I have a parking brake in my Piper Archer and wanted one in the RV-8 as well. So, I checked Van's catalog and sure enough there was a kit for the RV-10 that according to the catalog could be modified to fit other models. Well, I ordered the install kit, a Matco valve, and a neat T-handle cable to operate the brake valve.
Then the trouble began. The configuration of the actuator lever on the valve operates in the opposite direction for proper installation in the RV-8. When mounted with the input fittings down where they can be directly attached to the high pressure lines from the master cylinders the lever would have to be pushed to close the valve (you need to pull the lever with the cable rather than push). Also, there is very little space in the RV-8 cockpit for mounting the control cable where you can get a smooth cable run to the valve. Mounting the valve horizontally creates an ugly run of brake lines and clutters up the bulkhead where I may want to mount some other items (perhaps fuse blocks). Mounting the valve on the bottom of the forward baggage floor also creates cabling problems. The forums offered no help either. Most folks suggest skipping the cable and operating the valve lever directly by hand by reaching under the panel or perhaps designing a bellcrank to reverse the pull of the cable to push the lever.
I think I have a more elegant solution. As you can see in the pictures below, I mounted the valve upside down on the bulkhead. I then ran short lines from the normal high pressure fittings coming from the master cylinders up to the input side of the Matco valve. The output side of the valve which is now pointed downward has 90 degree elbows where the brake lines will be attached.
Once mounted, the cable shown should have a fairly short and smooth run forward and over to the valve actuator. I expect to attach the cable to the heavy cross-member just above the valve and then to the valve bracket.
