'Grabber' Handbrake Conversion Kits....

[MrBig]

Some years ago I came across a fairly basic handbrake conversion kit to convert a non-handbrake caliper to include a basic handbrake function suitbale for IVA/MOT purposes. It basically put two plates behind the brake pads and ran a sprung cable between the two, when you pulled on the handbrake lever it squeezed the pads together...job done.

I believe they were produced by Marlin Sportscars, but it appears that they no longer produce them. I have left a message enquiring just in case, but has anyone seen a similar product anywhere else? Brakes are 4 pot brembos if it makes any difference?

Any pointers gratefully received.

[mikeveal]

Can't help with that I'm afraid.
Alternatively, how about a mechanical spot caliper? Light, small and easy to add.

[Steve_D]

Brembo and willwood both supply handbrake calipers.

Steve

[Justin S]

Sounds quite a crude device and not seen them before. Could you mount some separate handbrake calipers like Willwood spot ( IIRC) calipers that just do the handbrake and leave your rear calipers to do just the braking ?

[MrBig]

Thanks for the replies all. Problem is that the existing carrier is also the wheel bearing carrier and is ali so it’s not easy to add an additional caliper bracket on.

[Red16]

What car is the original caliper/upright/hub arrangement from?

[e21jason]

Hi Spec brakes make a radial mount caliper that includes a hand brake

[MrBig]

Apologies folks, didn't receive notifications of replies for a few days.

Anyway, existing hub/carrier setup is from an early Porsche 944. Its aluminium so no chance of adding extra brackets. The standard Porsche setup uses small handbrake shoes inside the discs. I'm making a few changes such as wheel PCD so can't easily use that setup. I already have a complete set of 4 Porsche Boxster calipers ready to go on, it looks like I will have to move those on and move to a setup which uses handbrake calipers for the rear.

Thanks for the help!