Handbrake help

[roadvoyager1]

When refitting my handbrake cables I managed to drop the small double holed link plate that fits across the end of the ends of the two cables before the adjusting and lock nuts are fitted. It seems to have gone down the side of the trans tunnel under the carpet. to get it out would seem to be a seats and carpet out job and one that I would prefer to avoid at present.
I have checked on RealOEM and this part is not listed. My local BMW dealer says that it comes as part of the handbrake lever assembly.
Can any of our resident parts suppliers (@spurs fan in a coupe, @mrscalex , @Synclare ) help with a replacement link plate?
The purpose of this plate seems to be to spread the force of the square tube under the hand brake lever evenly to the adjuster nuts. It doesn't, as I originally thought act as a balancing system. As such could the plate be replaced by a couple of thick (1mm) washers?

 

[t-tony]

The plate is there to stop the cables twisting as you adjust the nuts down the threaded sections. You can replace it with flat washers without problems as long as you are careful not to allow the cables to twist. You can hold the threaded pieces by using a small adjustable spanner on the "flats" but then you can't turn the nuts with a socket and you have to use a spanner which takes longer.
Have you tried fishing for the plate with and extendable pocket magnet?


Tony.

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

I'll have what you need, PM me your address

 

[roadvoyager1]

Have you tried fishing for the plate with and extendable pocket magnet?Tony.

Thanks for that information @t-tony. I will go fishing with a extending magnet rod, however, I am not hopeful and wanted to have a contingency plan. With your help I almost have it. Thanks again.

 

[roadvoyager1]

@spurs fan in a coupe sending you a PM.

 

[gookah]

Another contingency:

You can get to it by removing the exhaust and prop shaft and cutting the bottom of the floor out with an angle grinder..
get it out, weld back up and then refit is just a reverse of removal......
At least this way, I bet you won't drop it again......

 

[t-tony]

Ooooooooooooohh. Harsh Pete.

Tony.

 

[roadvoyager1]

Another contingency:

You can get to it by removing the exhaust and prop shaft and cutting the bottom of the floor out with an angle grinder..
get it out, weld back up and then refit is just a reverse of removal......
At least this way, I bet you won't drop it again......

Now that sounds an intersting approach to the problem. Just wish that I had asked for help earlier, as I had the exhaust and propshaft off earlier in the day and had just refitted them.
If I go down this route I might just leave the section I cut out loose so if it ever happens again the contingency is already there. Do you think duct tape would hold it in place and restore the structural integrity of the floor pan or would a couple of screws hold it better?