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Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2019 11:58 am
by Jugster
For me, it's been a lousy year and a half of no Model T-ing. A third ruptured lumbar disc in April of '18 and subsequent fourth spine surgery in February pretty much took me out of the game. After some months of recovery and having clawed my way back into the cockpit, I discovered that leaning forward to operate the parking brake handle is no longer an option. Aw, nuts.
Fortunately, the Lang family sells two different types of handle extension. I went with the one that looks more "vintage." It arrived today and the photos show what it looks like assembled and unassembled. First impression is that this is a hefty, well-built, well thought-out accessory which you don't want to drop on your foot—and for the going price of $75, makes me wonder how the heck they make any profit on it.
Well, I'll post more photos and let you know how well it works after installation. Maybe there'll be some spectators in funny hats this year, after all.
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2019 5:27 pm
by Marty Bufalini
I've been looking at one of those myself, Bob, and I'd love to know how you like it, if it works well and easily, etc.
It's getting a little hard for me, too, after back surgeries.
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2019 8:18 pm
by catbol
I have that same extension on all 3 of my T's. I put them on when I too could not lean all the way forward with a bad left hip. The hip was replaced 9 months ago but they are not coming off. I love them. It makes it so easy to control the lever without leaning forward especially if you have short arms.
I have to take it off every time I want to remove the floorboards because it will not clear the floor board opening for the lever.
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2019 8:50 pm
by Oldav8tor
Pictures please
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2019 10:26 pm
by catbol
Will try to post pictures tomorrow.
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2019 10:44 pm
by Jugster
I patched together some artwork in Photoshop to show how the extension works. And yes, this accessory would have to be unbolted and uninstalled in order to completely remove the aft floorboard, but rather than do that, I'm sure there must be a way to move the floorboard out of the way sufficiently for routine greasing and oiling. Can't make an omelet without breaking eggs, I guess.
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2019 10:45 pm
by TonyB
I have installed three of the extension in the picture, one in my daughters speedster as she was complaining about reaching the level with the seat moved back to accommodate the lowered steering column. We both love it.
The other two have been in customers cars and again only compliments and no complaints.
Go for it
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2019 10:53 pm
by catbol
Bob
I have held the lower floor board up out of the way with a bungee cord when cleaning out the screen in the tranny and turning the grease cups without removing the extension. I removed it when changing the bands and installing AC brakes.
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2019 1:22 pm
by aDave
Glad to hear that YOUR body is healing.
As has been said previously, I too, am looking forward to more prose from Long Island.
Dave
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2019 8:46 pm
by Jugster
Finished up the installation. Pretty easy to do.
To release, pull back slightly, lift then push forward.
Here are some photos of what it looks like in a 1915 Touring.
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2019 2:38 pm
by paul hoogendoorn
To facilitate floor board removal I have made a small hinged trap door on the side of the floorboard. Flip it up to remove the board sideways. I have also cut a small slit in my rubber floor mat, hardly visible. Removing the extension attachment to get to the hogshead is a pain in the butt and takes time and effort.
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2019 6:16 pm
by Jugster
Paul,
Might you have a cellphone photo of your floorboard modification?
Bob C.
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2019 6:19 am
by paul hoogendoorn
Hi Bob, no I don't have a photo but will take one on the weekend and post on the site - that is - if I can find out how to do this.
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2019 4:13 pm
by Jugster
Thanks. Much appreciated.
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2019 12:38 pm
by Jugster
So I drove the Flivver to the local cruise-in yesterday and the lever extension was a real pleasure! Yes, it does take up a bit of side-to-side leg room when in the full aft position, but not so much in the neutral position, and not at all when in the full-forward position. Yeah, I'd recommend the living daylights out of this product for anyone who, like me, has a physical problem with leaning forward to get the lever into high-gear. Having had most of my lumbar vertabra fused together, it was starting to look like maybe I wouldn't be able to drive a Model T any longer. I'm glad that turns out not to be the case.
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2019 9:37 am
by paul hoogendoorn
Hi Bob,
Here are the trap door pics as promised, hope this helps
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2019 10:20 am
by GG Gregory
To bad nobody makes one for a 26-27.
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2019 10:56 am
by paul hoogendoorn
Forgot to mention my car is RHD. If I may ask, GG, won't the extension fit a 26 - 27 and why not?
Re: Product Review: Brake Handle Extension
Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2019 6:38 pm
by Jugster
Thanks for the photos, Paul. Nice installation. I hope to do as neat a job. Thanks again.