Emergency brake cable routing on a Mk4

[Stangrob]

Hey guys,

In the great state of NJ we're not allowed to have anything hanging below the frame on our roadsters (I suspect we're not the only ones). As you know, the cables for the emergency brake are supposed to run under the 4" cross member, which is a big no-no for us.

I originally thought about installing a Fox body emergency brake handle since the cable routing is different, but in hindsight I'd like to use the FF-supplied assembly since it looks "correct". To get around the cable routing issue I'm planning to drill the cross member and weld in a tube to run the cables through. But before I break out the MIG I thought I'd see if anyone else came up with another way of routing the cables. BTW I'm currently not looking into an e-brake setup for a couple of different reasons.

Thanks!!!

Rob

[JJK]

Check out EdwardB's pulley mod for the ebrake cable, lots of folks have gone this route.

[edwardb]

This was almost 10 years ago, and wasn't 100% my idea. But here's the link from my 20th Anniversary Roadster build where this was first described. https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?18591-EdwardBs-Mk4-8674-20th-Anniversary-Build&p=225428&viewfull=1#post225428. I later added a second pulley rather than having both in a single pulley. Some have added extensions to the handle where the cables attach for additional leverage. I didn't find that necessary, but obviously some did. The Lokar piece shown I understand isn't readily available any longer. But workarounds for that. My main point was to show what JJK was talking about. This routing and mod works very well.

[Stangrob]

This was almost 10 years ago, and wasn't 100% my idea. But here's the link from my 20th Anniversary Roadster build where this was first described. https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?18591-EdwardBs-Mk4-8674-20th-Anniversary-Build&p=225428&viewfull=1#post225428. I later added a second pulley rather than having both in a single pulley. Some have added extensions to the handle where the cables attach for additional leverage. I didn't find that necessary, but obviously some did. The Lokar piece shown I understand isn't readily available any longer. But workarounds for that. My main point was to show what JJK was talking about. This routing and mod works very well.

That's exactly what I'm looking for - thanks! I can figure something out to address the Lokar piece, but the pulleys are definitely the way to go (and I'll go with two as well ;) ).

So much simpler than what I was planning, but that's why it's good to check. Most of this stuff isn't new - it's just new for the first-time builder ;)

Rob

[CDXXVII]

Probably not the best pictures but it's all I have. I added a pulley similar to EdwardB. I did not like the FFR brake handle, so I sourced a mustang assembly.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=223948&d=1591408591

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=223949&d=1591408573

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=223950&d=1591408541

[John Ibele]

Copied Paul, essentially, with some mods including the double pulley. With the thought that more photos can't hurt and might help, here's where it starts at post #120 (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?27168-John%92s-Mk4-Build-Thread&p=468742&viewfull=1#post468742) on my build thread. I think you can double-click on the photos and then roam around in Flickr and see a bunch more.

[jengum]

The Lokar pieces are available off of Amazon. They appear to be Chinese knockoff's.

Another option is to mount the emergency brake handle on top of the tunnel top which several builders have done and eliminates going under the 4" tube with the cable routing.

223955

[Stangrob]

The Lokar pieces are available off of Amazon. They appear to be Chinese knockoff's.

Another option is to mount the emergency brake handle on top of the tunnel top which several builders have done and eliminates going under the 4" tube with the cable routing.

223955

Good info - thanks! I was going to make up the block assembly but between time and materials I'm better off with pirating the part from this kit ;)

Rob

[Rebostar]

Here's what I did. Got hardware from the local Ace. Pulley's from McMaster Carr. Had to fab up an extension on the lever to keep the angle of the cable correct.
Happy Trails

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[rich grsc]

No where does that say Lokar brake parts.