Handbrake plate keep slipping off the handle

[sagaboy]

Every time I pull my handbrake the metal plate keep slipping off the handle.
Can anyone offer a solution?
Perhaps weld a bigger metal holding tip or drill a hole and screw it down!

[Marc]

There's supposed to be a pin protruding from the top of the handle to go through the hole in the plate and keep it in place.

Remove the handle (careful, don't lose the little spring clip on the pivot pin) and clamp it in a vise by the squared block; use a center-punch to make a drill starting point right in the center of the top of the dome, then drill a hole straight in with a 1/8" bit. Go at least ¼" deep (any more than ½" is more than needed). Drive in a steel pin and cut it off so it protrudes ~7/16". Any mild steel 1/8" wire will do, it could be a welding rod, a chunk from a beefy wire hanger, or even a nail. It's tempting to use a hardened piece (a broken drill bit, or perhaps a roller from a needle bearing) but I recommend against that since if/when that breaks off it'll be harder to repair next time.

[sagaboy]

Marc, thank you.
This problem has been with me for a long time, at the moment I simply slot an extended plastic hose on each side of the handbrake adjusting wire and then tie the hose with a string on to the handbrake handle. It is a daily nagging problem that got to be solved.

[SCOTTRODS]

You could always buy a spare Handbrake assembly that's got the "post" on it already, if you can stand waiting on someone to ship you one..... They are a dime a dozen in the world of VW's, and likely not too spendy.

[Marc]

Shipping to the Phillipines would exceed the value of a used handle, which is why I proposed repairing the one he's got - fixed as described, it's "better than new".

sagaboy, if you do decide to buy another one be aware that there are three versions of the late-style handle with the equalizer plate/pin setup. They got shorter as the years went by and the shifter was located further aft, if you use the wrong one it'll be impossible to get your thumb on the button to release it (at least, if you parked in Reverse or 2nd). `65-`67 are the longest, then `68-`72, then `73-`79. Do NOT believe the parts-sellers who want to sell you the same one for all years - they don't know their ass from their elbow, they just want your money.

[sagaboy]

Shipping to the Phillipines would exceed the value of a used handle, which is why I proposed repairing the one he's got - fixed as described, it's "better than new"...

Na, I will follow your instructions, its much easier, will use a tungstun carbide drill bit--it will be a walk over drilling a hole and punching in an ordinary welding steel pin and harden it a bit with a blow torch and dipping into water, this way the it can be re-drilled or pull out in future.

[SCOTTRODS]

Sorry, guys.... Nothing on my screen told me a location.... I'll try and remember, but don't get your hopes up.