Hi All
Having taken my AK427 for its MOT today everything passed with no problems. However, the handbrake was just on the borderline. Last year if failed and the MOT chap was kind enough to allow me to adjust it there and then.
It has got me thinking about upgrading the rear brakes, not converting to XJ40 outboard brakes but something like this upgrade offered by Fosseway https://www.fossewayperformance.co.uk/e-type-rear-brake-upgrade-kit/ .
I would be grateful for any advice or comments on how other people have dealt with the issue of the handbrake and upgrading the brakes.
I think someone but a post on the old forum about an electric handbrake. AK do an electric handbrake conversion kit but, unfortunately it is only for the XJ40 chassis.
Nay advice much appreciated.
Rob
Why not just cut an access hatch behind the seats?
That will allow you to easily swap the pads out and adjust the cable etc once carpet and seats are out of the way. Standard fitment on a Crendon, but guessing it could be retrofitted on an AK?
I converted my AK to outboard brakes and did the electric handbrake conversion at the same time. Not a a difficult thing to do.
Paul
Hi Both
Many thanks for the replies.
Kevin, I have already cut an access hatch, which helps tremendously with changing brake pads etc.
Paul, do you have details of how you converted to outboard brakes, I would be interested in seeing what exactly is involved.
Many thanks
Rob
Rob, there was write up in one of the snake torque issues of what I did. I basically mounted the handbrake mechanism off the bracket that runs at the back of the diff(this did encroach on the boot space slightly). I used the holins kit with a different actuator, smaller throw. I used xj40 driveshafts that were shortened and some spacers used for where the old discs were. I used the xj308 calipers, these are bigger than the xj40 ones and changed the hubs. Some sleeves were required on the pinion shaft ends, as they are slightly smaller. The bottom wishbones you have are still used. Modified the brake lines, ordered some flexis and had some handbrake cables made to suit my set up.
Hth
Paul
Hi Paul
Many thanks for the information I will dig out my old copies of Snake Torque.
Regards
Rob
AK Handbrake mod in ST124 April 2016 issue.
The article used a centre mount handbrake position for the Lokar part EHB-7000F. If you don't want to go electronic. He does say someone used a modified MGB handbrake on the drivers side of the tunnel.
The Lokar is available from
http://www.randrhotrodimports.co.uk/lokar-ehb-7000f-floor-mount-emergency-hand-brake-chrome-finish
The XJS system is not an even pull and not a central pivot so trying to get this to work efficiently is a balancing act. I have always adjusted before each MOT.
Thanks for the info. I will see if I can dig out my copy of ST124.
Rob
Rob - if you can't find it let me know and I'll sort a copy for you (electronically).
Graham
Quote from: RobP on Feb 21, 2023, 07:40 PMThanks for the info. I will see if I can dig out my copy of ST124.
Rob
Hi Graham
Many thanks for the offer, could I take you up on it.
I have looked high and low and this is the only copy I can't find.
Regards
Rob
Certainly Rob, I'll sort something for you tomorrow.
Graham
Quote from: RobP on Feb 21, 2023, 09:00 PMHi Graham
Many thanks for the offer, could I take you up on it.
I have looked high and low and this is the only copy I can't find.
Regards
Rob
Quote from: GJH on Feb 21, 2023, 08:48 PMRob - if you can't find it let me know and I'll sort a copy for you (electronically).
Graham
You could always put it in the magazine section on this forum??? ;D ;D
Sorry Rob, I don't have ST124 either. Tony was editor for that one - can you help Tone?
Graham
I will upload ST124 and try and find the other article.
Hi All
Many thanks for your help, much appreciated.
Rob
https://www.ukcobraclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=312.new#new
Hi All
Thanks for the article.
Just checking, is this for a Gen 1 or Gen 2 AK?
If it is for a Gen 1 does anyone know how the cable is routed to the handbrake mechanism.
Many thanks
Rob
Quote from: GJH on Feb 22, 2023, 03:38 PMSorry Rob, I don't have ST124 either. Tony was editor for that one - can you help Tone?
Graham
The article about handbrake mods that was in issue 124 has already been posted some time ago by myself
https://www.ukcobraclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=81.0
Hi Tony
Thanks for the link.
Is your AK a Gen 1 or 2 And how did you sort out the linkage to the handbrake mechanism?
Thanks
Rob
My old AK (now been gone 7 years) was a gen 1 and I never had a problem with the standard handbrake. Just make sure it's adjusted correctly.
Quote from: RobP on Feb 22, 2023, 05:29 PMHi All
Thanks for the article.
Just checking, is this for a Gen 1 or Gen 2 AK?
If it is for a Gen 1 does anyone know how the cable is routed to the handbrake mechanism.
Many thanks
Rob
I had the same problems with my handbrake on the Gen1. The problem is the cable routing. Don't route it straight from the handbrake to the lower wheel arch. You need to route it in a gentle curve up behind the seat before entering the wheel arch area. I did this 2 years ago because of the difficulty passing the mot. It now passes with ease. I also oiled the sheath.
Hope this helps
Baz