Attempting to build the fastest road legal Elan in the world
Discussion
I made a carbon roof in a day but have spent more time trying to decide on how to release the handbrake :-)
The Rally Design unit is designed to be used in an exposed location, not covered by a console. The release is a simple latch that is lifted by hand. However it is inaccessible under the console.
So I need to work out some kind of opperating mechanism that is accessible and neat. Simplest would be a rod and knob fitted vertically to one end of the latch, either to pull or push the latch. I also thought of a bowden cable strapped to the handle but this would have to be detatchable so the handle could be removed.
Any ideas? Are there any such items already out there that I could adapt?
The Rally Design unit is designed to be used in an exposed location, not covered by a console. The release is a simple latch that is lifted by hand. However it is inaccessible under the console.
So I need to work out some kind of opperating mechanism that is accessible and neat. Simplest would be a rod and knob fitted vertically to one end of the latch, either to pull or push the latch. I also thought of a bowden cable strapped to the handle but this would have to be detatchable so the handle could be removed.
Any ideas? Are there any such items already out there that I could adapt?
B'stard Child said:
Hydraulic handbrake (emergency brake) as only system I thought was not legal?
Depends on age of vehicle :-)Quote from MOT manual:
Hydraulic parking brakes as a sole means of operation are not acceptable on vehicles first used on or after 1 January 1968. However, they may be used to assist the application or release of a mechanical brake.
My Elan was born in 1967.
stevebroad said:
B'stard Child said:
Hydraulic handbrake (emergency brake) as only system I thought was not legal?
Depends on age of vehicle :-)Quote from MOT manual:
Hydraulic parking brakes as a sole means of operation are not acceptable on vehicles first used on or after 1 January 1968. However, they may be used to assist the application or release of a mechanical brake.
My Elan was born in 1967.
stevebroad said:
I made a carbon roof in a day but have spent more time trying to decide on how to release the handbrake :-)
The Rally Design unit is designed to be used in an exposed location, not covered by a console. The release is a simple latch that is lifted by hand. However it is inaccessible under the console.
So I need to work out some kind of opperating mechanism that is accessible and neat. Simplest would be a rod and knob fitted vertically to one end of the latch, either to pull or push the latch. I also thought of a bowden cable strapped to the handle but this would have to be detatchable so the handle could be removed.
Any ideas? Are there any such items already out there that I could adapt?
Quick thoughts -The Rally Design unit is designed to be used in an exposed location, not covered by a console. The release is a simple latch that is lifted by hand. However it is inaccessible under the console.
So I need to work out some kind of opperating mechanism that is accessible and neat. Simplest would be a rod and knob fitted vertically to one end of the latch, either to pull or push the latch. I also thought of a bowden cable strapped to the handle but this would have to be detatchable so the handle could be removed.
Any ideas? Are there any such items already out there that I could adapt?
For your first idea, could you adapt an aftermakrt choke cable, mounted to handbrake body, and have a hole in the trans. Tunnel for the knob.
Second thought - you now have a hollow hbrake lever. Can you run a pushrod down it to trip the latch?
davepoth said:
How about using a central locking actuator? If you line it up properly it should work fine, and as an added bonus you could put a button to operate it on the end of the handbrake lever if you wanted.
Hmmm, interesting. There doesn't appear to be enough movement in these actuators, but it got me thinking about using a mini actuator with a longer throw. An electric switch on the end of the lever can be made easily removable. CheersAW111 said:
Quick thoughts -
For your first idea, could you adapt an aftermakrt choke cable, mounted to handbrake body, and have a hole in the trans. Tunnel for the knob.
Second thought - you now have a hollow hbrake lever. Can you run a pushrod down it to trip the latch?
Your first idea was where I was initially. Your second idea would be tricky to impliment as the handle needs to be removable and the latch needs to be lifted. Food for thought though, thanks.For your first idea, could you adapt an aftermakrt choke cable, mounted to handbrake body, and have a hole in the trans. Tunnel for the knob.
Second thought - you now have a hollow hbrake lever. Can you run a pushrod down it to trip the latch?
stevebroad said:
That has a quoted holding power of 0.2N, or about 20g (0.7 Oz). If that's enough, it looks good.stevebroad said:
It only has to lift one end of a 12mm x10mm x 60mm bar through 10mm
If it's the bar on the top of the frame in your handbrake pic, why not tap a thread in from the top and screw in something for a handle/knob? If necessary you could screw it in once the tunnel cover is fitted.It looks like ony 10-30mm clearance to the tunnel at that point : is that correct?
AW111 said:
If it's the bar on the top of the frame in your handbrake pic, why not tap a thread in from the top and screw in something for a handle/knob? If necessary you could screw it in once the tunnel cover is fitted.
It looks like ony 10-30mm clearance to the tunnel at that point : is that correct?
That was my initial idea. Simple solution but both hands would be needed to operate handle and knob at the same time.It looks like ony 10-30mm clearance to the tunnel at that point : is that correct?
Turn7 said:
Just a thought - if the battery is flat wont that mean you cant release the handbrake ?
:-) If the battery is flat that is the least of my worries. It is a lithium battery so if it is flat it is £200 worth of buggered. However, the handbrake design allows me to remove centre console and release handbrake manually.
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