Handbrake bolt

[davidj]

Evening all,

I am fitting the handbrake onto my s3 from the pile of bits purchased from the previous owner. The hole in the bulkhead looks to be clearance for a 1/4" bolt while the mounting hole in the handbrake is for a 3/8" bolt. Am I missing something? This is a significant difference in size, and yes, I could use a large washer to secure the 1/4" nut in handbrake, but is is a little crude. Alternatively make the bulkhead hole bigger, but why was it not done in the first place?

Cheers.

[oldelanman]

The original fitment was a spire nut on the bracket and a large coarse threaded self-tapping type bolt with a washer under the head.

Not shown in the Elan Parts List but in the Plus 2 list it's shown as RSTS1212 .... a number 12 self tapping screw 3/4" long. Presume it's the same for the 2 seater.

[davidj]

Ah! That explains it! I could not understand why there was such a difference in the hole size, and alarm bells started ringing. I guess it was designed for quick assembly, and a nut and bolt may be stronger.

Thanks very much.

David

[nigelrbfurness]

I think it is a safety issue, the spire nut and "self tapping" bolt are much less likely to vibrate loose than a standard nut and bolt and the assembly can be fitted and tightened from above just about single-handed. If you use a nut and bolt, be sure to use a nyloc nut.

[Mazzini]

Good luck getting a spanner inside the bracket.

[davidj]

Yes, I have not tried, but getting a spanner in may be difficult! I have never really trusted spire nuts in anything more important than trim, and would much prefer to use a nyloc nut and bolt. However, that is my view, which may be incorrect, and in this case I will use a spire nut as it looks to a proven technique.

Cheers.

[Mazzini]

I've never seen a handbrake pull through the GRP, it may have happened, but I've never seen it.

[Vaughan]

you could fit a rivnut/nutsert.

[Bigbaldybloke]

I have used a rivnut, fitted perfectly in the bracket hole, and riveted up firmly.

[Quart Meg Miles]

I've never seen a handbrake pull through the GRP, it may have happened, but I've never seen it.

My +2 one did, pulled a whole 1" washer through the fibreglass! It was the last straw in a four year saga and I sold it not long afterwards and bought a 205 GTi.