Marlin Sportster Handbrake woes

[iank]

Hi all, my first post and I am looking for the fountain of all Marlin knowledge!!!

The handbrake cable on my early 1997 factory built Sportster has just given up the ghost.

The vehicle has the early Ford rear setup with Ford Sierra disc calipers.
The existing cable is an Ford item and I have trawled through the "Firstline" online catalogue for every Ford model created however I cannot source one the correct length. My existing cable is one piece with an central metal cam plate. There is an plastic adjuster nut on the drivers side of the cable.
Existing length is 2120mm dead or 2110mm "bearing surface to bearing surface"

I have contacted Marlin direct but still await an reply.

Anyone any idea's

Many thanks.
Ian.

[MartinClan]

The BMW one is shortened from standard (using a cold chisel and big hammer). Could the same approach have been used on the Ford one? If so your best bet would be one of these places that makes up custom cables.

Cheers

Robin

[peterux]

Hi Ian,
Robin is correct.
I have a Ford Sierra donor Sportster build manual and it says that you should use a Sierra handbrake cable shortened with a cold chisel.
I can email a copy of the shortening instruction page you if you send me your email address.
I'll send you a PM so you can find me.

...peter

[iank]

Hi Peter,
Many thanks to both yourself and Robin for the reply and information.
I think a Sierra handbrake cable is the route to take. Can either of you recall which Sierra model and year the cable was specified for?

Peter, if you could send a PM to me I will forward my e-mail address as a copy of the original Marlin cable shortening page would be of great use.

Many thanks to you both

Cheers
Ian

[peterux]

Hi Ian,
I'll send you what I've got but now after reading the manual a bit more I think it was maybe for drum brakes and I see you stated you have rear discs. The build manual doesn't state which 'Sierra' model.
Maybe Mark at Marlin will be able to tell you?
I'll email you later on....

...peter

[iank]

Hi Peter,
Recieved you PM. Information will be of great assistance and I can adapt to suit the Sierra calipers.

Thanks to everyone for their help

Cheers
Ian

[Mike]

Originally Posted by iank

Hi all, my first post and I am looking for the fountain of all Marlin knowledge!!!

The handbrake cable on my early 1997 factory built Sportster has just given up the ghost.

The vehicle has the early Ford rear setup with Ford Sierra disc calipers.
The existing cable is an Ford item and I have trawled through the "Firstline" online catalogue for every Ford model created however I cannot source one the correct length. My existing cable is one piece with an central metal cam plate. There is an plastic adjuster nut on the drivers side of the cable.
Existing length is 2120mm dead or 2110mm "bearing surface to bearing surface"

I have contacted Marlin direct but still await an reply.

Anyone any idea's

Many thanks.
Ian.

Hi Ian

Marlin supply a special length cable, but it is always in their own time!

It is possible to buy a standard Sierra and shorten it yourself, but it depends how confident you are with the idea. Silver soldering is supposed to work well.

One other option is to try Speedycables.com - they will make you a new inner cable up to go in your existing outer cable, or make you the whole thing new for not much more cost.
I've used them a couple of times for one off cables. The quality is good, and their prices are fair for one off items.

Regards

Mike

PS - have you started fitting yoiur servos in your father's car or your own yet?

Mike

[iank]

Hi Mike,
Good to hear from you.
I think Speedy cables will be an good option. I intend to purchase a Sierra cable this weekend and will investigate what is involved in adjusting it to suit my Marlin. If Speedy cables can "turn-it around" within a reasonable period of time I will send it to them. Also, possible a spare!!

Just about to start installation of Servo. Looking at options for extending existing brake pipes to suit the deeper servo body.

Thanks again for taking on the mammoth task of sourcing the parts, all the research into the feasability and the superb quality of the parts supplied.
My Marlin should now stop when I want it to!!!!!!!

Ian

[chaterpedal]

if your father's cables are the same perhaps you could order one for me?