on my 82, there is a single cable running from the brake handle to the bracket where the 2 rear cables connect.  Under the gas tank, mounted on the underside of the floor of the van, it runs through a "sleeve" (for lack of a better word).  Perhaps its binding there.  maybe disconnect the front cable from the 2 rear at the adjustment rod, and then try moving the handle and see if its binding.  then move the rear cables by hand to see if the problem is there.

 Hey folks,

 I am having a strange problem on my 84 GL.  The
 handbrake doesn't work very well.  On my late model
 Vanagon, as you pull the handbrake, you feel the
 tension build as you pull the handbrake higher.

 On my 84, it seems like there is no tension, and then
 it gets very hard to pull all of a sudden.  The brakes
 only hold marginally.

 I have removed both rear drums and watched the
 mechnaisms work as someone else pulled the handbrake.
 I have replaced both handbrake cables to no avail.  I
 also replaced both rear drums with new drums and
 installed new rear brakes.  I have tried adjustment as
 well - all that does is move the point at which the
 brake goes from pulling easy to pulling hard.

 I am stumped.  Any thoughts on this?  Anyone else
 experiencing this?

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