Emergency/parking brake for RCR40

[Pat]

I’ve started to install the included parking brake in my RCR40 and not too thrilled with what I’m looking at. The manual calipers in my kit are from a go kart (Go Power Sports) and going through all the parking brake threads it looks like almost everyone else is unsatisfied with them also. Has anyone found a better caliper or even an electric parking brake that fits and works in the RCR? I’ve searched threads back 5-6 years and haven’t seen anyone using another system that fits. I see Wilwood has an electric and manual parking brake but many different models so hoping someone found something that fits. I just started by routing the cables and before I do anything with the caliper or brackets I figured I’d check in here.

Thanks!

 

[Ryan]

On the car I just painted, we cant get the parking brake to hold. Apparently most move to a Tesla electric brake kit. Is this RCR kit extra money? or just standard with the package a whole?

I am referring to this one:

 

[Pat]

On the car I just painted, we cant get the parking brake to hold. Apparently most move to a Tesla electric brake kit. Is this RCR kit extra money? or just standard with the package a whole?

I am referring to this one:

View attachment 149043

It comes with their deluxe plus model or a $1300 package. Just playing around with it off the car it really isn’t good.

 

[Randy Folsom]

I figured the parking brake is only necessary to pass inspection. Unless I move to San Francisco, putting the car in gear will be more than adequate to keep it from rolling.

With that in mind, I still wanted to make them work. My solution is described here along with quite a bit if discussion on alternative solutions.

Post in thread 'Randy's RCR40 MKI'
https://www.gt40s.com/threads/randys-rcr40-mki.57066/post-596569

 

[BillK]

One solution I have used in the past is using an INDUSTRIAL LINE LOCK, this is not to be confused with the momentary drag racing line locks, you push on the brake pedal and press the electronic valve that keeps that pressure in the line. It locks up the rear wheels as strong as if you were using the brakes. To release it you press down on the pedal and push the button to open the valve. If anyone is interested let me know here and I will try and find the name of the valve I used, they are manufactured in Alabama. They are not cheap over $300 and that was a while ago. They are not for prolonged applied applications, if your brakes freeze in the locked position, you will have a problem. These systems were developed for trucks and road building equipment where cable emergency brake system were useless in the dirt and harsh environmental conditions these vehicles saw.. I used them when we had State inspection and 98% of the time used the trans as the brake. One thing, if you do use a system like this the valve must go AFTER the taillights switch so when applied the brake lights do not come on.

 

[Randy V]

For whatever it may be worth —
I have heard of the Line-Lock type of solution failing state inspection (back in my Cobra building days) because the parking / emergency brake must not rely upon the existing service brake hydraulic system and needs to be able to be actuated independently from the service brake..

 

[BillK]

Oh, I have the Jag type emergency handle in the car, it is just not connected to anything, just push the button and pull up on the unconnected handle, smile at the State MV guy and you are ready to go.

BillK

 

[Scott Womble]

I must have gotten lucky because they have now switched over to dual Wilwood e-Brakes. Just waiting for Bill to complete the new mounts.

 

[Pat]

I must have gotten lucky because they have now switched over to dual Wilwood e-Brakes. Just waiting for Bill to complete the new mounts. View attachment 149914

Is this for the RCR kit? I tried fitting the Wilwoods but they were too large. I’d be interested in buying the mounts from them if it is.

 

[Paul Proefrock]

I must have gotten lucky because they have now switched over to dual Wilwood e-Brakes. Just waiting for Bill to complete the new mounts. View attachment 149914

Scott, would you mind sharing the part number on one of the units? Would like to look into this further for my build.

 

[Randy Folsom]

I must have gotten lucky because they have now switched over to dual Wilwood e-Brakes. Just waiting for Bill to complete the new mounts. View attachment 149914

Seems like it might be adding quite a bit if unsprung weight. How much do they weigh?