Girls and handbrakes

[5MUG]

Has anyone got any suggestions for making the handbrake in my Chim Girlfriendly? It is so hard to pull it on so that it is effective. Any suggestions?

[matt 74]

Adjusting these is a fine art however try depressing the foof pedal first - this applies a better pressure compared to the cable operated lever, use the same method when releasing the handbrake, applying the pedal prior to releasing the handbrake.

Sound like you my need to spend some time adjusting it though this method i fould should only really apply to the 'last click' to ensure the handbrake is applied well.

Hope this assists.

[SpudMurphy]

matt 74 said:

Adjusting these is a fine art however try depressing the foof pedal first

I haven't got a foof pedal in my Chim. Should I be concerned?

[nig-gtv]

Just make sure she leaves the car in gear?

[Roberto Rica]

Don't know about 'Girls and handbrakes' but from what I hear the gear knob doubles up as a very good steely dan, particularly when idling!

Rob

[5MUG]

I am the 'she'!!! Yes I do! It's just a pain when at traffic lights etc on a hill.

Edited by 5MUG on Friday 9th February 21:23

[meatball]

5MUG said:

I am the 'she'!!! Yes I do! It's just a pain when at traffic lights etc on a hill.

Edited by 5MUG on Friday 9th February 21:23

If you have one of those ali cover grips (leven etc) you could pull it out a bit to give you more leverage???? just an idea.

[SpudMurphy]

On a slightly more serious note, the handbrakes on all 4 Chims that I have driven were very hard to use on anything more than a minimal slope. I use the foot brake (aka the foof brake) and only use the hand brake for the moment before engaging the clutch to start. Probably frowned upon by the 'experts' but practical.

I think that they are equally girl and boy unfriendly - just for once you're not being picked on!

[T666AKY]

SLACKEN THE ADJUSTMENT OFF IT WILL STICK UP MORE , SHE WILL PULL IT ALRIGHT THEN !!!

[Don]

5MUG said:

I am the 'she'!!! Yes I do! It's just a pain when at traffic lights etc on a hill.

Edited by 5MUG on Friday 9th February 21:23

My Mrs just uses both hands to yank the handbrake up far enough. Its a real PITA but that's the way they all are.

[STEVECHIM]

Dan Melladay at Lincoln mentioned that he had a handbrake mod kit that can be fitted to a Chim. Might be worth giving him a ring.

[paulga]

I have generously prevented my wife from having problems with the handbrake by only letting her sit in the left hand seat.

5MUG, just let Andy use the Chimaera for his daily crop husbandry.

Although if you follow my advice, that might end up as the only type of husbandry he's involved in!

Edited by paulga on Saturday 10th February 10:56

Edited by paulga on Saturday 10th February 10:58

[Red V8]

5MUG don't take any notice of these jibes.. most of us 'strong guys' on here have the same trouble with the handbrake!!

[paulga]

T666AKY said:

SLACKEN THE ADJUSTMENT OFF IT WILL STICK UP MORE , SHE WILL PULL IT ALRIGHT THEN !!!

Yes, this worked for me. If I recall, the adjustment nut is accessed by lying with your head in the drivers side rear wheel arch, and gorilla length arms are required!

[matt 74]

SpudMurphy said:

matt 74 said:

Adjusting these is a fine art however try depressing the foof pedal first

I haven't got a foof pedal in my Chim. Should I be concerned?

- i don't know you try and help people!!

[spend]

matt 74 said:

- i don't know you try and help people!!

At least you tried to help anofher owner...

[mrbongo]

Dumbells?

Stick your foot on the brake and then pull the handbrake, makes it much easier. I don't have any trouble, but all the girls in my life find it far too tough to pull the handbrake, so you're not alone.

Grit your teeth and give it some stick!