Emergency brake handle does not stay up

[mamsterla]

I have been restoring my 1969 Fiat 124 Spider and replaced the emergency brake cable and the rear calipers. I have made sure to carefully install the cable and it is good. I tightened the carrier until there is some tension, but the rear brakes are not engaged. When I go into the car and pull the handle, I can hear it ratchet, but it does not lock in place. Is there something I should look at, or should I just plan to replace a worn ratchet. I would like to have a functioning emergency brake (even though I know it kinda stinks).

[klweimer]

The e-brake ratchet handle is pretty simple. I doubt it is actually worn out. You can unbolt the whole assembly from the car and clean it up. I'm guessing the push button mechanism is gummed up and not letting the pawl fully seat in the ratchet teeth. Time for some WD-40.
Kirk

[mamsterla]

So do I have to remove the console to do this? I just want to get it all done - I can also use a grinder to clean up the shoulders of the ratchet teeth or pawl if that turns out to contribute.

[Odoyle]

The button which operates the handbrake is threaded onto a rod inside the handle. It forces tension onto a spring bellow the button, check to see if the spring is seated correctly and go from there.

[klweimer]

To unbolt the handle assembly from the driveshaft tunnel, you do have to lift up the rear end of the center console. You might be able to remove one of the seats to get better access to the back end of the console, lift it a few inches and slip an end wrench in on the bolts. Or you can spray the crap out of everything from above with WD-40. I think you can get to most of the mechanism from above with a straw on the can. I'd try that first. And check the spring as Odoyle suggested.
Kirk

[mamsterla]

OK. I have the car up on stands so I can get under the car and I can loosen the rear of the console too. I will get the assembly out to examine and clean up.