Handbrake handle

[mvaldes]

You're welcome. Our build dates are very close, so yours is probably like the picture. I also found a picture of of the bare handle so you can have an idea what's underneath. I think most of the resistance pulling off the plastic handle came from the flanges underneath near the button end of the lever.

IIRC, I used a small (as in jewler's) flat bladed screwdriver (a previous poster's suggestion) to get out the little plastic rivet from the center of the pin underneath the factory handle. Then it was easy to get out the wider part of the fastener, (whatever it's actuallycalled.)

[nonuro]

All righty then!I took a mirror out to the car because I couldn't feel that pin and the handle on my car doesn't have one.I sprayed some WD 40 into the space between the handle and the metal and did what I think Jetfuel was talking about with the wrench and mallet but it wouldn't budge.Anyother suggestions?If it comes down to it I can make that end of the cover wider.

[jetfuel]

..say what?...give the mallet to the wife...or hit it harder...

jetfuel...wearing hard hat and goggles

[nonuro]

Jet-your talking about an open ended wrench correct?I tried it on the handle itself because that was the one I brought out to the car.I'll bring out a smaller one tomorrow and have some extra coffee so I'm good and wired!

[jetfuel]

...the wrench I used was an adjustable wrench
...baby's butt smooth jaws...do not crimp on the handle itself..place on the metal part right where the handle ends...close the jaws until they make contact with the metal but still allows the wrench to slide forward after a good hit with the mallet/hammer and two pots of Colombian juice...

jetfuel...don't make me go there

[nonuro]

Ok,tried the adjustable wrench and it still won't budge.I'll just adjust the cover I made to fit over the handle.I guess I won't be getting the billet replacement anytime soon.

[mvaldes]

If it's any consolation, Tom at Billet and Acrylic Fantasies (aka SmartBillet) told me that when he was designing his billet handle, he ended up cutting off his OEM handle with a dremmel.

[nonuro]

Success!!!!!!I let out the bottom seam allowance and it slid right over the handle.I'll find a small zip tie and finish up tomorrow and post a picture.I was thinking I'd have to take a Dremel to it when I find a billet handle I like.