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Further to my other thread about an Umbrella handbrake. I have problems with my hands and can see it reaching the point where pressing the button on a handbrake could be difficult. The pull and twist umbrella type will solve that but I'm also now thinking about electric handbrakes. Last year my licence was suspended until I took a fitness to drive assessment. I was given a new Mervia with electric handbrake to use and didn't like the way it worked with a manual gearbox. With an automatic, however, an electric handbrake could be worth considering. AFAIK there are basically two types - electric motors that work a screw thread which presses on the pads of rear caliper  or something like a mini winch that pulls on normal handbrake cable.  Anyone retro fitted such an electric handbrake ? On a manual car I assume there will be sensors that detect engine revs, clutch operation etc but I'm thinking mainly just a simple on-off switch for use with an auto gearbox in a kit car. Thanks. Paul H |
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It might not be an issue for you and what you are planning but an MOT needs handbrake cables to be visible - i.e a hydrolic handbrake isn't technically ok
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Rich
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 6,339 
Club RR Member Number: 160
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Electric handbrake ?Rich
@foxmcintyre
Club Retro Rides Member 160
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It might not be an issue for you and what you are planning but an MOT needs handbrake cables to be visible - i.e a hydrolic handbrake isn't technically ok None of the options are hydraulic  |
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93fxdl
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Possibly another option is the foot pedal brake, our Sedona has a fourth pedal to the left of the clutch, to apply the brake and a lever on the dash to release. I believe some American cars have the same system ( Sedona is a rebadged ford ) and possibly some Mercedes
Ttfn Glenn
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Rich
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 6,339
Club RR Member Number: 160
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Electric handbrake ?Rich
@foxmcintyre
Club Retro Rides Member 160
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Possibly another option is the foot pedal brake, our Sedona has a fourth pedal to the left of the clutch, to apply the brake and a lever on the dash to release. I believe some American cars have the same system ( Sedona is a rebadged ford ) and possibly some Mercedes Ttfn Glenn My XG30 is another contender for pedal brake. Wonder how easy that would be to adapt as a system overall? |
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Foot operated handbrake isn't really an option either despite being a good idea. The footwells of the kit car are already very tight.
Paul h
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93fxdl
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How about a line lock on the hydraulics for parking, and retain an ordinary handbrake for hill starts but with an over ride to keep the button locked in, except when tested for mot.
Ttfn Glenn
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Hi, as you are obviously aware the parking brake needs to be mechanical but can be electrically operated. Of the two proprietary solutions the 'winch' type would be the easiest to retro fit to an existing brake set-up.
Some years ago I had a friend who had an adapted mobility car, he had a foot steer as he had limited use of his hands and arms and the solution to the handbrake issue on his car was that they changed just the handbrake lever to an over centre type with no ratchet and button. He generally used the gearbox park facility, but the handbrake was there for the MOT. Once the cable was carefully adjusted to work and the seldom use by his wife it stayed in adjustment for ages, might be something worth considering plus could be changed from vehicle to vehicle if necessary.
Hope this helps.
Colin
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Last Edit: Jan 7, 2014 20:29:35 GMT by colnerov
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93fxdl
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An "over centre" handbrake is something I've never heard of before so will explore that option - thanks.
Paul H
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93fxdl
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Another possibility, could be replace the button with a lever above or below the main lever so you can use all your fingers to release the brake, thinking along the lines of the external brake lever used on the likes of 1920s Bentleys etc
Ttfn Glenn
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Jan 10, 2014 18:22:12 GMT
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Off topic a little, As I won't have hand brake cables on my project, can I use electric calipers?
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Jan 10, 2014 23:34:57 GMT
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It may be worth contacting a Motability specialist as there is an handle adaption you can get which attaches to the handbrake lever which over rides the button push.
It is a small lever that when you lift it pushes the button in, is this the 'umbrella' type you meant?
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