Parking Brake & Transmission Shifter Change

Can’t help with the shifter but as far as the e-brake goes the conversion to under the dash can be a monumental task with the car all put together. Most who remove the brake handle from between the seats install the electric version.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com...km4y9k0aAjhiEALw_wcB

CSP and Vintage Speed make a great performing shifter - they looks more 911 looking than 356 though - $300.

Vintage are really nice and look a lot like the originals IMO.  Keep looking on their site.

I have a CSP shifter, and it is the bomb. The VW shifter is shyt, plain and simple.

Parking brake: On these replicas there are many tells when it comes to looking like a VW or a Porsche and the worst of them all is the parking brake handle sticking up there so prominently between the seats.  The umbrella handle under the left dash is the absolute best fix, but very hard to do (so I am told and can easily understand). I have seen pictures and even some drawings about how to do it.  Its been done; if you go that route bring plenty of money.  I solved the aesthetic issue by simply taking the handle out.  So now have nice clean look in the cockpit.  But what about a parking brake, don't you need one of those?  Theoretically, and maybe even legally, yes you might.  What I saw in another car, and then had installed on mine, is a line lock for the rear wheels.  This is not a true "Emergency" mechanism, as it still relies on the hydraulic system to work. If the hydraulics go out, it will not work. You press on the brake pedal, put the brake system under pressure, and pull up on the inconspicuous button hidden next to your seat and lock that pressure in to the rear wheels.  Release by pressing the brake pedal, and pulling up on the button.  Will work for parking.  And yes the pressure does leak out over extended time.  But here's the thing: when I park, I leave the car in gear, and that keeps it where I put it.  I repeat: a line lock is NOT an emergency brake.

All that said, I have an idea about how to rig up an electric motor to operate the emergency/parking brake cable by use of a switch.  As long as there is electric power (12v) in the car it could be set or released.  My new Honda has something similar (button operated brake) and I think it is vacuum operated, and it may still need 12V to operate;  maybe not a true "emergency" (mechanical only) sort of thing, but it's what is being put in cars these days.

@El Frazoo posted:

I have a CSP shifter, and it is the bomb. The VW shifter is shyt, plain and simple.

Yes.

@El Frazoo posted:

I repeat: a line lock is NOT an emergency brake.

Umm, yes.

NO!!!!! Don't do it, for the love of all good things. AFAIK, a line lock is NOT legal for an e-brake in any state of our union. Nor is it safe, good, or correct either.

To quote Kelly McGillis from "Top Gun"; "I think we've shown this as an example of what not to do."

Be sure to carry a brick just in case! Place it under the downhill tire.  Many say leave trans in a low gear too.

For those wishing for a more authentic Speedster- it's a replica and always will be a replica, and no amount of P real or look-a-like parts will make it a 'real' 356.  If that's what you want to build that's great, but remember that only a genuine P vin # will get you membership into some circles.  99 (maybe it's closer to 99.9) % of the population sees something really (and I do mean REALLY!!!) cool and no matter what you do you'll never win over rest.

Accept this, go find a big parking lot, perfect handbrake turns (yeah, try THAT with an umbrella handle!) and revel in your plastic Clown Car's uniqueness.

A line-loc- I don't really see the point unless you're holding the front brakes down to do great burnouts.  The little but somewhat pricey gizmo that Robert linked to does look interesting, but I don't know if it would pass inspection in most places as an emergency brake...

I think there is a difference between an emergency brake and a parking brake.

An emergency brake is one I could use while the car is in motion.

@Michael McKelvey posted:

I think there is a difference between an emergency brake and a parking brake.

An emergency brake is one I could use while the car is in motion.

I think that for most people the 3 terms (emergency, parking or hand brake) are pretty interchangeable for the thing that you apply after you stop and before getting out of your car and this is what I'm referring to, Michael.  I believe all our 10 provinces (as well as the 3 northern territories) and most (if not all) states in your USA require a working parking/emergency brake that does not use the hydraulic system for any car registered and licensed for road use.

What Wikipedia has to say-    _{(it's a link- click on it!)}

The article even mentions handbrake turns, which I'm so fond of telling people aren't possible if you convert to the underdash/umbrella style.

I might want to use an emergency brake if I had a hydraulic failure.  That couldn't be done with some of the parking brake schemes mentioned.

