Vixen Handbrake Mounting

Vixen Handbrake Mounting

Author
Discussion

Bull McCabe

Original Poster:

249 posts

258 months

Saturday 23rd December 2017
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I have been doing a few jobs on my Vixen and I am having trouble getting the handbrake mechanism to align properly.
Before I removed it the handbrake lever was fouling the chassis rail on the top of the transmission tunnel by the drivers seat. There are 2 spacers, which from memory, I think one was on the inside and one was on the outside.
I have tried to swap things around so the handbrake will move freely without rubbing on the chassis rail, but it still seems wrong.
Maybe it was right as it was and that is just how they are but if anyone has a picture of the handbrake mechanism it might help me out.
Thanks in advance.

Andrew Gray

4,969 posts

156 months

Saturday 23rd December 2017
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Hope this helps

Andrew

Bull McCabe

Original Poster:

249 posts

258 months

Saturday 23rd December 2017
quotequote all
Thanks Andrew,
That's exactly what I was hoping for. Someone had put the spacers in at odds and I assumed it was to create an angle for the lever. I was trying to correct it, but it was a swine to get the nuts on with the exhaust in the way, so when the first 2 configurations didn't work I thought it best to ask for help.
I am very grateful for you taking the time. Because the photo is precisely what I was talking about, I am guessing you took the photo tonight? If so, it is very kind and will make it easier for me tomorrow.
Thanks again,
Gary

Bull McCabe

Original Poster:

249 posts

258 months

Saturday 23rd December 2017
quotequote all
I have just studied the picture again.... I now know what was wrong. The handbrake lever was originally on the wrong side of the bracket, between the bracket and the chassis rails. This must be why one spacer was used to create an offset so that it would just about clear the aperture in the transmission tunnel. No wonder I struggled getting the nuts on the inside, there was no room at all. It seems so obvious now but I was trying to replicate what was there to begin with. I am sure that when it is done this way that the lever will have clearance and will also be a damn sight easier to apply the handbrake up to the top.
I will update tomorrow.
Thanks again.

Andrew Gray

4,969 posts

156 months

Saturday 23rd December 2017
quotequote all
Glad its a help yes dressing gown on up to the man cave you where lucky the Vixen is on the ramp ready for a rear strip and refresh and new uprights etc so it was an excuse to escape glad its sorted it for you.
Happy Christmas
Andrew

Bull McCabe

Original Poster:

249 posts

258 months

Saturday 23rd December 2017
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Yes, Happy Christmas to you too. I will post again soon with updates.

vicankim

40 posts

172 months

Sunday 24th December 2017
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Bull
My S2 Vixen is exactly the same as Andrews photograph. However, this set me thinking as on my car when you engage reverse (2000E gear box) with the handbrake on, your thumb can get painfully trapped between the gear and handbrake levers. You get used to this and by slapping rather than gripping the gear lever it can be avoided.
I wonder if a previous owner on your car has tried to put some distance between the two levers🤔
Steve

Andrew Gray

4,969 posts

156 months

Sunday 24th December 2017
quotequote all
vicankim said:
Bull
My S2 Vixen is exactly the same as Andrews photograph. However, this set me thinking as on my car when you engage reverse (2000E gear box) with the handbrake on, your thumb can get painfully trapped between the gear and handbrake levers. You get used to this and by slapping rather than gripping the gear lever it can be avoided.
I wonder if a previous owner on your car has tried to put some distance between the two levers??
Steve
Obviously a fail safe to remind you to take the flipping hand brake off hehe
Never really noticed as i hardly use hand brakes driving an Auto Daily i really forget to bother and just park the TVRs in gear usually
A

ATE399J

729 posts

244 months

Sunday 24th December 2017
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And hill starts?

TwinKam

3,170 posts

102 months

Sunday 24th December 2017
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Handbrakes. Use em or lose em. soapbox

Bull McCabe

Original Poster:

249 posts

258 months

Monday 25th December 2017
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Thanks for all the responses.

I have managed to solve the issue now. My car is a 2500 and to fit the handbrake mechanism as shown in the picture meant it was just a whisker from the speedo angle drive coming out of the side of the gearbox. It really was a tight squeeze which is why someone in the past must have decided it was fitted between the bracket and chassis rather than the bracket and chassis.
The lever now operates freely and in a perpendicular motion rather than at an odd angle and catching on the chassis which meant the handbrake wouldn't pull all the way to the top.

Thanks again and Merry Christmas to you all.