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Re: Handbrake adjustment and manual

To: spitfires@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Handbrake adjustment and manual
From: Eric Kieboom <ekieboom@xs4all.nl>
Date: Sun, 02 May 1999 19:13:39 -0100
At 15:33 2-05-1999 +0200, Thomas Dertz wrote:
>
>I recently purchased a '66 Spit Mk 2,
>
>1) I need to tighten the handbrake, and removed the necessary panels,
>etc. to get to where the wire reaches the handbrake lever. However, the
>nut on the "inside" of the lever is square, and too big to move freely.
>How do I tighten it?

I can only speak for my own Spit 1500, on which the rear part of the
threaded bit going into the square nut has a hexagon shape, about 40 mm's
long. Undo the counternut behind the fork/clevis and use a small adjustable
spanner on the hex bit to tighten the cable. This may not work, as the
cable needs to turn freely, which it may not do due to rust further down.

On to plan B....

There is another (IMHO better) way to adjust the handbrake: at the rear
wheels. The handbrake system on Spitfires consists of two cables. The first
cable pulls on the second cable, which runs between the two brake drums. On
both sides of this second cable is a fork/clevis, which can be easily
adjusted.

>2) Do anyone know if there are some re-prints of the manual around?

Undoubtedly yes. There are many specialised bookshops in England that sell
reprints. Most of them have a website. Some of them may even be able to
sell you an original manual.

I don't want to ruin your day, but I was at a classic car show in Amsterdam
today. One of the trade stands had an original Triumph Spitfire Mk2
Workshop manual in good order. Only 30 pounds sterling.

Eric
The Netherlands
(1976 Spit 1500 - original Java Green)


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