Also, in the case of a hydraulic brakes failure, I would rather have the between-the-seats handle instead of the under-dash handle.

I too have mixed the use of the parking brake and emergency brake terms.

@WOLFGANG posted:

.., they looks more 911 looking than 356 though - $300.

I guess I’m wondering what you think a 356 shifter should look like, Greg. This is better than anything I could ever dream up. No leather boot in my car, just like an original (if I cared about such things).

I upgraded to one of their shifters and had IM paint the knob to my interior colour wasn't cheap but I love it and it is much higher than my older shifter which was an EMPI minus trigger to fit my subie tranny.

Here is the upgrade shifter from Vintage.

@Stan Galat

Regarding the “ultimate” original (looking) under-dash e-brake handle.

I have one, and aside from it meaning that my pooie don’t stinkie, all I can say is, “meh”.

There’s a lot of flex in the mechanism and eleventy billion mile-long cables. A $15 Empi push-button, between-the-seats, in the “oh my gosh, people I don’t know or care about can see this is a replica” location is an order of magnitude more functional, which is why VW, Porsche, and every other right-thinking car company ever ended up putting them there sooner or later.

My car will never be a “real-boy” 356 anyhow, so why should I care? Obviously, anyone can do whatever anyone wishes - but if I ever do this again, there will be no overly complex e-brake aping “originality”, about which I care not a bit.

If I ever have line-lock it’ll be on a switch on my shifter so I can lock up my front wheels while frying my tires like the overgrown hick-town white-trash hooligan I am inside.  

Function is cool.

No question the hand brake should be between the seats if you can manage it.

@Stan Galat posted:

Regarding the “ultimate” original (looking) under-dash e-brake handle.

I have one, and aside from it meaning that my pooie don’t stinkie, all I can say is, “meh”.

There’s a lot of flex in the mechanism and eleventy billion mile-long cables. A $15 Empi push-button, between-the-seats, in the “oh my gosh, people I don’t know or care about can see this is a replica” location is an order of magnitude more functional, which is why VW, Porsche, and every other right-thinking car company ever ended up putting them there sooner or later.

My car will never be a “real-boy” 356 anyhow, so why should I care? Obviously, anyone can do whatever anyone wishes - but if I ever do this again, there will be no overly complex e-brake aping “originality”, about which I care not a bit.

If I ever have line-lock it’ll be on a switch on my shifter so I can lock up my front wheels while frying my tires like the overgrown hick-town white-trash hooligan I am inside.  

Function is cool.

Exactly- the umbrella handle under the dash isn't an improvement- the Beetle hand brake is less complicated, works better/is more efficient (and have I mentioned you can do handbrake turns?).

I just want to clarify. So the between the seats mechanical E brake and the under dash umbrella E brakes are both mechanical that use cables to lock up the rear brakes. The push button between the seats E brake is electric that uses the car’s hydraulic system. How can the electric push button E brake be anything more than a parking brake. I thought the whole reason for a cable operated E brake is to use in an emergency when the hydraulic system fails. I know the umbrella E brake is elegant but I might try to stick with a between the seats mechanical E brake like the one in my Spyder. My 356 is going to be an Outlaw so it might look pretty cool.

@550 Phil posted:

I just want to clarify. So the between the seats mechanical E brake and the under dash umbrella E brakes are both mechanical that use cables to lock up the rear brakes. Yes The push button between the seats E brake is electric that uses the car’s hydraulic system. Yes How can the electric push button E brake be anything more than a parking brake. It isn't I thought the whole reason for a cable operated E brake is to use in an emergency when the hydraulic system fails. It is I know the umbrella E brake is elegant but I might try to stick with a between the seats mechanical E brake like the one in my Spyder. My 356 is going to be an Outlaw so it might look pretty cool. It will

To further clarify (or muddy) the water: as Kelly said, the push-button line-lock will eventually bleed off the pressure in the wheel cylinders, meaning it's not very reliable as a parking brake, either.

It's actual utility is an open question.

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Porsche did offer a bench seat option in the 356 (at least the early ones). So that at least partly explains why they put the brake handle under the dash. It also allowed wider bucket seats in a narrow car.

Of course, most American sedans at the time had no place for a between-the-seats brake handle as bench seats were almost universal, so under-dash e-brakes were common.

