71-74 Chargers how do I remove the e-brake rod to install a new handle?

[WH23G3G]

Ok my 73's e-brake handle has fallen out of the grommet that holds it in and the handle has come off. I got a new handle that came with a pin to knock in. But the rod is too flimsy to hold up and tap in the pin so you can't get a good sold hit on the pin, it's like it bounces because the rod is so flimsy. I need to be able to take the handle rod off and set it down on a flate surface to properly get the handle in. Oh most of all the handle and rod fall off the bracke all the time because that little round black grommet is all messed up. Are they available new?

[ODZKing]

I had the same issue with mine but the rod was just bent.  I tried everything the get the old broken handle out. I finally per the suggestion of Dino, cut the old handle off with a soldering gun. Then pulled the pin out which was almost impossible.  Put the new handle on and tried for days to get the stupid pin in there. I finally gave up and used a small nut and screw.
Only other option I could see was junkyard and get a new mechanism, which I did.  But what a project it is to get that on.  I went with I mentioned above.