That e-brake cable can have a pretty good whipping effect to it. The cross
over tube when properly installed is actually held up to the body by a clip
and sheet metal screw. The tanks then get raised into position and the tube
ends get pushed into the tank grommets after the tank is almost up. Yes, you
reach into the are above the tank with your hands and connect the ends. The
plastic sleeve trick may work for a while but I have found it is easier to
replace that front brake cable by dropping the tank slightly. You need some
extra room to get that guide block down and back in.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Mark
Sent: Sunday, December 06, 2009 10:15 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: e-brake boot (the underside)

I searched the archives for some advice but didn't come up with much.  I
need to get access to the e-brake cable - the part that's right above the
front of the gas tank.  My problem is that the cable is rubbing my crossover
tube on the gas tank (I threaded the tube incorrectly and I'm don't want to
drop the tank again).  I want to slip a plastic sleeve over the cable so it
won't rub a hole through the tube.

So my question is... from the inside of the van... can I pull up the carpet
and remove the boot - the boot on the underside of the vehicle - once I
unhook the cable from the lever.  If I can, I can slip my plastic sleeve on
and reassemble everything (in theory).

--
Mark
1990 Westy (2.1 - manual)