Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

Well, this has been sitting in my garage for over a month now - can't get up the nerve to install it myself, so I'm thinking about having the dealer do it. I know, no guts no glory. Somebody talk me into to doing it myself. :o

truemagellen

no wonder it cost so damn much! I though you could just pull off the handle and replace it :p!

thats a whole new lever

I must say it looks damn nice though

czr

iTrader: (3)

Take the plunge! Knowing it can be done will prompt others to follow in your footsteps. Just another goody to buy and more quality bonding time with the 8.

mr2000x

be brave
find your inner self-confidence
take pics
show others your not afraid
and you will not be a statistic

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

That's why I'm freaking out...

Here is a poor PDF of the instructions: http://www.nemesis8.com/downloads/leather-e-brake.pdf

OK, I'll do it, but I think if I am going to rip apart the console, I might as well install Thew's AV system at the same time.

truemagellen

hey Nem I'll help you with the AV install so will thew

PM me and I'll give you my email address and you could call either of us too I bet (well I can't speak for Thew )

truemagellen

wow I just read it...you have to take the seat out! thats ok...you'll have fun doing it...might as well dynamatt the interior while your at it

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Tell you what.....send it to me and I'll install it for you......in my car :D

Dan

Shamblerock

Nemisis, if you are not a mechanic or trim specialist, your ***** must be made of stainless steel!

Go for it.

c2k4-8

If do you get anyone else to install it - take it to your Mazda dealer. I've got one and it looks alot better than the stock brake handle.

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

Did you install yours, or did the dealer?

mikeb

the dealer is gonna charge you a grip
I bet atleast 80 bucks

TheDosDog

Hey, just bring it by. I'd be glad to put it in for you.

Really though it's pretty simple. Just make sure you don't scratch anything when you take out the passenger seat.

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

I'm at a time in my life, where I would rather pay people to work on my car. I simply am getting too old and lazy to do this stuff anymore I think I will get some quotes for the install, and let you guys know what they are.

o0o0o

I think Mazda ripped you off on that part.

Honestly, you should just go to an upholstery shop and just have them sew a leather piece onto your current hand brake. Save yourself a lot of hassle, cause I can't see any else different about it.

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

I asked three different upholstery shops about that and they were either not willing to work on this or wanted way too much to do exactly what you suggested.

o0o0o

More than a new handbrake and installation cost? Wow.

romulus

While the installation of the leather hand brake is simple, I went to a different route. Take a look of my previous post.
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-the_beans-%2414-99-leather-parking-break-modified-version-40428/
https://www.rx8club.com/west-rx-8-forum-34/proposal-oc-socal-rx8-monthly-meet-11-6-04-a-43659/

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

Now that's quit interesting - it never ceases to amaze me what forum members can come up with giving a little creativity.

Squidward

Don't sweat it, okay? It doesn't look complicated at all.

Just think of it in 3 steps:

1.remove the seat (very easy, if you can remove a bolt you can do this.)

2.remove the center console (this is not that hard, perhaps a bit more involved but very doable. When I installed my MP3 player, I was very nervous about having to snap out the front part of the center console, but after having done it, it was actually very straight forward in retrospect. This one will take a bit longer since you're actually removing the entire center console cover, not just he front part. Keep things orderly and there should be no problem. And remember to put plastic tape over the screwdriver when snapping out the console cover, so as to not scratch it. Be diligent--if you're overly cautious you'll never get it off since the cover snaps on quite firmly).

3. remove and replace the handbrake. Again very easy since it is only a few bolts to remove and reattach the new handle..

Then go backwards and put everything back and you're done.

I would suspect to put off about 3 hours of my free time to do this with extreme care. A pro could easily do this under an hour.

BTW, thank you for posting a closeup of the handbrake, it looks absolutely gorgeous, compared to the DIY jobs I saw in the posted links. I rarely see DIY projects that live up to OEM installs. Those DIY leather covers were no exception. IMO, they give off the impression that the owner is a cheapskate.

It sucks that the leather handbrake wasn't part with the leather seat option. I felt the look wouldn't be complete without it. I've been wanting order one and install it myself but I don't have time at the moment. But I plan to when I take some time off after the holidays.

Let us know how it goes!

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

OK - Finally installed! Dannobre came by and helped me get this part installed. We also reset the tension, which on my stock brake was way to loose - runaway car one day So, the new brake is in. looks awsome, and the tension is set to set the brake allot better. Thanks Dan!

Oh, yeah - you might notice we installed Polaks leather gear shift cover - sweet looking - Thanks Mark for a great product.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Get out there and clean off those fingerprints :D

It was fun helping put that thing in....now get to it and do the other stuff in your box!!

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

I'm waiting till you come back down...

RX8-CARL

I made my own as I thought OEM one was way too expensive.
It takes a bit of time but cost next to nothing, I used earlier posts as a guide.