Schoolboy Questions.

Rettopian

Member
Hi, Q1 - Did some handbrakes come with a ‘chrome’ button and collar while others didn’t?
Q2 - Is the handbrake universal to all models of A2?
Q3 - Which models has a ‘chrome’ ring around the headlight switch?

Thanks folks.
 
Hi, Q1 - Did some handbrakes come with a ‘chrome’ button and collar while others didn’t?
Q2 - Is the handbrake universal to all models of A2?
Q3 - Which models has a ‘chrome’ ring around the headlight switch?

Thanks folks.
Hi Rettopian,
Q1: Yes they did.
Q2: Yes I think that they are.
Q3: Sport model & Early SE models with alloy pack ( 3 spoke wheel & alloy pack also including rings on dash as well handbrake .
Hth
Keith
 
Q3, no models came with a chrome ring around the headlight switch. You have probably seen people fit an auto headlight switch with chrome surround.
 
Q1: There are two versions of the 'chrome' button, one is described as 'Aluminium' and the other as 'Aluminium Matt'.
Q2: Handbrake mechanisms come in two versions, one for drums and the other for discs
 
Looks like I need to source a replacement handbrake ’handle’ then. Mine is split and offends me every time I look at it!

Thanks for the replies everyone. Never cease to be amazed and impressed by the depth of knowledge you guys have.
 
The plastic handbrake grips do split as they age. The leather ones don't seem to. @A2Steve, @Clackers do either of you have one available?

At some point in the production run there was a change to the way the grip attaches to the plastic cover of the handbrake lever. Earlier ones have two small holes on the underside of the plastic cover, which you poke pins or wires through to detach two barbed plastic tangs inside which are on the end of the grip. Later ones have one larger, more oblong hole which will take a small screwdriver, the grips for these have a metal clip inside. Once the grip is off, the plastic cover just pulls off too so you can always replace both to get the correct fitment.
 
The plastic handbrake grips do split as they age. The leather ones don't seem to. @A2Steve, @Clackers do either of you have one available?

At some point in the production run there was a change to the way the grip attaches to the plastic cover of the handbrake lever. Earlier ones have two small holes on the underside of the plastic cover, which you poke pins or wires through to detach two barbed plastic tangs inside which are on the end of the grip. Later ones have one larger, more oblong hole which will take a small screwdriver, the grips for these have a metal clip inside. Once the grip is off, the plastic cover just pulls off too so you can always replace both to get the correct fitment.
 
Thanks Proghound- good to know.

Looks like I’m in the market for one to fit a 2004/5 1.4 petrol special edition then!
 
I was hoping for a solution that comes out of a tube!

Is it wise to bond the grip back on if, as I suspect, the tabs are broken. Its a leather grip.
 
I had an early leather one where the tabs were broken. I ran some duct tape around the metal lever inside to provide a good interference fit. Obvioiusly it's not perfectly fastened but it doesn't really move any in normal use. It's been through two MOTs like that. This is also a way to fit a grip to a mismatched plastic shroud i.e. early vs. later fastening, or if the lugs inside the shroud have broken..
 
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