Short day

 It was a non-garage job today, re-terminating the lights. The bullet connectors on the lights were just asking for trouble, and the wires were way too long for their anticipated location. I chopped all the wires down to six inch lengths (still look a bit too long but should be fine clipped in I think), and put them on motorcycle type lighting connectors. 2 way for most of them, 3 way for the stop/brake lights. In theory lights should only need 1 wire as the body is grounded, but that's not an option with a fibreglass body so I need earths on all lights. I've got plenty of earth wire though, there were multiple connectors for earth on the Mx5 so I can do the same here. I also have spare slots on the loom connector so I might add a few earths to avoid 'Ford Escort disco lights'. 

Next job is the handbrake. I have an idea on where it can be mounted, but I need to reverse the cable action. The ratchet is designed to pull the cables forward when the handbrake is vertical and pointed forward. I'm putting it horizontal and sideways. I might fit some brake pipe to smoothly route the cable, although I think steel tube might be stronger considering the cable has got to be able to hold the car still and pass the brake efficiency test. But that comes after the handbrake itself. That will need a welded bracket to come through the tunnel panel. 

(Update). Having a look at where the cable has got to go, not only has it got to reverse itself, but it's got to get past the gear shift turret. Some sort of guide would be the ideal method, and as luck would have it there are many production cars that use a handbrake cable guide. For example there is https://www.autocrafteng.co.uk/shop/split-screen-van_60/panels-and-body-parts_1/chassis-panels_12/handbrake-cable-guide-tube-type-2-55-67_350/ that is a 12mm wide, 1mm diameter steel tube. So I'll just follow their lead. I will keep it as straight as possible, probably weld the pipe in place maybe? 

I also found that the standard MX5 handbrake includes a return spring, and it makes sense to reuse it.