Alfa 164 Handbrake and MOT

[AndyH]

The day of MOT reckoning arrived.

Of all the things it could have failed on, this one surporised me.

"Handbrake operation inaccessible and awkward to operate."

I'm using the Alfa 164 handbrake lever, and from what I can see it is neither inaccessible, or difficult to operate. The handbrake button sits about 6" behind the gear lever, and the handle is easy enough to grab and lift up...
It's all a bit cramped, so nowhere near as easy as a modern car though.

Has anyone esle had this gremlin raised.??

As a word of note for anyone else that has SVA to go through, the idea of MOT first is sound, but the reality is that, because all records are now stored on a central computer they are highly visible and you're friendly MOT garage will suddenly become not so friendly and be worried for their licence.

They have had my car the majority of the day, and I think they failed this because it was about all they could think of... God knows what SVA will dig up!

Post SVA, the MOT would be a lot easier I suspect.

Heh Ho.

Andrew

[catswhiskers]

Sounds like utter bollox to me. I'm using the Alfa handbrake on my Corse although it's not 6" back from the gear lever. Wouldn't have thought you have anything to worry about. Assuming the handbrake works that is. :)

Mick

[AndyH]

Thanks Mick,

No problems with handbrake holding the wheels.

Ref position.. It's where the bracket is on the HAWK, so seemed an obvious place to put it.

Heh Ho.

Andrew

[strat6v]

other hawks have passed sva with the lever where it is. Reckon he felt it was a little far back and wouldn't be legal(construction and use regs?). All it will probably say is that the lever would have to be operable from a seated position.

[Sando]

Hi Andy
If thats all they could find then you should be well away.
Good luck with the SVA

.......and change your MOT station. ;)

cheers
Rob

[guy mayers]

Has your seat got shoulder wings? That could make pulling the lever harder? just a thought.

Good luck with SVA!

[AndyH]

Hi Guy,

Seats are out a Lotus Elise... Nice and light with good support, but with a fairly shallow side... Thus easy (ish) to get in and out the car.

When you pull on the handbrake you do brush the passenger seat, but not in a manner that I would have said was unsafe.

Heh Ho.

Andrew

[AndyH]

Hi,

Post "discussion", I now have an MOT.. Roll on SVA.

Andrew

[catswhiskers]

Well Andy,

Lets hope you make it 2 out of 2. :D
Best of luck.

Mick