Daniel - Not sure if you have to remove the seat, but why not - its only 4 bolts (5 if you take the seat belt anchor out) and with it out you have a lot more room to work. Its not too unusual for the cables to come out of the handle, and may be due to them needing to be lubricated or replaced. If you need new ones, I have about 70 in stock. -- Darryl Tinnerstet Specialty Automotive 4 LaBelle Lane McCleary, WA 98557 PH: 360-495-4640 FAX: 360-495-4680 www.delorean-parts.com