Handbrake - needed or not??

[ctsdave]

Hi. Just wondering if anyone can clarify as I can't see anything specific in bluebook. Currently have original handbrake fitted (not thats it really works but its there) - just not sure if it is needed? If I remove do I need a linelock or similar to replace or can I just throw it away??

Thanks in advance

Dave

[eastlmark]

what are you planning to do?

[ctsdave]

Sorry, forgot about that. Car is for circuit racing, competes in tvr championship and also looking cscc and bernies v8s for this year.

[andy97]

Had an argument with a Scrutineer on this very point! I had the handbrake removed from Porsche 924S because I couldnt fit a new seat in with it between the seat and the cage (it's on The RHS of a 924/ 944) and the Scrutineer told me this was illegall, until I pointed to a number of cars like the Ginetta G20 never had hand brakes fitted originally as they were not true road cars. He still argued and I asked for a second opinion. It turned out that what he meant was that the cars had to have 2 brake circuits and this was true of virtually every car on the grid so, no need for hand brake!

[spyderman8]

It might be in the technical regulations for your series. We've recently specifically added to ours that you may remove it if you want. Having stalled on the grid at Brands a couple of seasons ago, I'm not sure I'm happy without one!

Chris.

[ctsdave]

Theres nothing within tech regs for tvr or cscc. I dont think Tuscans have them but ours is a road based Griff converted back in 2008.

Our old MG was picked up similar to what Andy says and we had a line lock for the back brakes o it, hence we.left the handbrake in place on the TVR. However if it aint needed I need to lose weight out of the car! We have seperate lines front and rear.for brakes, so that should be sufficient!

Thanks guys

[NTEL]

ctsdave said:

Hi. Just wondering if anyone can clarify as I can't see anything specific in bluebook. Currently have original handbrake fitted (not thats it really works but its there) - just not sure if it is needed? If I remove do I need a linelock or similar to replace or can I just throw it away??

Thanks in advance

Dave

Chuck it away you puff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ctsdave]

Haha Dave. Like I said mate we were collared off a scrute with MG for not having one!! Itll.be coming out tomorrow - need to loose some weight out of car for this year!!

[NTEL]

ctsdave said:

Haha Dave. Like I said mate we were collared off a scrute with MG for not having one!! Itll.be coming out tomorrow - need to loose some weight out of car for this year!!

So........loose some of that belly and empty your bollix man!!!!!!!! Why aye.....

[indigorallye]

Handy to have one to help secure car when towing.
Having said that, I removed mine a few years ago.

[phatfordxr4i]

removed mine years ago never had a problem

[ctsdave]

Thanks guys!! Covered in trailer with winch at front and load straps at rear - couldnt get in to put handbrake on lol... Its coming off this afternoon!!

[ridgey]

Not got one on mine Dave , stick it in gear when towing . Chris

[eastlmark]

ridgey said:

Not got one on mine Dave , stick it in gear when towing . Chris

Was advised never to do so due to the constant back/ forth stress through the transmission.

[Renny]

Please check your Technical Regulations carefully. The usual caveat in the MSA Regulations is that "if it doesn't say you can do it, then you cant't". Unless the Regs specifically state that the handbrake can be removed, or that brakes are free, you could be caught out.

[spyderman8]

Nice one Renny.

[Kinkell]

How do you make a hill start on the grid without clutch slipping or heel toeing if no handbrake?

Just askin.

[ctsdave]

Thanks for comments guys. Its now out... Surprisingly heavy too!!

Reading bluebook I will be fine as front and rear brakes are on completely seperate lines with seperate master cylinders too. Never had an issue with starts on a slope or anything - in fact since the car was built in 2008 its never actually been used!

[Keithyboy]

. . . best excuse for why I was so slow that I've heard in a while Dave

[ctsdave]

Keithyboy said:

. . . best excuse for why I was so slow that I've heard in a while Dave

Haha Keith! Excuse right now is because the car is pedal power!! Engine due back very soon, wed to get it back in frame and work out wiring!! Hoping to do Bernies V8s at Dony in a month or so...

Hows your repairs coming along?