TR2/3/3A TR3A Handbrake boot

[Realmccoy01]

I'm reassembling a '59 TR3A for a friend. Unfortunately, a great deal of the car came to me in cardboard boxes and, even more unfortunately, many parts are missing. Along with a load of other parts, I ordered a handbrake boot from Moss with the two metal brackets. Now that the time has come to install the boot I'm flummoxed as to how it goes together. I've searched to forum and have seen pictures of the rubber boot attached to the flat floor. This one is different. There's a raised flange that extends about 3/8" or so from the floor with no where to fasten anything. Any ideas as tp what is supposed to happen there? Here's a picture.

thanks,
-bruce

 

[Hamish Racing]

My 1959 TR3a doesn’t have that upstand
The handbrake gaiter (park brake) incorporates the Speedo drive cover
It fits flat to the floor with a couple of horseshoe shaped plates on the rubber flange with a few through bolts securing it

 

[charleyf]

My 1959 TR3a doesn’t have that upstand
The handbrake gaiter (park brake) incorporates the Speedo drive cover
It fits flat to the floor with a couple of horseshoe shaped plates on the rubber flange with a few through bolts securing itView attachment 103750

My best guess is that a previous owner " had a better idea" and this was "it". So now it is your call whether you leave it or remove the flange.
I would also guess that you will not find any similar example on another TR3 or 4.
But it does not look like the traditional boot is going to fit-- as you have discovered.
Charley

 

[Realmccoy01]

Thanks Charley. Sadly, you’ve confirmed my worst fears. This car has a rather questionable history and this is not the first “creative” solution I’ve run into. Short of manufacturing some sort of boot, it looks like the flange needs to be removed and the hole filled in. If anyone has a better idea, I’d love to hear it.
-bruce

 

[charleyf]

Thanks Charley. Sadly, you’ve confirmed my worst fears. This car has a rather questionable history and this is not the first “creative” solution I’ve run into. Short of manufacturing some sort of boot, it looks like the flange needs to be removed and the hole filled in. If anyone has a better idea, I’d love to hear it.
-bruce

Once you remove the flange you can simply use a piece of sheet metal cut to fit any area that the boot does not cover. Use the left side of the boot to align the boot to its natural place. You do need to keep good open area for the hand brake to function.
Charley

 

[Hamish Racing]

As Charlie says the boot may cover the hole once the upstand lip is removed. It is quite a large hole to allow for leverage.
Found this pic which may help.

 

[Realmccoy01]

Thank you gents! I appreciate the input.

 

[NeilRogers]

Angle drive on the speedo cable is not original. The cable should come straight out and through the hole for the hand brake lever. That's what the 45 degree sloping pied of the rubber boot is for.