question re handbrake leaver

[Rossco]

kia ora all

Here is another question for the group, this time concerning the Mutt handbrake lever.
From my description below could someone confirm if my hand brake lever is as originally manufactured? (sorry don't have a photo)

lf I am looking at the lever, and its mounting bracket, from the back of the vehicle, should the lever and bracket be in vertical alignment or is the lever offset from the mounting bracket leaning slightly towards the drivers seat? My hand brake lever is bent slightly in this manner and I want to know if this is correct or should I straighten it?
Apart from this possible problem the hand brake lever is in good working order with the adjustment nut easy to work/adjust.

Unfortunately I don't have access to another Mutt to use for a comparison hence my question.

Rosco

[m3a1]

Kia ora e hoa!

My truck is a 1970 A2 and its handbrake lever is entirely vertical. If you manage to straighten it without taking it apart, keep in mind how that will affect the pins that hold the device together. They are essentially rather large rivets and all of this bending may have caused them to become loose once you get things straight again. You'll know if that happened because it will rattle!

Naku noa na,
TJ

[muttguru]

Yes, it should be vertical.
There have been accidents in the past when driver or passenger has tilted their seat forward and the edge of the seat has released the handbrake. Not recommended.
Ken

[Rossco]

Kia ora Ken and TJ

Thanks for the response to my question. I suspected the handbrake lever was slightly bent off center but without another vehicle/example to compare it against was not sure. Thats probably why you had to be carefull not to hit your knuckles on the 4wd lever!!
The function of the lever itself is fine without any play in the play in the rivets etc. so it should be easy to straighten in the press!

Regards
Rosco