I ended up using a small efi fuel hose clamp to hold it long enough to get it out... I've ordered new cables , but stole cables off another car i had temporarily. I also established the reason why the muppet cut the cable, the adjuster was screwed all the way down which effectively locked the handbrake on permanently. I figured this out when it was a bitch to connect up the new cables to the front half section.

The brake peddle is now soft on the first pump, but goes hard on the 3rd press. The booster was bench bled prior to it being re-installed, thinking the drums on the rear need adjusting and then it should be ok.

Otherwise, can anyone recommend where to buy a sleeve kit for the booster / new seals? It has been dry for about a year now.