Handbrake issues resolved

[jbcollier]

The handbrake is in the way when entering or exiting — especially when deployed — and it doesn’t work worth beans.  So I set about trying to fix both issues.  A photo of a 47 gave me the idea of where it should go:

https://drive-my.com/images/mews2015/drive2015/Lotus-47-3.jpg

And these photos shows how it loses mechanical advantage as it is deployed:

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-HTZxsr2/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-JGVKjFN/A

I bought a RHD reaction lever to move the lever over to the passenger side:

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-7cfKc95/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-JZ4NsLD/A

I then fit cable housing and a pulley to have it working the arm squarely:

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-QnNpM5B/A

https://jbcollier.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-mQWgbTh/A

Now it is out of the way (even when deployed), is right to hand, and actually #$&@ works!

[dakazman]

JB, I know your pain! Somewhat... I just received my e-brake cable and will start another install.
 After 50 years the cable must be bird-caged on one side but on the aft end. Working in the forward section must not be fun and I can’t imagine your body , or anyone, taking pictures!
   Glad you got it working.
Dakazman

[BDA]

Congratulations, JB! That is an example of tenacious engineering!

[4129R]

I bought a RHD reaction lever to move the lever over to the passenger side:

I have modified 7 LHD reaction levers to RHD form by cutting the tube spacer and moving to the other side, and twisting the short part  to suit its new position.

That saves a lot of money and takes about 15 minutes.

[lotusfanatic]

JB,

that's a neat piece of engineering!

that particular example of the 47 is stunning, I love the stance of it and the (Medici?) colour suits it well.
I'm very tempted to paint my S1A that colour....

Mark

[jbcollier]

It’s the wheels that make it so mouth watering.  Unfortunately the 47’s suspension is different to allow for such huge wheels and they can’t be fitted to a regular Europa :-(

[lotusfanatic]

I would love to create a truly authentic 47 but that would mean massive expense unless it was created using more up-to-date parts, which then wouldn't be a true 47 replica (then there's the loss of a Type 46 to create it)

That particular 47 is just perfect, at least it is to me!

I'm not sure how accurate this is as it was taken from Wikipedia:

"Although the 47GT is the best known, a few 47F's were produced, these had the detachable body similar to the S2 Europa, but retaining the large wheel arches and side vents of the 47GT. Fitted with a tuned Ford cross flow engine but with the Renault gearbox and rear suspension of the Europa. The number produced is unknown but probably no more than 6"

[Sandyman]

John/4129R, Great minds. Beautiful solution. Can either of you provide more details? I have been thinking along the same lines and do not want to reinvent the solution.
Sandy

[surfguitar58]

Nicely engineered solution to the handbrake problem JB!

Now, fill us in on the THREE color coded pull knobs on your center console. Heat, choke and... what, AC? Your car is so full of little aftermarket engineering Easter eggs, it’s hard to keep track.

t

[jbcollier]

Sigh, my secret shame.  It is for the AC.  It's a hand throttle to up the idle speed when the AC compressor is engaged.  This is my second attempt and still a failure.  My first involved a solenoid controlled cable.  A cable under tension is like a spring.  If I use it to lift the speed while the throttle is closed, the idle leaps even higher the the throttle is used and releases the tension.  So, turn the knob (or engage a solenoid) to bring the idle to 1200 and, if you then dab the throttle, the idle shoots up to 2700.  Not really ideal.  Back to the drawing board.