JPSC Forum

There seems to be a bit of a problem with the handbrake design on my chassis. If you trace a straight line between the cable mount on the lever and the cable mounts at the back of the transmission tunnel, it is blocked by the upright tube on the transmission tunnel side! This means that when the handbrake is applied, the cable digs in against the upright tube.

BGH's suggestion was to bend the lower portion of the handbrake lever towards the centreline of the transmission tunnel. I've done this, but still need more clearance.

I've seen photos of cars with a strip of self-lubricating plastic attached to the offending transmission tunnel tube to reduce friction, but I think that its against IVA rules to have the cable rubbing other components in operation.

I've considered chopping off the handbrake lever mounts and welding new ones on which extend further outwards towards the centre of the tunnel, but would rather not have to do this if there's an easier way which doesn't involve welding and painting.

Has anyone else experienced this problem, and what kind of modifications were needed to get around it?

Cheers,
Jek

Edited to add: sorry I don't have any pics of mine as I don't have access to the car just now, but here's a pic of the offending tube with plastic cable guide on Rob Collingridge's site: http://www.robcollingridge.com/kitcar/build/2006/09/2006_09_09_Cable_Guide.jpg

Yep, had that problem & as you say I fitted a PTFE tube round the chassis tube, it wasn't a problem for the SVA inspector because I panelled the underside of the trans tunnel so he never got to see it.

I cant see a problem with RobC's solution as as long as the plastic has a groove and rounded edges. Many Vauxhalls have the handbrake cables sliding in plastic bushes on the rear axle beam.
It's not a problem I had as I fitted a linkage there to multiply the leverage and improve the operation of my Wilwood calipers. It resulted in a much better feel than the rock solid handbrake levers I've felt on a lot of Furys.

Thanks for the responses.

I'll go with a strip of bushing plastic rivetted to the chassis tube in question. If I was to weld on new lever mounts, I'd have to remake the tunnel top panel, and I've already had it powder coated.

I'm also going to need to rivet a thin strip of bushing plastic to the upper tunnel rail to stop the lever itself scraping the chassis. Additionally, when you pull the lever, the moon shaped metal piece at the end of the cable has a tendency to foul the lower chassis tube. All in all, its a very poor 'design'!

Having another look at RobC's site, I have different handbrake mounts which place my lever closer to the tunnel side. The upper bolt on his fixes to a boss welded to the side of the angled tube, whereas on mine, the bolt passes through the tube itself.
http://www.robcollingridge.com/kitcar/build/2005/11/2005_11_02_centre_tunnel_top.jpg

Jek

"Additionally, when you pull the lever, the moon shaped metal piece at the end of the cable has a tendency to foul the lower chassis tube. All in all, its a very poor 'design'!"

Agreed, I threw it away & used a flying control pulley wheel in an adjustable fork instead.