www.spyderclub.com

[daVinci 550]

Well, after pulling my Spyder into the garage after returning from a nice evening drive, I noticed that the e-brake lever did not lock in to place as usual. Luckily this happened after bringing her in, as it sat at the top of my driveway, which is an incline, for a few minutes before then. Whew!!!

Anyway, after close examination, it appears that the pin holding one of the ratchet pieces has popped out. This is a VW brake which came with my Vintage.

Should I attempt a repair or purchase a new one and do the replace? Which is more difficult? I was hoping not to have to take out the seats for this.

I would especially like to hear from someone who has done one or the other. Thanks.

[asalaz]

Might be a good time for an upgrade. You can find this on Ebay: http://item.ebay.com/180478812721

[D_Man]

Here is a linke to the one like you have currently.

$21.00 for the whole kit. vs. $490.00 for the ebay option. Hum, I think Id keep the extra 400.00++ sum odd dollars and be on my way.

http://www.appletreeauto.com/chrome-brake-handle-kit-pr-358.html

D

[Aussiespyder]

It is probably an easy repair - but you probably need to take the seat out.

What normally happens if the cable go out of adjustment or stretches then when you pull the lever way up the ratchet piece goes over centre and looses engagement with the matching rachet thus won't lock in. With some careful jiggling of the rod that the release button is attached to you can get it to re-engage. Once you do then tighten the cable so it doesn't happen again.

Ken

[gotowo]

come on Matt - with all the effort you are going to on this spyder to pull it off as the missing 550-0014 and you don't have a correct hand brake - sacrelig

[rana391]

Is that the way it it spelled?

C

[daVinci 550]

I really wanted to do the replica hand brake, but two things stood in the way: The price, and that my existing e-brake worked perfectly. That is one thing I didn't want to mess with if it was working well. I recall Rescue's install and initially it wasn't working well. Looked good, just non-functioning.

I already know what the problem is. The pin holding the locking rachet part popped out. I just need to see if I can reassemble it while it is in place or purchase a new one and just swap. Or take out the existing one, fix it and re-install.

Since I have not yet done this, I wanted to hear from someone may have experience w/this. I'm thinking the replacement is the best. Just remove existing (large bolt, 2 cables). Swap in new (re-bolt, slide and loop cables, etc.). I just didn't know if there were any issues or tricks w/the cables, etc. As I mentioned, it was working just fine.

I was even thinking of replacing the pin w/a bolt so it would not come out. Thoughts?

[Leon Chupp]

If the pin is the one through the middle of the whole thing.....It is held in with two interference fit "snap" rings. (one on either side) If you cant find a replacement snap ring, drill a hole through the length of the pin. Then install an appropriate length machine screw, fender washers and nut.. I used a #8 screw....Total cost $2.00.

[iflyfast]

[Biker2]

I just caved and bought the Fibersteel lever. Very glad I did spend the money. makes the cockpit that much nicer.

The stock VW lever works fine. Its just that every time I pull it I am reminded....

[daVinci 550]

I think I like your idea Leon. I may take the whole lever out to do the job. Maybe some day down the road I will purchase the replica lever. But only if I can make it look good and work well in my Vintage.

[gotowo]

[Aussiespyder]

While we are on the subject of replica brakes - has anyone got some drawings - I'd like to have a crack at making one.

[Wayner]

You are putting imitation brakes on your car???

[Aussiespyder]