mk1-forum.net

This thread started in the wanted section but there seems to be some different opinions as to the Elf/Hornet all had chrome hand brakes fitted , some think yes/others think no. I think they did but not every model/ year. I would say the magic wand did not and maybe just the wind up window models did ?????? Can anybody confirm 100% if they did or did not
goff

no matter what some of the experts say ,some mini supers had chrome handbrakes too,but only seen these on morris cars,,
yer i know,its not in the parts list....blah-blah-blah...but it happened,theres evidence,and it really rattles the purists cage door

Back in the 1970's when I used to strip out the chrome handbrakes at the breakers to upgrade my Mini's...the Elfs/Hornets usually had a chrome magic wand or remote to match.....we used to seek out all the Elfs/Hornets and upmarket versions of the BMC 1100/1300 range in the scrap yards for canabalising all these goodies, not forgetting the VP 1100/1300 headlamp rims. Should have stockpiled the stuff for ebay in the future!

I am sure the fitting and cut off dates for all this kind of thing at BMC were often quite blurred based on component supplies and availability and does it really matter? (even to die hard purists)......I would just fit the nicest chrome option if used around the right time.

(The other problem with the chrome handbrake with metal push button I remember was it was just something else to buzz and rattle unlike the plastic/nylon button!)

Glad somebody else flagged the eternal buzz of a chrome handbrake button. Had me flummoxed for 5 years as it seemed to come from the speedo or dash. Great when I finally sussed it.

I have a chrome handbrake in my mini and am fairly sure I took it from a scrapped Elf or Hornet about 15 years ago, no idea what mk it was though. I didn't bother looking in 1100's or 1300's at the scrap yards so unless someone before me took it from one to put in the Elf/Hornet, I guess that's possible.

I've had and broken many Elf's and Hornets over the years of all marks and never seen one fitted with a chrome handbrake. Always assumed they came from VDP, Riley, Wolesley 1100/1300's. As mentioned above they could be fitted when parts were short or at certain times. It's worth pointing out the cross pin is longer on the 1100/1300 range so they need changing for the shorter pin if used in a mini. I've got a few chrome handbrakes in the loft and all have the long pin.

agreed on the above.!