Grafting in a handbrake assembly

[seilerj]

Anyone ever cut out and grafted in a new handbrake assembly... i'm going to attempt this soon and looking for any advice

[mondshine]

Post some details that explain why you are doing this.

[seilerj]

The handbrake assembly in the tunnel is broken in several places.... (both sides) the “Ratchet” tooth ... is missing...Mike Basso was able to get me the center section (cut out from a donor car) I can Hopefully cut out bad... and weld in a nice section... I would attempt to just repair what’s there if it wasn’t such bad shape

[mondshine]

Wow!
Make some careful measurements before you cut so you can get the fore-aft location of the replacement correct.

Maybe check the condition of the bracket that holds the shift rod bushing while you are poking around in there; now would be a good time to replace it (if necessary).
And no volatile fumes in the tunnel when you weld.

Good luck, Mondshine

[Al Capulco]

I had to do one about 10 years ago. Mine was broken in 5 or 6 pieces. It's not uncommon for the hand brake bracket to develop cracks and break. Even the tunnel can do the same thing. I grinded off the welds and replaced only the bracket. Get the best bracket you can find, I used one off a late bug that was like new. You will want to test fit the hand brake handle in the donor bracket to make sure it does not have a lot of wear. And check the tab for the ratchet for wear. Maybe even search here for brake handle repair, there are some good write-ups.