I was thinking that positioning the handbrake would get in the way of my elbow, if I place it on the tunnel.
1. Would it pass SVA if mounted on the side of the tunnel on the passenger side?
2. What about the old Caterham method of the Umbrella style handle under the dash?

MG Midget/Healey Sprite Handbrake Lever
Rescued attachment transtunnel sml.jpg

I don't believe location matters as long as it works and passes the sharp edges criteria.

in the passenger footwell is a bit unfriendly.

use clamps to put it in place and see how it feels - I have seen a recess made in the transmission tunnel so the top of the handbrake is more or less flush ... but makes it a bit award to operate.

incidentally what is different about your car that you seem to ahve this problem?

If you go with the midget style does it mean that the handbrake cable will run underneath the car?

I had the same dilemma. On car 1, the lever was placed on the tunnel and I found I caught my elbow on it. Car 2, we used a Toyota MR2 mechanism. This sits on the drivers side of the transmission tunnel. The cable routes neatly in the tunnel to a balance rod, then to 2 cables (1 for each wheel). Passed SVA no problem, and you lose about an inch next to your left knee.

I'm going sideways

Using a 'Morris Ital Estate' cable....

Its a 'T' shape with one cable to the handbrake and looks just like the escort only lighter and new!!

Must put a pic of it on here somtime..Its in the forum somwhere........

I also had exactly the same problem, went to put the handbrake where most people seem to, then actually thought about it!!!

Its a totally daft place to put it, and it gets in the way, bashes your arm and is generally crap!

I also never actually use the handbrake in any car I have that has one, so out of the way as far as possible for SVA is the way to go.

I have done a similar job to surrey dave, though not quite as neat for a couple of reasons, but very effective.

Midget lever , and a Marina cable which gives a single cable down the transmission tunnel , and then you have to fit an idler/compensator to the axle casing for the cross cable

I put mine on top of the transmission tunnel, but off centre to the drivers side. Can rest my elbow on the passenger side of the tunnel and it makes it easier to pull the lever.

David

If you had a prang you could really hurt your arm or elbow on a handbrake mounting /lever............

I think the standard location of the leaver may be more of a problem for me as I am building my chassis 4 inches shorter in the cockpit than the book dimensions. (I realise that a foot box will be required) It's not that I am short, in fact I'm 6ft, but I am trying to get a more period look.
The midget (chromed?) leaver is a good idea.
Thanks guys

I used a Sierra lever modified for a single cable to the Capri axle and it's a bit too far back on the tunnel to be applied easily. I don't use it often but I think about moving it every time I do use it. It doesn't get in the way but the leverage makes it awkward to apply from the seating position. In an ordinary situation you are above the lever but in these you are almost level with it. If it stuck straight up and you pulled it towards you it would be easier.

[Edited on 6/10/06 by Peteff]

quote:

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Originally posted by Surrey Dave
Midget lever , and a Marina cable which gives a single cable down the transmission tunnel , and then you have to fit an idler/compensator to the axle casing for the cross cable

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If you could have one that was either on or off like a switch without a ratchet would it be alright, so it locked in the on position under the tension of the cable.
Rescued attachment brakemech.jpg

This is something I deliberated over for a very long time. It now sits on my centre tunnel by my elbow but had considered putting it under the dash like the caterhams. stopped buggering about and used a metro lever and Mk5 cortina cable. I bet I do bash me elbow on it, but it was a quick fix.

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Mine's on the tunnel in the "standard" location and I find it ideal as I cna still use it, and it's just right for leaning my arm on when cruising along in traffic. But I am quite tall, so may not be for everyone.

The prop is lower at the back than it is at the front, At least it is with a fixed sierra rear axle. Could you not mount your hand brake in the tunnel but lower down than normal. More in the tunnel than on it. It will be to hand where it normally is but not get in the way of your elbow.