Repositioning of the Atom 3 handbrake

[Go4Gold]

Hi together,

I´m looking for a better position of my Atom 3 handbrake lever (it´s just in the way of my left arm) and wanted to ask if someone has already changed the position of it? If yes: how?

Best regards, Daniel

[John Scherrer]

Upgrade to a '4' !?

Sorry, I'll get my coat ..

Not heard of anyone moving the handbrake ..

[dreamscape]

yes, i moved it to the passenger side...

[Fastlane]

The handbrake being in the way of your arm is one of the quirks of Atom ownership - not only do you bang your elbow on it, but it makes is incredibly hard to use it when you are in traffic on a hill. I don't think there is an easy way to move it, but I have noticed that in the US they do have a upholstery cover that goes over it so I suppose it doesn't hurt quite so much when you catch your elbow. It isn't available from the UK factory, so if you are in Europe, you could always have one made by an upholsterer? Just a thought.

[Go4Gold]

yes, i moved it to the passenger side...

To the passenger side??? Do you have a picture of it? So you don´t use while driving (e.g. on a hill) but only for parking?

[John Scherrer]

I suspect he’s pulling our leg !

[dreamscape]

Not at all John!
It's exactly like Daniel says.
I have an AA2, which is known to be narrower and moving the handbrake was the easiest solution.

[Go4Gold]

Does the AA2 have the necessary mounting brackets on both sides?

[dreamscape]

I am not sure that this is the case with all AA2.
However, I have the ambidextrous chassis ...

[33bravo]

I was considering this, the handbrake can be annoying in my 3S. I have thought of an electric handbrake actuator. A simple switch and the whole lever assembly could be removed. There are a number of them on the market, but I have done no research yet.

Might even be lighter than the lever assembly?

[Go4Gold]

hmm, interesting!

But I´m wondering that obviously the most AA2/3 drivers can live with the position of the lever.

[mapes]

I am not sure that this is the case with all AA2.
However, I have the ambidextrous chassis ...

I have an AA2, not the ambidextrous chassis, and it does not have any mounting brackets to fit the handbrake on the passenger side. Also, although the AA2 frame is narrower, even if the handbrake could be fitted on the left it is still too much of a stretch to operate, especially when strapped in. I simply put my arm around the outside of the frame on the rare occasions when I need to use the handbrake (ie. when having an MoT)..

[Atlarge]

I’ve thought about this one too - envious of the more regular handbrake position in the 4. I don’t think it would so easy to replicate in earlier cars unless someone wants to have a go at 3D modelling a part to mount between the tub and the inner frame rails.....

I saw some YouTuber do this to replace the shifter on an atom2 but it looks like a lot of work...

The electric option maybe easier (though ugly) there are both cable pullers and on calliper actuators but they all add weight / wires etc.....

I gave up in the end & went with a piece of silver pipe insulation over the end of the handbrake lever to stop me smacking my elbow into it! ;-)

[reg]

I was going to make a neoprene cover, but ended up with a 4

[Atlarge]

I was going to make a neoprene cover, but ended up with a 4

Wow that was an expensive fix!