Handbrake Sleeve

 

TL;DR nice but a pain to fit

All the press cars have it, but it's not even option on the car configurator.

You can get it aftermarket from either https://caterhamparts.co.uk/ or if you're in Europe https://www.demon-tweeks.com/eu/

There are 3 versions : the grey one shown here does match the gear knob and key fob of the "S" Caterham, there is a black one to match the  "R", and finally a bare shiny aluminium one to match the SuperSeven 600.

The fact is that it's a pain to install because the handbrake lever is not round, and need some serious grinding with a Dremel tool in order to fit the sleeve.

You begin with the removal of the plastic sleeve using tongue and groove pliers and a old thick t-shirt or rag. It takes a few seconds : you wrap the t-shirt in multiple layers and twist the plastic sleeve around the handbrake shaft to break the glue. The original grip comes out in perfect condition. I'm just not sure how one would glue it back, or why.

Fitting the aluminium sleeve is way more complicated than you expect it to be because the lever is not round, and the bottom seam has to be grinded quite a lot. The Dremel sanding band was my tool of choice. You might also need to grind some bits on the top as well. The car was protected from dust and sparks with the same old t-shirt and some paper towel.

The new sleeve is locked in place by means of a pair of allen grub screws at the bottom.

After installation I though that option was not available in the configuration tool because of how fiddly it is to install. I was told during the factory tour that with the proper air grinder, it's actually just a 5 minutes job.

Regarding my weight saving obsession, the plastic sleeve weighs 62 grams, the alloy one is 30 grams heavier.

(Detail of VIL 737, from the excellent review by SHETALKSCARS)