What's the best emergency parking brake handle?

The emergency parking brake handle on my Vintage is shot. It's bent at a 45 degree angle just from regular use over 4500 miles. It's really not a model of a quality product by any stretch of the imagination.

I've seen pictures of some nice and strongly built emergency parking brake handles on this site, but my searches on the usual web sites only reveal the same type of cheap handle I need to replace. Any help, suggestions, pictures, sources, etc. will be greatly appreciated.

Michael-

Are you a body-builder by chance?

This is Hans und Franz speaking on you, so listen to me now und belief me later when I am telling you to search on Klassy Auto or Pelican Parts.

If you do not do ziss, you will continue to mootilate your brake handle und snap it like a girlie-man tooths pick!!!

You guys are a stitch. I am starting to get strange looks from my wife because I am laughing so hard. I wish I had that kind of upper body strength.

Michael - I'm interested in how you're doing with your e-brake research! Let us know how it all turns out!

Stock German Beetle ones has a heavier gauge metal than the thinner aftermarket ones.

If you can't find a bug salvage yard near you. ask some of the guys here or try Interstate Vw http://www.interstateusedparts.com/
Interstate Used Parts & Auto Sales in San Marcos, CA specializes in original used VW parts for all air and water-cooled Volkswagons.

They have it ALL ecept a vw rack Which I have yeat to find any. i did just pick up a pair of type3 rear brake flanges complete with all the trimmings. Now if i want i can go eather 4 lug or old style 5 lugs if I want too.

Cory used a 550 parking brake assembly in Hoopty, with some modifications. Not a bolt in operation by any means but not too hard either. I do have the 550 part for the parking brakes available, but they are pretty expensive compared to stock VW stuff....

here is Cory's brake in Hoopty, before and after paint.....

I love this board. Thanks, guys. Excellent tips and guidance. Alan--Makes sense that the VW stock lever has heavier gauge; that may be the way to go. But Jim's (DuBois) pictures of the Cory

Michael,

The e-brakes are available from Robert T, Dario, or myself. Both Robert's and Dario's are more accurate reproductions, while mine is more robustly built I understand. The kits run $550 from Dario or Robert T, while mine is $350. Mine is also powder coated (silver). If you want more details I can send you a set of instructions for the 550 installation to give you a better idea of what is involved. Just drop me an e-mail at jdubois@houston.rr.com

Not sure where Cory got his, but I remember him cautioning folks driving the Hoopty at Carlisle to be gentle with the e-brake as it bent rather easily.

Cory's e-brake handle came from Dario in Canada. Cory and I did discuss his concerns with the rather flexible side plates and the like. Mine are made of 1/8" mild steel and do not flex under any reasonable use...

I originally attempted to buy one of the units from Robert T, but I was a bit put off by the 6 month wait he quoted. So, I built my own, then built kits for some fair number of other people with Spyders, as there was a demand for them, now. I guess I have provided 40 or more kits and at least one provider of complete cars is buying my kit in quantities for his cars....

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