:cry
ladies and gentlemen, i need your help...

went to start the engine, put it in reverse, tried to take off the handbrake and ergh--- nothing happens...

may have heard a little pop, hand brake doesn't feel like its off, though the lever is down, brake pedal won't depress, damn thing won't move.... what have i done??? how do i fix it? the brakes have been a little squeaky of late...

do i need to replace the whole kit and caboodle? anyone know the best people to see? please help

Sounds like you have somehow jammed the handbrake on.

I take it we are talking beetle???

If you pull the lever back up can you here the ratchet????
or is it loose????

Can you take the rubber boot off the hand brake and look at how the 2 cables are sitting???
The come up and both go through a little plate about 40mm x 10mm ??
This has a pivot/bump in the middle that should sit on the hand brake.
It gets pulled tight when you raise the hand brake lever.
It may have moved and jammed some how causing it to stick on.

Otherwise i am guessing it is in the rear drum some how

pulling up its stiff, no ratchet noise like its tightening... feels jammed on. tried yanking it a bit but no go.

yes, beetle, manx kit... i'm completely scoobied when it comes to checking the brakes. engine wants to move it but it won't budge....