Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[BigHealey]

I have recently dismantled the components of the handbrake mechanism from my Healey 3000, and I have blast cleaned the balance lever, which appears to be in great condition, apart from the fact that the pin hole in the lever arm which the handbrake cable attaches to has become elongated.
I have spoken to a welding expert at work and he says that he will get the existing hole countersunk and then fill the hole with TIG weld.
My main questions are:
a) does this sound like a good idea?
b) what do you think would be the best method to make the new hole afterwards (milling?)
c) what finish did components like this have when new? (blackened, painted, plated, etc...?)

Any advice is much appreciated

Thanks
Dave

[Phil - Nottingham]

Its the standard way of renovating holes if a bush cannot be fitted. I use gas weld as it soft enough to drill out neatly MIG is too brittle and can chip.

If done properly it will lats a slong as original - lonbger if looked after

Do not do TIG so not certain how hard this would end up
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Rover P2
Rover P4
Rover P5 & P5B
Land Rover S2 & S3
Morris Mini Traveller Mk2

[Brian M]

An alternative is to use a piece of metal tube that has an internal diameter the same as the original hole in the balance bar, and drill out the bar to the outside diameter of the tube.

You do not even need to weld it in, as this will give two "bearing surfaces" that can be greased.
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Brian
1970 Volvo Amazon and 1978 Safari 15-4 Caravan
Classic Safari Forum: www.classicsafaris.co.uk