Portuguese handbrake cables

[dingbat0]

Hi, does anyone know where I can get handbrake cables for an early Portuguese Moke with the longer radius arms, about 5 or 6in longer than standard, I've tried M-Parts with no joy, thanks.

[Tim]

Presumably its the same as the Australian one?

http://www.minisport.com.au/prod150.htm

http://classicmotoring.net.au/cmos/inde ... 473874700b

http://www.minis.com.au/minis/catalog/p ... cts_id=575

http://mgspareparts.com.au/index.php?pa ... &Itemid=26

Tim

[dingbat0]

Cheers for that Tim, I'll give them a try.

[Steve]

Have you tried Mark?

[Nigel(no top)Sykes]

They'll be the same if it's got 13" wheels.... If it's on 12" ones it won't

[fistral fig]

Can i just add Nigel that generalising you also need to be cautious as I replaced my 12" wheels on my Portugese with 13" wheels without modification to the rear swinging arms, its all in the dia of the the wheel and tyre commbined,.FF

[Nigel(no top)Sykes]

No no........ The Aussie type radius arm is longer than the English (and Portugese) . Englih and Portugese use the same radius arms as standard Minis. The difference in the handbrake cable lengths comes about because of the difference in the distance between the cable quadrant and the brake shoe operating lever.
A bit beside the point, BUT..... If you are struggling on the MOT (or similar roadworthiness test) to get enough effort on the handbrake try fitting a pair of Austin 1100/1300 handbrake levers (I think Metro ones will work too) they are longer and therefore give a greater "pull" on the shoes. Often enough to pass the test.
The best improvement I've managed so far is 16% on standard arms 28% with Austin 1300 arms without any other adjustments being made.

[Tim]

Don't forget that early Portugeuse (something like 1980-85) are really Aussie Mokes, it wasn't until Jim Lambert rationalised things that the trailing arms were changed back to the shorter Mini ones.

Tim

[Doug G]

What difference in layman's terms does the length of the trailing arms make?

[Tim]

It lets a 13" wheel with a standard profile tyre fit in the gap between the hub and the the front edge of the subframe.

Tim

[Nigel(no top)Sykes]

If you look at Sportspack Minis, they are the last ones produced (with the large wheel arches) they run 13" wheels and have to have low profile tyres so as to JUST clear the radius arm. On an Aussie Moke you can fit big, high profile (cheaper) tyres and have even more clearance !!

In fact I'd go as far as to say you could almost run 14" wheels

[Tim]

17" is the biggest I've ever heard of. Albeit with very low profile tyres.



Tim

[Nigel(no top)Sykes]

they wouldn't last long over here with our potholes

[Doug G]

Or here.

Our roads can oft be described as 'potholes separated by slivers of tarmac'

or alternatively

'potholes joined together by slivers of tarmac'

.

[Nigel(no top)Sykes]

That's why you need an Aussie with nice high profile bouncy tyres (and plenty of grab handles)