David, you are quite right as usual. If the cable is not loosened before
new shoes are fitted it is possible that the adjuster will not work. See
Mike Snows post for the explanation.

As a point of interest, a really big improvement to the 85 and older
parking brake is possible. Just replace the parking brake lever and
cover with one from a 86 and newer Vanagon. These have a longer handle
for more leverage and twice as many click detents in the same lever
angle range. The added detents mean you do not have to pull as hard to
get to the next click. Another benefit is the newer handle is fatter and
has a more comfortable feel. Wives will really prefer this upgrade. They
may even actually start to use the parking brake.

Mark

David Beierl wrote:
>
> At 09:56 PM 1/15/2001, Ken Hunter wrote:
> >I have new rear drums and brake shoes on my 82 Westy. The adjuster is screwed
> >in all the way but the e-brake just won't hold. Duh, is it possible these
> >cables have stretched over the last 19 years?
>
> Prolly not that much?  I think it's more likely that the shoes are too far
> from the drum.  Did you clean out the adjuster mechanism, and adjust the
> brakes to spec with the handbrake cable loosened (usually leaving it alone
> should be ok, but if it's overtightened it would interfere with things, I
> think).
>
> d
>
> David Beierl - Providence, RI
>   http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
> '84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
> '85 GL "Poor Relation"