The Handbrake
Ahh, the Handbrake. That strange thing hanging underneath the rear calipers which only works on the day of the MoT and even then is debatable in it’s efficiency. The only thing I actually doubt when Lotty gets the annual test. I wonder.......
A few things we know already;
New and Old Linkages
So with that in mind, a re-design was on the cards.
Firstly we could utilise that extra cable length with a bit more leverage at the pivot tree and secondly, why not make the rods adjustable ? And finally, I just hate those fiddly split pins which look like it’s just been thrown together.
New Handbrake tree with rose joints
So this was the result. The first photo shows the old & new assemblies, the original in 3mm steel & tie rods, the new one in mostly 5mm steel for the tree with 6mm tie rods.
The actuating arm is now longer with a sweeping bend to accommodate the chassis/differential and allow overall greater movement.
The linkage rods are now threaded at both ends and are individually adjustable from underneath the car. The original “U” endings with split pins have been replaced with 6mm rose joints held in place with 6mm bolts.
Apart from looking nice, this results in far less free play in the system whilst still allowing suspension movement.
So does it work ?
You betcha. The first time in 30-odd years I’ve ever managed to lock the rear wheels using the handbrake. I was so surprised I got out to look at the road surface.