My Custom Hand Brake

PeteZ3

Zorg Legend
Supporter
Joined
Jun 18, 2015
Points
75
Model of Z
1998 Manual 2.8
Hi all! If anybody has ever needed a new wooden hand brake cover for their zed because theirs is all cracked... well, then you will know the struggle of trying to find one, because, I simply could not find one at all.

So I decided to make one yesterday afternoon, and it turned out really well. I'm just in the process of layering the yacht varnish now. I will fit it in a couple of days. I managed to get it so I wont need any adhesive to fit it. Its perfectly snug... Although I will probably put a bit on just for the sake of it.

I just used basic hand tools, a piece of oak and my ancient lathe that was originally my great grandfathers. I wont bore you with too much text, so here are some pictures....

Oh and if anybody would like one, I would be more than happy to make one for you. Obviously at a price. (If this breaks any forum rules moderators, then please remove this last bit) :)

so here is what i started with, just a blank that i turned about a year ago.
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This is the original, cracked all the way along and multiple times around it. Its not actually real Burl, Its sort of like MDF and then has a burl effect coating.
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Its Shandy, don't worry, just enough to steady the hand :beer

oh and my dad, taking over as usual hah

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tense moments as im drilling out the hole for the shaft. very easy on a lathe though.

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and there you go, parted and with the angle cut. just needs sanding a shaping a bit.

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got the shape/ size spot on, i didnt bother with the finger grooves, would have taken me a couple of more hours and i simply don't think it needs it. It's not like im doing hand brake turns, so that grip is not necessary.

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And there she is. I'll post a photo of it on the car soon, it will look grate alongside the oak steering wheel and gear knob :D

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Thanks for looking, Pete :coolsteer)
 
Cheers, I must say, I'm rather impressed with it.
 
Top job, Once again magnificence from a man in a shed
 
nice. im thinking of swapping my walnut trim for birds eye maple.

Sounds nice! I love working with exotic woods... now now ;) haha if you want me to make anything shoot me a PM, I bet its super difficult (not to mention expensive) to source these parts in good condition.
 
That's so good :p
Well done to you ;)
You could be getting orders for new hand brakes :)
 
Excellent job and a great end result!
 
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