Does anyone have any news on the Whalen Handbrake? I'm unhappy with the options available to replace my handbrake. I'd like to find something to match my Whalen shift ****. Any ideas? I don't want to buy something I'm not happy with only to find the Whalen handbrake is do out soon. Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Ken

 

No news on the Whalen Handbrake, but in lieu of that I am happy with the Rspeed Mini Chrome and Satin Chrome Brake Handle.

www.rspeed.net

The satin and chrome version works quite nicely with the Whalen. Fit and finish ... good. I say just good because I had to knock off a burr and taper the hole for the set screw. I "felt" the set screw hole too often when grabbing the handle as originally shipped. That emery paper modification aside, it works for me.

Taste is a relative thing, so you may have already chosen not to go this route.

If prompted I can provide photo's at a later date.

 

Jim,
I'd like to see some photos of the handbrake installed. Do you have the brushed and polished combo on your Whalen?
Thanks for your help.
Ken :smile:

 

I have the same Rspeed satin handbrake grip and it matches well to my satin Whalen ****. And no, ladies....it DOES NOT include batteries




For those interested in getting Sparco's, I've got nothing but praise for Polly Tee at Synergy Motors. Fantastic, professional customer service and excellent prices:
http://www.stores.ebay.com/id=248472...;ssPageName=L2
_________________

 

Sorry; I've kind of "dropped the ball" again!

I had another CNC turning shop make me a couple prototypes, but the finished pieces looked like crap.

I need to keep looking for a local shop that can get me something decent-looking. Either that, or get rid of one of my wire EDM's and pick up my own CNC lathe.

My apologies.

 

>>Sorry; I've kind of "dropped the ball" again!
>>
>>I had another CNC turning shop make me a couple prototypes, but the finished pieces looked like crap.
>>
>>I need to keep looking for a local shop that can get me something decent-looking. Either that, or get rid of one of my wire EDM's and pick up my own CNC lathe.
>>
>>My apologies.

I would say pick up the CNC lathe. Not only could you make great handbrake levers not only for the Mini, but your other lines. You could also have a new toy to play with. I think one of your strengths is that you control the whole process on your shiftknobs and therefore the quality, craftsmanship and customer service is the best out there. I think the same could be said for bringing production of the handbrake product into your shop.

If you produce a handbrake of the same caliber as the shift ****, I will be the first in line.

 

>>For those interested in getting Sparco's, I've got nothing but praise for Polly Tee at Synergy Motors. Fantastic, professional customer service and excellent prices:

Hey - which Sparcos are those in the picture? They look pretty schweet! I'm considering a seat upgrade, but I have to account for my width - I've seen quite a few reviews of some of these seats that say "only for up to a 34" waist" or some such. I'm more in the 38-40" range and don't want to feel like I'm being squeezed in a vise....

Oh yeah, I love my Whalen!
_________________
BigBrownDog


2002 MCS Chili Red / White


Team SES candidate


Webb EVM Package


Collinsville IL / St. Louis MO Area

 

>>Sorry; I've kind of "dropped the ball" again!
>>
>>I had another CNC turning shop make me a couple prototypes, but the finished pieces looked like crap.
>>
>>I need to keep looking for a local shop that can get me something decent-looking. Either that, or get rid of one of my wire EDM's and pick up my own CNC lathe.
>>
>>My apologies. :smile:

--
Cheese

 

Ken ... I went with the fully polished Whalen, here's some quick shots.





As usual, the photographer's abilities nor the car owner's clealiness don't do the object justice.

 

Jim,
Thanks for the pics. I appreciate the effort. Looks good! I'll strongly consider that brake handle.
Ken :smile:

 

Those are Sparco Milano in black leather. I got them because I've got a 32 waist and I get lost in the Mini seat. I'm afraid the Milano will be a wedge for you. Contact the link in my post above and she'll give you other options. She's very helpful.









>>>>For those interested in getting Sparco's, I've got nothing but praise for Polly Tee at Synergy Motors. Fantastic, professional customer service and excellent prices:
>>
>>Hey - which Sparcos are those in the picture? They look pretty schweet! I'm considering a seat upgrade, but I have to account for my width - I've seen quite a few reviews of some of these seats that say "only for up to a 34" waist" or some such. I'm more in the 38-40" range and don't want to feel like I'm being squeezed in a vise....
>>
>>Oh yeah, I love my Whalen!
>>_________________
>>BigBrownDog
>>
>>
>>2002 MCS Chili Red / White
>>
>>
>>Team SES candidate
>>
>>
>>Webb EVM Package
>>
>>
>>Collinsville IL / St. Louis MO Area

 

 

I have the Whalen with the chrome and leather e-brake from MINI Mania.

 

Jman,
How does the Chrome & Leather handbrake attach? I've heard others say it only attaches to the boot by a zip tie but doesn't attach to the handle. It just moves freely and doesn't lock down like the OEM handle. Did you have any problems with it?

 

>>:smile:

 

I have nothing but good things to say about Doug Whalen and the brushed stainless shifter I got from him. Doug, make sure any handbrake you make is optimized for spirited U-turns.

 

jman2000, what's that under your toggles?

 

80spitfire - You are correct it does turn in a circle, but I have had not any problems. I though a bought trying to JB Weld a small piece to the inside of the handle to fit in the factory slot near the top of the substructure, but it has not bugged me to much yet.

Mini58 - Are you talking about the screws and plastic piece beyond the toggles? That's part of the car. Sitting in the cup holder is my cell.

 

Bump.

Doug, any chance at all that you will be coming out with a hand break handle?

thanks

Chuck

 

>>Bump.
>>
>>Doug, any chance at all that you will be coming out with a hand break handle?
>>
>>thanks
>>
>>Chuck

Thanks for asking!

I finally picked up a "poor man's" CNC lathe last week.
Now I'm waiting for the installer to come and get it set up, and give me a little training on the control.

Once I'm familiar with the machine, I'll try turning up a couple prototypes, and see what I can come up with.

 

Cool, then I will definately wait before replacing my handle (I took it apart yesterday and well... now it needs replacing)

keep us posted

 

>>

 

Get a chance to play around with the lathe yet? My brakehandle is falling apart but I'll wait if there is any non-zero chance that you'll be ready soon.

Thanks

Chuck