Shortening Handbrake Cables

Technical Area for all the problems you have in the garage
Post Reply
User avatar
Dave Woodward
T289R Member
T289R Member
Posts: 912
Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 10:00 pm
Location: Cheshire
Contact:

Shortening Handbrake Cables

Post by Dave Woodward »

Has anybody had any success with shortening their own handbrake cables? I need to shorten two Jag cables and my only options seem to be to send them halfway across the country to somebody like Speedy Cables. Unable to find anybody local that can do this.

The next challenge would then be how to post the buggers. I don't want to tie then in a knot as the outer casing is quite solid.

If you have done this yourself, what did you use in replace of the standard pressed 'stop' at the driver end of the cable?
__________________________________
I say, ding dong!
User avatar
amulheirn
T289R Committee
T289R Committee
Posts: 1207
Joined: Mon May 13, 2013 2:30 pm
Location: Surrey/Hampshire
Contact:

Re: Shortening Handbrake Cables

Post by amulheirn »

Not done it myself. If you need someone else to do it, I recommend these people heartily: http://www.speedograph-richfield.com
StuBaker
Posts: 223
Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2018 9:20 pm

Re: Shortening Handbrake Cables

Post by StuBaker »

In the good old days I used to solder on my push bike brake ferrules. Never any problems there. I thought I'd try with my Hawk handbrake but I think solder/flux/metal combination was wrong. It didn't work.
In the end I drilled out a steel rod and crimped it in the vice, rotated a couple of times. I then added a further welly with a chisel just to be sure. Just drill as tight as possible and maybe chamfer or countersink the 'live side' of the ferrule so that any burring won't chafe the cable.
It hasn't budged... yet.
User avatar
kdavies3
Posts: 231
Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2017 1:49 pm
Location: Cowbridge South Wales

Re: Shortening Handbrake Cables

Post by kdavies3 »

I did something similar to Stu.
It's holding up so far.
Kev Davies
DAX Mk4, 383 Chevy Stroker, Tremec. SOLD
Contemporary CCX 3-4028, 445ci Big Block FORD FE,TKO 600. SOLD
Dax De Dion LS2 and T56. SOLD
1965 Ford Mustang 289 Convertible SOLD
In build Hawk 289 (302) Sebring. Awaiting IVA:D
User avatar
StewbieC
T289R Committee
T289R Committee
Posts: 1356
Joined: Mon Oct 13, 2008 12:50 pm
Location: out in the sticks, Shropshire

Re: Shortening Handbrake Cables

Post by StewbieC »

A heavy duty cable crimper would do the same.
________________________________________________
Stu
Hawk 289, 66 Mustang Fastback with a 289 maximum smiles per mile..
User avatar
Dave Woodward
T289R Member
T289R Member
Posts: 912
Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 10:00 pm
Location: Cheshire
Contact:

Re: Shortening Handbrake Cables

Post by Dave Woodward »

What kind of thing do you have in mind Stu?
__________________________________
I say, ding dong!
User avatar
nikbj68
T289R Member
T289R Member
Posts: 1475
Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2008 3:31 pm
Location: Anglesey, North Wales.
Contact:

Re: Shortening Handbrake Cables

Post by nikbj68 »

50kn do you?! 😆
2E4AC960-4B50-4810-97A0-AA8CB91E1E2C.jpeg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Hawk 289 FiA...AT LAST!!!
User avatar
Dave Woodward
T289R Member
T289R Member
Posts: 912
Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 10:00 pm
Location: Cheshire
Contact:

Re: Shortening Handbrake Cables

Post by Dave Woodward »

:shock: Do you have one to fit a 3mm handbrake cable :wink:
__________________________________
I say, ding dong!
User avatar
nikbj68
T289R Member
T289R Member
Posts: 1475
Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2008 3:31 pm
Location: Anglesey, North Wales.
Contact:

Re: Shortening Handbrake Cables

Post by nikbj68 »

F19277B2-B8FB-468A-A7A4-74051CAA0D1B.jpeg
Do you have access to new fittings?
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Hawk 289 FiA...AT LAST!!!
User avatar
Dave Woodward
T289R Member
T289R Member
Posts: 912
Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 10:00 pm
Location: Cheshire
Contact:

Re: Shortening Handbrake Cables

Post by Dave Woodward »

I've been unable to find anybody that sells them. The only option seems to be to send the cables away.

I'm currently 'manufacturing' my own stops from 8mm mild steel round bar, drilled out. The challenge I have is securing them well enough for me to 'hang off' the handbrake during an MOT.

If you know anybody who sells the compression fixtures I'd happily follow a link.

Thanks again.
__________________________________
I say, ding dong!
Post Reply