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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - racing handbrake

Has anyone converted a frogeye handbrake lever to a racing handbrake - ie flyoff. Any guidance would be appreciated. Peter
P B Chappell

You have to do two things when converting to flyoff action on any BMC/BL handbrake. First you need to fabricate a new pawl (similar in design to what you see in this link http://advanceddistributors.mybisi.com/product/0/MGB-Flyoff-Handbrake-Pawl_575623.html but specifically designed to fit your handbrake)

Second you need to bend the pushrod the opposite direction. Thats the basic idea anyway. I've been pondering this option for a few years now. Not sure how best to make the new pawl just yet.
S.A. Jones

I suspect that the pawl is the same for the MGB and the midget. Jeff at Advanced Distributor has a batch made up and so do I. I am sending you some pictures via e-mail so you can determine if they will work on your Midget. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Minispares here in the UK do a 'Fly off' kit for Minis, I wonder if it could be adapted....?

MGs were fitted with this type of handbrake as standard up to the production of the Midget and MGB.....

I wonder why the practice ended....?

Mark.
M T Boldry

Hi Mark

The practice ended since 99% of people were used to the rachet kind. Have you ever watched a young lad at an MOT garage try to drive a TR4/etc onto a ramp? They can't release the brake...

I recall that someone posted an article on conversion of std handbrake some years back.

A
Anthony Cutler

It's dead easy - it just involves turning the pawl round and drilling a new hole. When I get back to my workshop, I'll see if I can photo mine. I did it years ago, so can't exactly remember, but I know it took a few minutes only.
D le Versha

I checked my original parts books for the brake pawl. Of the four cars; MGB MGA AH 3000 and Midget, none share the same part number but all look similar.
J Bubela

I agree with D le Versha I did mine by turning the pawl and drilling another hole. I will also look for a photo. I went to pick my car up after having new tyres fitted to find it still jacked up and the guys trying to release the "jammed" handbrake. I had to get two people pulling on the handbrake lever, it was on so tight, before it would release
M J Pearson

This thread was discussed between 02/01/2010 and 05/01/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.