update...
turns out that BOTH the front and rear E-brake cables need replacing. and that i might be able to put off installing the rear one, temporarily.
i've already removed the front cable and found it to be incredibly stiff and thick and intractable! with what appears to be an excessive amount rubber sheathing along its length and what looks like a springs and stretched springs along the length too.
anyway, i've got a new one on the way that looks to be much more svelte and manageable and possibly simple to install. is this just wishful thinking?
again, this is now just the FRONT cable that i'll be replacing for the time being and any pointers would be very welcome. thanks