Lotus Seven S2 Parking brake question

[Gearbox]

Hello all,

 

I have a question on the correct Parking Brake used on a 1962 Lotus Super Seven. I made the assumption that this was an original Triumph or Ford part, but after investigating early Cortinas, Heralds and Spitfires I could not find an exact match. Well at least from the single picture I have found, and not quite sure if this was the correct lever either. Can someone provide a clue on where this lever came from? Thanks Allan

[escondidoron]

Hello all,

 

I have a question on the correct Parking Brake used on a 1962 Lotus Super Seven. I made the assumption that this was an original Triumph or Ford part, but after investigating early Cortinas, Heralds and Spitfires I could not find an exact match. Well at least from the single picture I have found, and not quite sure if this was the correct lever either. Can someone provide a clue on where this lever came from? Thanks Allan

 

I can't tell you where the original S2 parking brake lever came from. But I can tell you that it was horizontally mounted up under the scuttle (cowl in the US) on the passenger side. So it was/is a little bit awkward to operate, especially if there is a passenger seated in the car at the time!

[Gearbox]

Hi Ron;

 

I'm getting the feeling that you and I are the only ones on this forum lol. But I noticed that you own a 62 as well. I'm currently restoring SB1172 with a Cosworth 1340cc and could use all the help I can get. I am surprised with the lack of documentation for these cars that I could find. Well detailed documentation anyway. I bought all the books and they seems to brush past many of the parts if it addresses them at all. But I do have the Tony Weale book and a Seven factory manual waiting for me back home which I won't see until November. Hopefully those would be more enlightening. But thank you for posting, it doesn't seem so lonely this way LOL. Cheers Allan

[Paul Hill]

I think you will find the Weale book quite helpful, it's been considered the "bible" for these Lotus beasties since it was first printed.

 

As for being alone here, not quite! Actual Lotus owners are in the minority though, the bulk of the group driving clones of one type or another.

[Dave W]

Go to "SimpleSeven.org" They are probably best site for restoring a Seven. I'm sure some one can point you in the right direction for the hand brake. Dave W

[Donnie]

I am also working on a '62 Seven (SB1211). Let's keep each other's address handy. Great pic of the emergency brake. I'm currently trying to rig mine up. Quite a challenge.

Hi Ron;

 

I'm getting the feeling that you and I are the only ones on this forum lol. But I noticed that you own a 62 as well. I'm currently restoring SB1172 with a Cosworth 1340cc and could use all the help I can get. I am surprised with the lack of documentation for these cars that I could find. Well detailed documentation anyway. I bought all the books and they seems to brush past many of the parts if it addresses them at all. But I do have the Tony Weale book and a Seven factory manual waiting for me back home which I won't see until November. Hopefully those would be more enlightening. But thank you for posting, it doesn't seem so lonely this way LOL. Cheers Allan

[super7guy]

Hi,

 

I have '62 S7, SB1497, 1340 twin webers.

 

Wayne in San Diego

[Gearbox]

Hi Donnie and Wayne, yes if nothing else we can commiserate with each other lol. I have to admit, it has been challenging given the lack of documentation I had been able to find. But quick question, since the cars you have are early SB numbers like mine, under 1500, are your cars LHD or RHD? My email is Gearbox22@Gmail.com let's stay in touch and send me some pictures of your build, love to see them, Thanks Allan

[Donnie]

Mine is RHD. The original engine, probably a non-crossflow 1500, has been replaced with a 1600 crossflow w/dual 40mm Dellortos. I'm currently looking to replace the Detroit locker diff with a standard (Cortina) unit. Anybody got one to trade or sell? Then I'll tackle the parking brake. I think I have all the parts but having a tough time figuring the install.

[Gearbox]

Mine is RHD. The original engine, probably a non-crossflow 1500, has been replaced with a 1600 crossflow w/dual 40mm Dellortos. I'm currently looking to replace the Detroit locker diff with a standard (Cortina) unit. Anybody got one to trade or sell? Then I'll tackle the parking brake. I think I have all the parts but having a tough time figuring the install.

 

Thanks Donnie, I think I have some fabricating to do to re modify my frame back to RHD. But I may be of help with the diff. I may have a spare for a standard 10 in the boxes of parts I have. But won't know condition until I get home early in November. Email me and we can continue the conversation. Thanks Allan

[escondidoron]

FYI: The Standard 10 rear axle has a 3.75 bolt circle diameter whereas the Ford is a 4.25" BCD. This is something you might want to consider if the car is already equipped with 4.25" BCD wheels.

 

BTW my '62 is RHD as well. Chassis number SB1351 equipped with a pair of dual Weber 40DCOEs on the original Cosworth manifold and head (pre-Xflow). The block is the original 3-main bearing 109E (1340cc). The car also has lots of patina.

[gus]

I 'think' I bought my lever from Caterham/Redline. Correct except for no proper handgrip. I know i got the cable assembly from them, and the rear axle linkage from a fellow sevener

[Donnie]

FYI: The Standard 10 rear axle has a 3.75 bolt circle diameter whereas the Ford is a 4.25" BCD. This is something you might want to consider if the car is already equipped with 4.25" BCD wheels.

 

BTW my '62 is RHD as well. Chassis number SB1351 equipped with a pair of dual Weber 40DCOEs on the original Cosworth manifold and head (pre-Xflow). The block is the original 3-main bearing 109E (1340cc). The car also has lots of patina.

 

Thanks, I was wondering about that.

[Gearbox]

I 'think' I bought my lever from Caterham/Redline. Correct except for no proper handgrip. I know i got the cable assembly from them, and the rear axle linkage from a fellow sevener

 

Seems that my list for Redline is getting bigger. Now if they would only answer my emails or pick up the phone lol. Any better time to call these guys?

Edited October 11, 2014 by Gearbox

[Gearbox]

FYI: The Standard 10 rear axle has a 3.75 bolt circle diameter whereas the Ford is a 4.25" BCD. This is something you might want to consider if the car is already equipped with 4.25" BCD wheels.

 

BTW my '62 is RHD as well. Chassis number SB1351 equipped with a pair of dual Weber 40DCOEs on the original Cosworth manifold and head (pre-Xflow). The block is the original 3-main bearing 109E (1340cc). The car also has lots of patina.

 

Thanks for the useful info. I believe I have the standard 10 as all the parts were from the original car, but won't know until I get back home in November. At least I hope I do as the steel wheels I have are all 3.75" I believe (Triumph).

 

Also, what makes a 1340 Cosy a Cosy? I've been trying to research this but have come up empty, outside of a A1 cam? Are the valves bigger? Is it ported and flowed? Just wondering.

 

Finally, how much patina does you car have? Lets see some pictures. Thanks Allan

[gus]

I believe the head was ported,

bigger intake valves,

stronger rocker supports

maybe steel center main cap

 

I think the 1340 3 main motors lasted about one missed shift thus their rarity today

[escondidoron]

Seems that my list for Redline is getting bigger. ......... Any better time to call these guys?

 

I usually call during their afternoon (our morning out here in SoCal).

[gus]

It was years back, but I contacted redline via email or fax and heard back from my Caterham dealer with a 'hey just call me'