12-12-2021, 10:18 AM
(This post was last modified: 12-12-2021, 01:01 PM by Reckless Rat.
Edit Reason: afterthoughts
)
If your car still has the original brake set-up, it will be uncoupled. That means that the footbrake operates the rear wheels and the handbrake the front wheels. If all you did for your emergency stop was to jump on the footbrake then I'm not surprised that you overshot. The reason is that the front brakes are the most effective, and the lever gives more effort than the pedal. In essence you should use both at the same time.
I have found that this is the case even with a later car, with the coupled braking. A good heave on the handbrake will pull it up quicker than the pedal, unless you've got a right foot like Arnold Swarzenegger.
All this assumes of course, that everything is in good order and properly adjusted.
There are some basic points to observe:
Rear brake levers should point downwards
Angles between cables and levers should never exceed 90° when fully applied
Early brakes (prior to Semi-Girling) can only be adjusted at the shoes by shimming.
Brake cams can often be wrong (they are "handed")
Wear in bushes and associated parts doesn't help.
Locking the rear wheels at speed can cause the car to rotate.
Good forward observation, planning and awareness are necessary to avoid "panic stops".
Austin Sevens never have, nor ever will be able to stop like a "Modern" and allowances have to be made to your driving style.
Always allow for the actions of others, and expect the unexpected.
I have found that this is the case even with a later car, with the coupled braking. A good heave on the handbrake will pull it up quicker than the pedal, unless you've got a right foot like Arnold Swarzenegger.
All this assumes of course, that everything is in good order and properly adjusted.
There are some basic points to observe:
Rear brake levers should point downwards
Angles between cables and levers should never exceed 90° when fully applied
Early brakes (prior to Semi-Girling) can only be adjusted at the shoes by shimming.
Brake cams can often be wrong (they are "handed")
Wear in bushes and associated parts doesn't help.
Locking the rear wheels at speed can cause the car to rotate.
Good forward observation, planning and awareness are necessary to avoid "panic stops".
Austin Sevens never have, nor ever will be able to stop like a "Modern" and allowances have to be made to your driving style.
Always allow for the actions of others, and expect the unexpected.