Ralph Whitaker Posted July 11, 2020 Report Share Posted July 11, 2020 I was going to fit a set of full harness type seatbelts to my 3a, until I sat in and realised that no way would I be able to operate the handbrake when strapped in. Reading period road tests it seems that the reach for the brake was mentioned back in the days when the cars were new, so its not just that my arms are too short. Has anyone ever altered the brake lever to bring it into a better position, such as the rally boys that might want it for handbrake turns, which after all is the main reason for having a fly off handbrake in the first place. Ralph. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted July 11, 2020 Report Share Posted July 11, 2020 31 minutes ago, Ralph Whitaker said: I was going to fit a set of full harness type seatbelts to my 3a, until I sat in and realised that no way would I be able to operate the handbrake when strapped in. Reading period road tests it seems that the reach for the brake was mentioned back in the days when the cars were new, so its not just that my arms are too short. Has anyone ever altered the brake lever to bring it into a better position, such as the rally boys that might want it for handbrake turns, which after all is the main reason for having a fly off handbrake in the first place. Ralph. Revingtons do a conversion kit for the TR4 rally boys as that has the same problem, they use a later handbrake mounted on the tunnel. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ecosse Posted July 11, 2020 Report Share Posted July 11, 2020 Hi Ralph, I use my left leg to bring the handbrake lever towards me to a reachable distance when strapped in. Cheers, Cliff Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Morrison Posted July 11, 2020 Report Share Posted July 11, 2020 Ralf answer is yes, One of our group members used an iten of a racing cycle handlebar. I Think he bought a pair of some such extension, and used the best 'Handed' to his feel. John. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drewmotty Posted July 11, 2020 Report Share Posted July 11, 2020 A recent rebuild by a Devon Group member features a hydraulic hand brake with master cylinder in the line to the rear brakes and handle mounted on the transmission tunnel. No locking facility as it is just for hill starts and the original parking brake remains unaltered. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lebro Posted July 11, 2020 Report Share Posted July 11, 2020 FWIW I have full harness belts in my '3, & I can reach the handbrake ok. (5' 10" in case you were thinking I must be a short ar$e !) Bob. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Rod1883 Posted July 11, 2020 Report Share Posted July 11, 2020 I'm only 5'8 and one half" (that half is v important) and I can reach the handbrake without any issue. I have to reach a bit to grasp the lever to out the brake on from the released position. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drewmotty Posted July 11, 2020 Report Share Posted July 11, 2020 2 hours ago, Ecosse said: Hi Ralph, I use my left leg to bring the handbrake lever towards me to a reachable distance when strapped in. Cheers, Cliff Me too.....combined with a bit of heel and toe for hill starts. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drewmotty Posted July 11, 2020 Report Share Posted July 11, 2020 58 minutes ago, Lebro said: FWIW I have full harness belts in my '3, & I can reach the handbrake ok. (5' 10" in case you were thinking I must be a short ar$e !) Bob. Apeism Bob? :-) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foster461 Posted July 11, 2020 Report Share Posted July 11, 2020 Sit in the passenger seat and try and operate the handbrake. That's how it is for us LHD folks. Sorry miss, I was just reaching for the parking brake.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Morrison Posted July 11, 2020 Report Share Posted July 11, 2020 "Good Morning Judge, I never Touched her" John. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ralph Whitaker Posted July 12, 2020 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2020 19 hours ago, foster461 said: Sit in the passenger seat and try and operate the handbrake. That's how it is for us LHD folks. Sorry miss, I was just reaching for the parking brake.. I knew there was a reason why I should have left it left hand drive !!. Ralph. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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