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Drag Racing Discussions => Altereds => Topic started by: BONKERS on April 11, 2022, 06:13:46 AM

Title: Hand Brake?
Post by: BONKERS on April 11, 2022, 06:13:46 AM

I currently run a foot actuated brake (brakes on rear only) on my altered.. been considering putting in a hand actuated brake handle to help with a bit more leverage on the brake. My question is push or pull to activate the brakes? My brain says PULL  to activate.. seems to be more natural to just open my  grip to release brake when staging.. I have no experience with hand brakes so looking for some input! Thanks!! -Tom

Title: Re: Hand Brake?
Post by: JEFF/21C on April 11, 2022, 08:24:10 AM

do what's natural pull. In one race  my throttle cable broke a yellow came out i got a pair of vise grips so I pull on the gas  when the race resumed I started last and was passing cars when the red came out i pulled on the plier instead of releaseing  almost ran over the car in front of me.

Title: Re: Hand Brake?
Post by: BK on April 15, 2022, 02:24:09 PM

If you're OK the pedal, you might be able to go to a smaller bore master cylinder.
It will give more pressure but add some travel.

Title: Re: Hand Brake?
Post by: JEFF/21C on April 15, 2022, 04:14:50 PM

BK is right smaller bore = more pressure same as increasing pedal ratio you have to go with what works for you Altered's have limited foot space. I have a line-loc  so after braking when stageing I apply the line-loc and put my foot on a rest.

Title: Re: Hand Brake?
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on April 15, 2022, 05:21:34 PM

I have an altered with a hand brake.
I also have another altered with a foot brake.
I prefer the hand brake. It is easier to stage the car precisely. Mine is Pull to brake.

Title: Re: Hand Brake?
Post by: Rat on April 16, 2022, 08:43:29 AM

My old FED had a push hand brake, current FED foot brake. I prefer the hand brake, like TFF I found staging easier. The hand brake was also better when loading/unloading. I have thought about adding a handle and leaving the pedal.

Title: Re: Hand Brake?
Post by: Curly1 on April 23, 2022, 07:10:03 PM

My old Altered I added a hand brake with another master cylinder and it worked very good. You have a lot of leverage with the long handle. I do think the brake was dragging some under hard acceleration due to weight of the handle so I modified it some. 

Title: Re: Hand Brake?
Post by: slingshot383 on November 22, 2022, 03:03:09 PM

Defiantly pull for brake, on a fast car, your weight could push the brake a lot harder than you want and get you into trouble.  Also a good place for fuel shutoff or parachute release.