No Handbrake option
Discussion
I'm stuck trying to figure out how to install a handbrake in my R500
Caterham says it can't be done as it is chassis welded although I might be able to use a pre 1966 underdash one OOS.
Has anyone installed a post build (aftermarket) handbrake?
I still think getting a tunnel cover that has the handbrake opening is the way to go then I can use that as a template to cut out the access point in the tunnel.Any pointers to which cover I should be looking at?
Then I am sure I can weld a boss to the frame to support a handbrake and use one from a ????? that way I can get al the cables fittings etc
Then there is the rear handbrake Calipers I don't have any ....... does Caterham use seperate handbrake calipers.
Lastly (for now) interior paneling where do I buy it from? I would prefer if I could get a kit to finish up the whole car there was a cool looking Carbon interior build but I am not that worried about weight (I will probably cover it with carpet) and the wife would never understand the cost anyway.
So to recap
How to Install handbrake
What tunel cover fits an R500 with a handbrake
Rear Calipers What options do I have
Compete Interior trim pack
Thanks
Caterham says it can't be done as it is chassis welded although I might be able to use a pre 1966 underdash one OOS.
Has anyone installed a post build (aftermarket) handbrake?
I still think getting a tunnel cover that has the handbrake opening is the way to go then I can use that as a template to cut out the access point in the tunnel.Any pointers to which cover I should be looking at?
Then I am sure I can weld a boss to the frame to support a handbrake and use one from a ????? that way I can get al the cables fittings etc
Then there is the rear handbrake Calipers I don't have any ....... does Caterham use seperate handbrake calipers.
Lastly (for now) interior paneling where do I buy it from? I would prefer if I could get a kit to finish up the whole car there was a cool looking Carbon interior build but I am not that worried about weight (I will probably cover it with carpet) and the wife would never understand the cost anyway.
So to recap
How to Install handbrake
What tunel cover fits an R500 with a handbrake
Rear Calipers What options do I have
Compete Interior trim pack
Thanks
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BertBert said:
Which r500 didn't have a handbrake?
The sort of R500 which isn't an R500, or bears any resemblance to one. This is about the equivalent of someone posting in the Porsche forum asking, which brake pads they need for their GT3RS, when they've actually got a cat C Boxster.Edited by sfaulds on Thursday 3rd May 12:03
Hi Steve (Brightonuk), coincidentally I've just replied to your email you sent regarding the Caterham Register!
My understanding is that your car was originally supplied as a superlight chassis but without an engine therefore is not an R500, but is more likely a superlight race car chassis of the spec that was supplied around 1996 to 2002, these were the post-96 chassis (updated front suspension mountings) but with the pre-96 tunnel configuration (no handbrake). I'm led to believe the reason for this configuration was that the later tunnel was stiffened to take the handbrake mountings and as such was considered dangerous on track in a side-impact situation, therefore the non-handbrake tunnel was preferable. With the changeover to full cage protection for race use this became irrelevant and all cars now have a tunnel handbrake.
It should therefore be reasonably straightforward to fit an "under-dash handbrake" as was fitted to the pre-96 chassis, your chassis may already have the fitment points. I'd suggest sourcing a build manual for the pre-96 cars to give you an idea of what you're looking at, I think it was basically a modified Austin/Rover Mini handbrake. Having had both types of chassis I actually preferred the under-dash handbrake!
If you haven't already joined I'd suggest joining the Lotus Seven Club, you'll find a wide array of help and experience. There's also a few members in the USA.
Stu.
My understanding is that your car was originally supplied as a superlight chassis but without an engine therefore is not an R500, but is more likely a superlight race car chassis of the spec that was supplied around 1996 to 2002, these were the post-96 chassis (updated front suspension mountings) but with the pre-96 tunnel configuration (no handbrake). I'm led to believe the reason for this configuration was that the later tunnel was stiffened to take the handbrake mountings and as such was considered dangerous on track in a side-impact situation, therefore the non-handbrake tunnel was preferable. With the changeover to full cage protection for race use this became irrelevant and all cars now have a tunnel handbrake.
It should therefore be reasonably straightforward to fit an "under-dash handbrake" as was fitted to the pre-96 chassis, your chassis may already have the fitment points. I'd suggest sourcing a build manual for the pre-96 cars to give you an idea of what you're looking at, I think it was basically a modified Austin/Rover Mini handbrake. Having had both types of chassis I actually preferred the under-dash handbrake!
If you haven't already joined I'd suggest joining the Lotus Seven Club, you'll find a wide array of help and experience. There's also a few members in the USA.
Stu.
V7SLR said:
Hi Steve (Brightonuk), coincidentally I've just replied to your email you sent regarding the Caterham Register!
My understanding is that your car was originally supplied as a superlight chassis but without an engine therefore is not an R500, but is more likely a superlight race car chassis of the spec that was supplied around 1996 to 2002, these were the post-96 chassis (updated front suspension mountings) but with the pre-96 tunnel configuration (no handbrake). I'm led to believe the reason for this configuration was that the later tunnel was stiffened to take the handbrake mountings and as such was considered dangerous on track in a side-impact situation, therefore the non-handbrake tunnel was preferable. With the changeover to full cage protection for race use this became irrelevant and all cars now have a tunnel handbrake.
It should therefore be reasonably straightforward to fit an "under-dash handbrake" as was fitted to the pre-96 chassis, your chassis may already have the fitment points. I'd suggest sourcing a build manual for the pre-96 cars to give you an idea of what you're looking at, I think it was basically a modified Austin/Rover Mini handbrake. Having had both types of chassis I actually preferred the under-dash handbrake!
If you haven't already joined I'd suggest joining the Lotus Seven Club, you'll find a wide array of help and experience. There's also a few members in the USA.
Stu.
