@JPC : I eliminated some of the issues your having, but I created a few more as outlined below.
@Robert M : you are correct. I recently had an e-stopp system mounted in my 2003 VS. the actuator was significantly larger than I anticipated. It was every bit of 15 inches long but still small enough to fit in the tunnel behind the shifter.
The “beep” was almost immediately disabled. It was really annoying and rather gives away the secret of hiding the system in the tunnel.
There were a few things learned:
1. This system ONLY works when the engine is NOT running. In fact, if you push the button while driving nothing happens; the actuator automatically engages when the motor is turned off. This, I suppose, was designed to avoid an accidental application at speed.
i don’t know how I feel about this yet as there is no longer any semblance of an “emergency” brake. Although, I suppose you could hit the button and turn the key thereby initiating the actuator in a crisis but that doesn’t seem too wise a move. Truth be told, I still call it a “parking brake” so it is what it is.
2. A fair amount of craftwork had to be done in to the tunnel. A removable panel was cut out underneath (to allow access) to the actuator mounted in the tunnel and is secured with sheet metal screws and a bead of silicone to keep things dry.
This allows adjustments, etc. without the need to rip out the carpet and work from the top. Of course, this is only feasible if you have the ability to lift the vehicle at least enough to work comfortably.
Cool concept and so far so good here.
3. I also had steel tube fuel lines run through the tunnel. They had to be made to fit as the actuator takes up a bit of real estate.
No conflicts with the shift linkage came about.
4. This was a rather costly modification in parts alone. Totally worth it in my opinion. Although crafting an umbrella handle type set up is more period correct.
Then again, not much about this fiberglass rocket ship of mine is period correct, except the overall shape I suppose!
5. Removal of the VW brake handle ALSO facilitated removal of the heater box controls. When I built my motor in 2019 I changed to a shroud without vents knowing I didn’t want them because they were basically useless. I also initially went with a sidewinder exhaust so the vents were rendered useless. I really like the clean look of the engine without the vent tubes and not having them works as I live in a rather temperate area so heat isn’t even really a “want” on my list for this car.
5. In the end, I REALLY like this set up. Removing the VW handle and heat controls cleans up the interior quite nicely.
Not the “best” modification I’ve done to my VS, but certainly one of the top three mechanically. Aesthetically it tops the list though as I no longer have a bunch of old VW poking up between the seats.
