Heavy handbrake
Discussion
Hi all,
Just picking up on something in an earlier thread - I'm considering my options on what car I buy myself as a 30th birthday present, and a griff is definitely on the list.
I've driven one fairly regularly in the past but I could never go out alone in it because the handbrake was too damn stiff for me to put on. Being only 5'3 and sat low in the drivers seat I just couldn't get the leaverage to pull it up. (oh er missus!) I had to rely on the taller passenger doing it for me (quite embarrasing!!)
Are all griffs like this, or can it be altered at all? Does anyone (especially people of "average" height like myself!) have any experience of this or any tips they can offer (other than growing an extra 6 inches!!)
Cheers guys and gals
Just picking up on something in an earlier thread - I'm considering my options on what car I buy myself as a 30th birthday present, and a griff is definitely on the list.
I've driven one fairly regularly in the past but I could never go out alone in it because the handbrake was too damn stiff for me to put on. Being only 5'3 and sat low in the drivers seat I just couldn't get the leaverage to pull it up. (oh er missus!) I had to rely on the taller passenger doing it for me (quite embarrasing!!)
Are all griffs like this, or can it be altered at all? Does anyone (especially people of "average" height like myself!) have any experience of this or any tips they can offer (other than growing an extra 6 inches!!)
Cheers guys and gals
Your size isn't really an important factor. At 6'2" I still think its a PITA.
By adopting the technique of standing hard on the footbrake before pulling on the handbrake you can get it to work OK and you're better using leverage from your elbow on the centre console than brute strength pulling on the lever anyway.
I never trust the handbrake in the Griff, always leaving the car in 2nd.
By adopting the technique of standing hard on the footbrake before pulling on the handbrake you can get it to work OK and you're better using leverage from your elbow on the centre console than brute strength pulling on the lever anyway.
I never trust the handbrake in the Griff, always leaving the car in 2nd.
Barreti said:
Your size isn't really an important factor. At 6'2" I still think its a PITA.
By adopting the technique of standing hard on the footbrake before pulling on the handbrake you can get it to work OK and you're better using leverage from your elbow on the centre console than brute strength pulling on the lever anyway.
I never trust the handbrake in the Griff, always leaving the car in 2nd.
By adopting the technique of standing hard on the footbrake before pulling on the handbrake you can get it to work OK and you're better using leverage from your elbow on the centre console than brute strength pulling on the lever anyway.
I never trust the handbrake in the Griff, always leaving the car in 2nd.
Miss Pitstop said:
Still tempted by an old SL but also investigating other options!
Love the look of the SL but realise I'll be a long way back on a run out, and I'm under pressure to by a roofless tiv since you took the other half out to the Griff Growl!!
So it's sort of your fault!
Glad to have helped the cause Love the look of the SL but realise I'll be a long way back on a run out, and I'm under pressure to by a roofless tiv since you took the other half out to the Griff Growl!!
So it's sort of your fault!
Go for the Griff - I'm 5'4" and have the same problem so have just had to learn to drive without using the handbrake (even if I yank it on, it still rolls back, tut). Oh, and get a little hook-on mirror from Halfords to use when you have the roof off as I see NOTHING in the rear view mirror when topless. As it were 
Sam Gamgee said:
Miss Pitstop!
Griff good choice....normally as soon as a female appears on here all the pervy gents suddenly appear with double entendres......at least youre not having problems with your knob!
Dave. And welcome.
I can cope with the double entendres, and can certainly hold my own, just like you boys do! Griff good choice....normally as soon as a female appears on here all the pervy gents suddenly appear with double entendres......at least youre not having problems with your knob!
Dave. And welcome.
No knob problems here, not yet anyway!!
On a more serious note, thanks guys and gals for all your help. It seems I'm just going to have to test drive a few and learn to work around the handbrake if it's an issue.
A boxster isn't really for me, but I appreciate the alternative suggestions.
As I said, I'm looking to buy after I move house so not for a month or two yet, but I'll let you know when I do get myself a little run around!!
Cheers
A boxster isn't really for me, but I appreciate the alternative suggestions.
As I said, I'm looking to buy after I move house so not for a month or two yet, but I'll let you know when I do get myself a little run around!!
Cheers
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