My dad's old '52 Buick had an umbrella handle e-brake release, but the brake itself was operated by a ratcheting third pedal (in an auto-transmission car). I can't imagine stopping that hulk on a long downhill with a cable-operated handbrake (working rear drum brakes) if the main brakes ever failed.

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True. But something is better than nothing, every single time.

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Sailors have a saying about not underestimating the effectiveness of a desperate man with a bailing bucket in a sinking boat.

I guess the same could be said of a desperate man in a Buick with failed brakes heading down a long hill.

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The E-brake I linked above replaces the parking brake handle. It pulls on the e-brake cable via the electronic controller so there's no failure due to fluid pressure loss.

Thanks everyone who replied.

I respect all the replies.  How else could you realize 'I never thought of that'.

I like the authentic look.   For me, the easiest way to deal with the hand-brake might be to throw a jacket, or rag -- anything to cover it (when it's parked of course).  But I'll give the e-brake more thought.

About the shifter. I'd still like to replicate a more original look. I'll continue to look into options.

Thank you,

@swan4356 posted:

Thanks everyone who replied.

I respect all the replies.  How else could you realize 'I never thought of that'.

I like the authentic look.   For me, the easiest way to deal with the hand-brake might be to throw a jacket, or rag -- anything to cover it (when it's parked of course).  But I'll give the e-brake more thought.

About the shifter. I'd still like to replicate a more original look. I'll continue to look into options.

Thank you,

You could install a non-functioning e-brake handle under the dash for looks and also install an electronic e-brake that works.

@swan4356 posted:

About the shifter. I'd still like to replicate a more original look.

Vintage Speed. There's absolutely nothing that looks more original. It works as well as a Berg or CSP and looks nearly bone stock.

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Here's a Vintage Speed installed:

and here's an original Super 90 interior:

It's not a perfect copy, but it's pretty close.

Vintage Speed makes quite a few styles, sizes, and bends. This is the one they recommend for replica Speedsters. As of a few years ago, they would also work with you if you wanted a custom length or bend angle.  You can also source shift knobs that are closer to the original.

The one in my car was photographed with the shifter in first gear. In neutral, it's more upright and closer to the angle of the original.

The main advantage of the Vintage Speed, though is that it shifts a lot better than the stock VW shifter most of us start with.  The pattern is much tighter and the gates a lot easier to find.

The vintage speed shifter was the best money I've spent so far and changed my drivng experience. It has elevated my rowing in the mountains.

Just to put this all into perspective, the original VW shift lever almost totally sucks.  
The shift action feels like you have rubber bands between your hand and the transmission.  
Finding 3'rd gear on an upshift or 2'nd gear on a downshift is a measure of "I think it's over here somewhere - I'll just keep trying til I find it."

Going to a Vintage or CSP or Berg shifter is almost like shifting in a Miata or other name sports car - crisp, precise with no guesswork about where the gear actually is.  You won't be dissatisfied with any of them.

@swan4356 posted:

. . . .   For me, the easiest way to deal with the hand-brake might be to throw a jacket, or rag -- anything to cover it (when it's parked of course).  But I'll give the e-brake more thought.  . . .

As you give the e-brake/parking brake more thought, disregard any further consideration of the hydraulic line lock.  DON'T DO THAT.

I did it.  I learned I was an idiot for it.  Don't be an idiot too; and learn from my mistake.  For reasons mentioned by Danny and Stan in posts above, this is not the way to go.  It probably won't pass any state brake inspection (definitely not CA) and most importantly, it is NOT reliable.

Think about this:  The line lock concept relies on maintaining maximum hydraulic pressure in the brake lines and the brake cylinders for an extended period of time (like hours, days, weeks and months, or forever).  As you know, it is the hydraulic pressure that holds the brake shoes (or disc pads) "locked" tight against the drums (or discs).  What I learned is that the hydraulics system cannot be depended on for that.

I started to figure it out one day when standing next to my spyder parked (line locked) on a slight hill and happened to notice through the corner of my eye that my spyder was beginning to roll down the hill.  After a frantic Le Manns start dash into the cockpit to step on the brakes I thought that was exciting; and made a mental note to myself to set the line lock more forcefully next time.  When the same thing happened again, I thought I must have a defective line lock, and replaced it.  Then came the day the line lock would not release, without actually cracking a rear brake cylinder bleeder.  I had to drive home with the bleeder cracked, obviously with diminished braking ability and hoping not to run out of fluid before getting home.