I have a race chassis SLR which has no tunnel mounted handbrake. In order to make it MOT compliant, I added an under-dash handbrake which sits above the passenger footwell - there were bosses for this purpose already attached to the chassis. Caterham can supply the actual handbrake.My understanding is that your car was originally supplied as a superlight chassis but without an engine therefore is not an R500, but is more likely a superlight race car chassis of the spec that was supplied around 1996 to 2002, these were the post-96 chassis (updated front suspension mountings) but with the pre-96 tunnel configuration (no handbrake). I'm led to believe the reason for this configuration was that the later tunnel was stiffened to take the handbrake mountings and as such was considered dangerous on track in a side-impact situation, therefore the non-handbrake tunnel was preferable. With the changeover to full cage protection for race use this became irrelevant and all cars now have a tunnel handbrake.
It should therefore be reasonably straightforward to fit an "under-dash handbrake" as was fitted to the pre-96 chassis, your chassis may already have the fitment points. I'd suggest sourcing a build manual for the pre-96 cars to give you an idea of what you're looking at, I think it was basically a modified Austin/Rover Mini handbrake. Having had both types of chassis I actually preferred the under-dash handbrake!
If you haven't already joined I'd suggest joining the Lotus Seven Club, you'll find a wide array of help and experience. There's also a few members in the USA.
Stu.
You may also have to source a set of "handbrake calipers" with "spot" pads, and fabricate a bracket on the rear de dion ear to attached this to. Loads of companies can supply these. Not a difficult mod, and required no welding.
OK Sorry but I am confused (Kinda easy these days) reading the Magnificent 7 the R500 had a 1.8 rover power plant
I have a Supertlite R kit, 2.0 Zetec (due to import restriction I assume)
The engine has been modified comprising of TWM Throttle bodies, 4" Air horns, Cosworth pistons, oversize valves and followers, Kelly rally cams, race ported, Fidanza Flywheel, Honeycomb in drivers side floor (whatever that means) aluminum Bell housing and quoted 230+ HP.
Not sure what HP to ton ratio that is but it is rather fast so I just have a souped up superlite?
I have a Supertlite R kit, 2.0 Zetec (due to import restriction I assume)
The engine has been modified comprising of TWM Throttle bodies, 4" Air horns, Cosworth pistons, oversize valves and followers, Kelly rally cams, race ported, Fidanza Flywheel, Honeycomb in drivers side floor (whatever that means) aluminum Bell housing and quoted 230+ HP.
Not sure what HP to ton ratio that is but it is rather fast so I just have a souped up superlite?
What you have is a lot of smiles per mile!
Caterham use some additional aluminium panels made up of a honeycomb type aluminium mesh bonded between two sheets of ormal aluminium. The woke Sandwich sheet is around 1cm thick. These panels are then used in areas needing higher impact protection, as standard they're inserted in between the side skin inner and outer panels and also above the petrol tank (actually the boot floor). It's possible to add additional panels for more protection around and underneath the fuel tank and over the floors. Look on the Caterham Parts site and do a search for "honeycomb".
Stu.
Caterham use some additional aluminium panels made up of a honeycomb type aluminium mesh bonded between two sheets of ormal aluminium. The woke Sandwich sheet is around 1cm thick. These panels are then used in areas needing higher impact protection, as standard they're inserted in between the side skin inner and outer panels and also above the petrol tank (actually the boot floor). It's possible to add additional panels for more protection around and underneath the fuel tank and over the floors. Look on the Caterham Parts site and do a search for "honeycomb".
Stu.
V7SLR said:
What you have is a lot of smiles per mile!
Caterham use some additional aluminium panels made up of a honeycomb type aluminium mesh bonded between two sheets of ormal aluminium. The woke Sandwich sheet is around 1cm thick. These panels are then used in areas needing higher impact protection, as standard they're inserted in between the side skin inner and outer panels and also above the petrol tank (actually the boot floor). It's possible to add additional panels for more protection around and underneath the fuel tank and over the floors. Look on the Caterham Parts site and do a search for "honeycomb".
Stu.
In the days before lowered floors being standard on race cars, there used to be sections of honeycomb fitted to the floor. Superlights had the bag tank, so didn't get the honeycomb tank protection. This car looks as if all the honeycomb and interior panels have been stripped out of the sideskins.Caterham use some additional aluminium panels made up of a honeycomb type aluminium mesh bonded between two sheets of ormal aluminium. The woke Sandwich sheet is around 1cm thick. These panels are then used in areas needing higher impact protection, as standard they're inserted in between the side skin inner and outer panels and also above the petrol tank (actually the boot floor). It's possible to add additional panels for more protection around and underneath the fuel tank and over the floors. Look on the Caterham Parts site and do a search for "honeycomb".
Stu.
sfaulds said:
In the days before lowered floors being standard on race cars, there used to be sections of honeycomb fitted to the floor. Superlights had the bag tank, so didn't get the honeycomb tank protection. This car looks as if all the honeycomb and interior panels have been stripped out of the sideskins.
I could be wrong, but my recollection of my previous Caterham that had honeycomb floor inserts was that it eliminated the step at front edge of the floor panel where it meets the footbox (just below the driver's heal) - Steve your car appears to have the step therefore it looks like it hasn't got the honeycomb inserts there either.
Stupid is as Stupid does I should of done in the first place.... removed the exiting tunnel and look
I guess this is the handbrake mount along with the tunnel info
which means I need this tunnel?
https://caterhamparts.co.uk/tunnel-tops/2724-tunne...
The regular handbrake and mounting attachments and the callipers
I guess this is the handbrake mount along with the tunnel info
which means I need this tunnel?
https://caterhamparts.co.uk/tunnel-tops/2724-tunne...
The regular handbrake and mounting attachments and the callipers
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