my handbrake used to be really crap in the mini.
Since I am doing a complete makeover of my 850 how can I improve it? can you use idler wheels or something?

You can make sure your rear drums are up to scratch and adjusted properly.

You can also get someone to install a hydraulic handbrake..about ~$300

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Starlet Conversion:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15484

r u looking at doing killer handbrakeys>?

I used to do a lot of motorkhanas in a Cooper S engined, little wheel moke - fun times . To get he handbrake to lock the rears with less effort you can weld a 3/4 inch extension onto the actuating levers that poke out from the rear backing plates. Move the hole that the cable's clevis pin sits in out onto the extended section of the lever and refit the cable. It gives you greater mechanical advantage and is a lot cheaper than a hydaulic set up.

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Curly
'64 Cooper 'S' (Group Nb spec)
'67 Mini Marcos GT www.mm7056.wordpress.com

Just a query on hydraulic handbrakes , are they legal for road use ? Hate to suggest it to someone and have them defected over it .

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Probably not . One of their primary functions is to act as an 'emergency brake' in situations such as loss of fluid in your hydraulic sytem. That's why for roadworthys they now road-test the handbrake and measure the deceleration on a g-force meter.
It's also not a good idea to use a hydraulic handbrake as a parking brake. Constant pressure on the seals is not good, and if ther'e any wear on the seal the pressure will drop off and your Mini will be rolling away.

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Curly
'64 Cooper 'S' (Group Nb spec)
'67 Mini Marcos GT www.mm7056.wordpress.com

Thank's Curly , that's what I thought but wasn't sure , I know people use them but wasn't sure if you would get through rego as we have it in NSW with it .

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Mine actually has two seperate systems. I have the original mechanical handbrake, and behind that a lever for my Hydraulic one - so they don't really interfere with each other and I don't have to leave the hydraulic one as a park brake.

They cost about $450 fully installed and are a heap of fun.

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Bob Slattery
Duffman Says A Lot of Things - OH YEAH!!

the stock mini handbrake can be made good?
should I change all the cables..? will that make a difference?
what do you use for lubricant in the guides?

redo the quadrants replace the cables as with age they strech and become elastic and cheak to see if the linings and drums are glazed
makka

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