Having learned my lessons the hard way, I removed the line lock forever and drove around for the next many years without a parking brake (but with a short stub from a 4"X4" post behind the seat to have for a chock just-in-case.

Eventually, when doing the California SB100 dance I was forced to install a parking brake, which was required to be mechanical (either manually or electronically actuated).  Hydraulic line locks were specifically prohibited, I know why.

I mounted an original 356A ebrake in my vintage speedster. I used the orig. brake lever and handle and bell crank. Had to get bus cables to get them long enough. You might notice I also installed an original heater control.

Ok Mitch, what is the doodad on your heater vent? An air freshener perhaps?

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@Gotno356 posted:

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...Ok Mitch, what is the doodad on your heater vent?...

That is no doodad.

And there was a time when any self-respecting VW driver would know very well what that is.

Very early on, my trip meter went all wonky on me, but I still wanted a way to track gas mileage. Like any follower of the faith, I asked myself, "What would Ferdinand do?" And in a moment of holy devotion, it came to me in a vision.

Back when VW's had no gas gauges (yes, I'm that old), neither did they have trip odometers. A healthy aftermarket developed** in devices like this for recording the odometer reading at each fill-up. By comparing that with the current odo reading (and through a long-forgotten mental exercise called 'subtraction'), one could predict when another gas stop was due.

I searched the interwebs and could find none of these still available nearby. But, I did find someone who still had a cache of old stock in (where else) the fatherland. I imagine he kept them in his basement near some sort of shrine, with candles and old texts printed in Fraktur. It arrived carefully wrapped in crumpled pages of the Süddeutsche Zeitung.

I don't really feel like I own the thing.

I'm just its caretaker for now.

**Later Edit:

Lest you think I'm making all this up, here's some corroborating documentation .

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Actually that has recorded how many times Mitch has made me laugh and enjoy his posts on this site.

Thanks, Mitch

The vintage speed shifter in ivory looks great.  Which one (which size) is it?  Most are out of stock. Thanks, 

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Here's the link to what looks like the current version of my shifter. The SKU number on mine is similar, but obviously replaced by this one. I think they upgraded a bushing in the base, and that may account for the change. They make a few lengths, mine is 11.5".

But you're right, almost all of them seem to be out of stock.

An excellent thread.  Meanwhile, I really do know, and I even said so: the line lock thing is NOT an E-brake. It would best be described as a temporary parking brake when applied to the rear brakes.  So I understand that I do not have an emergency (mechanical) brake system on my car.  I always leave it in gear when parked, except maybe in my garage.

Historical fact: two years ago I had a brake failure on the blue ridge parkway.  I wished I had that hand brake at that time, but can report that I was able to gently work my way down the mountain and over to the  hotel using mostly 1st and 2nd gear.  I was not happy with that approach, but I made it work.  And now am figuring out a way to do an independent system via an electric option.  Will advise if/when that works.  And in MD under the "Street Rod" (defined as "substantially modified") licensing regs, I do not have to have a state inspection.  So I am at some risk, understood and accepted.

And those pics of the interior of the S90 causes me some pain, as it reminds of my '61 S90.  Great car, the one that got away . . .

Kelly How do you initially get through MD inspection with just the Line Loc ?

The Outlaw build I am doing has Neil rear disc brakes w/o an E Brake ( Neil is out of business) so I'll have to replace the entire rear wide five disc brake with one that has the E Brake set up . Carey has suggested the Empi kit and replacing the Chinese pads.  =  $$$

If it has IRS back there, a set of brakes (with mechanical e-brake) from a salvage yard Porsche 924 should fit, too.

A VW jetta Mk-IV will also fit.

Pretty much EVERY rear kit uses the Varga single piston caliper w/e-brake lever that VW has been using since before 1990, ever since rear discs appeared on watercooled FWD VWs. My 1990 Corrado had this, as did my 1987 Scirocco 16v. I'm thinking 1985, as that was when the Golf Mark II came out.

Alan: it may be a small amount of work, but Wilwood makes a cable-operated e-brake caliper for use with discs. It is very small and light, with tiny pads. The small amount of work would involve welding and fabrication of a suitable caliper mount, probably onto the existing bracket. This may be an option for you and Line-lock Frazoo without re-doing the whole enchilada. You'd end up with 2 calipers per side, but I would try to pursue that avenue.