Handbrake cable

[dumbiron]

Ok so I've now got my enthusiasm back for getting the Geep finished, the missus has even found some wheels she likes. So just one quesion where/how does the handbrake outer cable mount after it comes off the rear axle. I've got/had 2 Geeps and they have both been different and neither was very satisfactory.

[Dave the Steam]

What wheels have you found? I have been trying to find 6 x 15" for a long time - still no luck. Wondered if your find will do this size.

Handbrake cable on my Mk2 based Geep is crap, cable fits into C shaped bit on rod to LH brake drum, cable fits onto RH Drum. Serrated cable outer chews metal off petrol tank flange.

I was hoing to make a new all rod system, but as a temporary fix I put some hard plastic tubing round the outer to let it slide over tank flange.

[Trialboy]

The 15" wheels that I have fitted to my Geep are from a SAAB 9000. Any 4 stud SAAB (900,9000,99)will fit but make sure you have some Ford alloy wheel nuts to suit.
I got mine off a sierra.
To ensure I have no problems with fouling on the struts I have a 10mm spacer between the alloy wheel and hub. This works very well and the wheels certainly look good.
My set with 195/65/15 tyres cost £45 off ebay.
Trialboy.

[dumbiron]

Yes Yes very nice about all the wheels (mine are 14" Wolfrace 2x 5*14 and 2x 8*14) Still doesn't help me with the hand brake problem. Got a mk1 set up on the moment and a mk2 set up hung on the garage wall but neither seem to 'run' correctly, unless I either

1- rund the cable through the fuel tank (no go'er really)

2- mount handbrake lever where the gear stick is (bit inconvenient)

Could always build a 90" Geep, that would solve it ! (had a 78" 1/2 and a 76" one so far)

[okeydokey]

IIRC mine used to foul on fuel tank as well, what is the difference between the mk1 and mk2 set up? I thought they were the same tbh.
Are the cables different lengths? You aint got one/both off an estate? are they longer?
When it comes off the rod the flexible metal bit sits in another bracket secured by a circlip (i think).

What about fabricating a dual cable set up off original lever? a la peugeot<sp 205, just a thought.

[drseg]

mk 1 's use a bit of material to attatch to axle which 30 yrs down the line will have rotted into dust

[techsec]

Ok the easy answer for stopping the hand brake cable wearing on the tank flange is the foam wrap that is used to lag pipes. The system for Mk1 and Mk2 Escort is as you are all aware different. If you wish to fit the Mk2 system to a Mk1 axle then ensure you remove the bracket that previously held the canvas/rubber bracket. The Mk2 Escort rod (that runs along the axle) needs shortening. I do have a diagram/information sheet regarding the conversion.
I have done this conversion on quite a few Jago's.

[dumbiron]

Why does the mk2 axle rod need shortening (trying not to sound to daft !)

Is there any way/where I could get the inner cable shortened? (safely!)
Using the mk2 cable does have one advantage, its more bendy so easier to twist into something like the right direction.

[trextr7monkey]

I seem to remember a cable shortening device from Vauxhall Viva days where the cable went through a pressed steel shape in an S shaped convoluted route and was clamped somehow at the ends. No idea if it, or a modern equivalent, still exists but it did the job then.

[drseg]

yep we had one of those on a viva too
think i saw some at stoneleigh

[techsec]

I am not sure why the Mk2 escort rod (that runs along the back axle) needs shortening but for some reason on every one I have done that has been the case so here lies a mystery.
As I say if required I can do a sheet about the alterations.

[dumbiron]

O.k. On the same lines but a different plan of attack, Do mk1 half shafts fit in mk2 axle cases? And are the rear drums the same size. I know I would end up with a mixture or brake pipe threads but it would mean no cutting of rod thing?

[techsec]

Hi yes Mk1 half shafts fit the MK2 axle and the opposite is also true.
The only thing is the stud threads are different and the studs are not interchangeable as one is a slightly larger diameter than the other at the fixing spline end.

If you have got a Mk2 axle then you will not need to shorten the hand brake axle rod as it will be the right one for the axle it is just if the Mk1 handbrake system (on the mk1 axle) is being replaced with the Mk2 system.

Confusing aint it!

[drseg]

erm.....yes...just say it agaun
twice
just kidding i understood
on a serious note
theres differences in wheel nuts too between imperial nut angles and metric ones as they sit against wheels
if you aint sure ask

[Club.Ed.Tonka]

Found that out when trying to fit some Cortina alloys to Jeff's mark 1 based Geep , nobody seems to sell 7/16 unf 60 degree domed nuts with a big enough taper to safely tighten against an alloy wheel so its sat on wellers again!

[dumbiron]

Righto problem solved, mk1 axle casing, mk2 back plates and mk1 halhshafts. The rod needs cutting/welding on mk1 axles because the little levers that come out of the back plates to work the hand brake are straight whilst the mk2 ones are curved and a bit longer.

Had to make a slide hammer to fit this lot together