 11:28 am Post subject: Seat back release handle |
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These are the seat back release handles found in later model Bugs. VW used them quite extensively through the 70s and 80s in many different models. My dad had an '81 Rabbit that used the same releases. He had to replace his every couple years because they kept cracking and breaking. I've had my '74 Bug for 30 years now and I've replaced them at least 3 times within the first 6 years because they keep cracking and breaking. When I bought Mexican VW Bug seats for my car, I thought maybe those would be better... nope. The handles are exactly the same. I've bought replacements from mamotorworks and direct from VW about every other year, but they are all of the same quality.
I've scoured the internet looking for alternatives that were stronger. I thought I found some billet ones online but the company stopped making them years ago.
Does anyone have any ideas for ways to strengthen these pieces of plastic? They usually start cracking along the shaft and then it just breaks off right at the handle. Does anyone have access to billet or CNC or even 3D printing with stronger materials who can make replacements that will last longer?
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1974 VW Bug mild custom restoration |
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Cusser
Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006
Posts: 33478
Location: Hot Arizona
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OldSchoolVW's 
Samba Member
Joined: July 03, 2020
Posts: 1593
Location: San Diego
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| Posted: Sat Dec 13, 2025 1:05 pm Post subject: Re: Seat back release handle |
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| mcclint wrote: |
| They usually start cracking along the shaft and then it just breaks off right at the handle. |
I have the same design as Cusser on my '69. Though they require a little more effort to raise because the circular handle is closer to the shaft, it also means it puts less stress on the plastic sleeve so it is less likely to crack. These are readily available, inexpensive and worth a try.
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Tom
"Following distance is proportional to IQ."
"It's okay to think."
"If you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do." Warren Miller
'63 Beetle Sedan
'69 Beetle Sunroof
'70 Beetle Sedan
'73 Type 3 Fastback |
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