Handbrake Cable Too Long

[Lewis's Friend]

Hi All

I have just routed my new handbrake cable for my disc conversion and the cable is massively too long.

I seem to vaguely recall that this is not unusual, given that it comes off of a totally different car! So firstly, is this the case, or am I just remembering wrong?

Secondly, how does one go about shortening a cable? Can I drill a hole in the fixing at the end and just put a grub screw in it after chopping the length down? Or will this not be strong enough?

As always, all input appreciated.

[Lewis's Friend]

Thanks - never done brazing before, but a first time for everything...!

[Lewis's Friend]

Alan Whitaker said:

Most cables are Teflon coated and have lots of lubricant inside to stop rusting. you would have to use a acid cleaner on the end, heat would prob fu#k the Teflon up.

Alan

I think the idea would be to braze a sleeve around the handbrake end-loop (for want of a better word), then drill and tap a couple of holes to accept some grub screws. The handbrake cable itself isn't brazed in, but is held by the grub screws.

Out of interest I phoned TVR parts to see how much a new one was. And in short, they seem not to know. They also didn't know if the one they were talking about was for drums or discs, which didn't inspire confidence...!

[Lewis's Friend]

I think I'm going to have a go modifying mine. If that proves to be a complete disaster, I'll look at others. The Caterham one could be a good option.

ML Performance can do one for approx £70, but that would make me rather sad as I have a brand new one already (even if the wrong length) and it seems like a waste of money.

TVR parts got back to me and can do one for £25. Result! This was a Chimaera cable though, which I'm pretty sure isn't right. It seems they don't know either. I realise stocking parts for old cars can be fraught with difficulty, but the few times I have been in contact with them, they have totally underwelmed me...!