Return of the Handbrake!!

[GunnerRob]

But I see no reason as to why the handbrake would be there. That's why I started the thread, because I'm curious as to why a car that was only LHD would have the handbrake in a unconventional position. Perhaps Alan's "bashing" wasn't so silly... perhaps Pontiac's anthropometrics showed that it would actually be easier for larger sized people to reach the handbrake if it were on the other side? Something to think about...

There must be a pro wrestling match going on during this thread that’s keeping the horn-dog, macho men pre-occupied. Otherwise we’d have the answer to Alfadog’s question by now.

Here in the USA the Firebird/Camaro is the car of choice of guys that like to “steal a feel” of their date before getting to the Burger King. The handbrake is on the right side because that’s where the CHICKS SIT!

BTW, I sold my ’73 Firebird in ’78.

[Bambikiller240]

But I see no reason as to why the handbrake would be there. That's why I started the thread, because I'm curious as to why a car that was only LHD would have the handbrake in a unconventional position. Perhaps Alan's "bashing" wasn't so silly... perhaps Pontiac's anthropometrics showed that it would actually be easier for larger sized people to reach the handbrake if it were on the other side? Something to think about...!!

Sorry, but that is ridicules. GM would not design a car to fit one size of people. Certainly there is a reason; it could be anything from ergonomics, to simplicity of assembly procedures, to availability of a usable part from another product line, to some combination of the above, or some other completely different reason; but you aren't going to find the answer here. I doubt that all people in OZ have such short arms (not true) that having the brake lever as close as possible is a mandatory design constraint anymore than all people in the US having long arms (again, not true) makes brake lever positioning farther away a mandatory thing. Ask GM why they did it. You're much more likely to get the real reason from them, than from any one here.

Perhaps you need to change your avatar - "no why-ning either!". Maybe to you it's not a big deal, but I am genuinely interested. I'm not talking about the Z, I'm talking about other cars! The placement of every component in a car I would have thought was backed up by reason. I am certain there is a reason and I'm sorry if you don't care, but I do!!

Asking the people of this site (or expecting to get the correct answer from them) a "Why" question like this is likely to be an excercise in futility. We were fortunate that kats or Alan T had contact with Matsuo to get an answer regarding the S30 brake lever placement. The likelyhood that anyone here works in, or has access to the GM Design Studio is slim to none. Perhaps the query should be addressed to GM if you really want an answer that has any validity.

"No Why-ning" idea is an interesting idea, but "Why" questions are good, so long as people get the answer and move on. Continuing to pound on the question with "Ya, But's", and "Well, What if's", etc. in the attempt to get the answer that they really want to hear is what makes me :sick:

GunnerRob's idea is interesting, but probably only a fortuitous side benefit of the brake lever placement on those cars.

Lastly, if your asking about why GM did something, it's OFF TOPIC on a Datsun/Nissan site!

[Zedrally]

huge snip...

Lastly, if your asking about why GM did something, it's OFF TOPIC on a Datsun/Nissan site!

Touche'

MOM

[Alfadog]

Firstly, THANKS ROB for identifying my question That seems like the best answer we can find

Carl, believe it or not car companies use ergonomics quite extensively these days. That's why a lot of things are placed where they are. The norm regarding the handbrake is to have it on the side of the driver - to be easy to access. Nothing about short arms or long arms. Just convenience. I don't see what's so 'ridicules' about designing something for the largest common factor... cars are designed to fit tall people in them, why not fat people? Since it's only "a few cm" I'm sure the thinner people wouldn't mind. Seems perfectly logical to me... of course that's just one possibility - I never said it was the answer.

I am not expecting an answer, I am not so naive. I just thought perhaps someone more knowledgeable than me may be able to bring up something I hadn't thought of.

You've told me before you see in black and white, and certainly have shown it here. Grey upsets you for some reason... is it so wrong for me to ask a question without expecting an answer? Excuse me for being so curious/pointless... I am surprised the "it's off-topic!!!" remark took this long actually.