More interior space! - MX-5 NC - Jass Performance Handbrake

This has freed up much more room for my left leg and so far the knee bruise has not returned! Apologies for not including this in the video, I wasn’t happy with the quality of this portion so decided to omit it.
Another modification to my Mazda MX-5 mk3 to try and make it more comfortable on longer journeys as well as saving my left knee on track days. On top of this, I absolutely love the OEM look of the Jass Performance products.
Jass website: www.jassperformance.com/shop/...
Handbrake (**PLEASE NOTE BUTTON SOLD SEPARATELY**): www.jassperformance.com/shop/...
Handbrake button:www.jassperformance.com/shop/...
Headlight lens restorer I use: amzn.to/35dDiwO
Drain hole cleaning brush I use: amzn.to/2ZR8crI
Soft top cleaning kit I use: amzn.to/2KVvYiB
Soft top cleaning brush I use: amzn.to/393XB0S
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check out my website and follow me on instagram! @carthought:
🔥 Website: www.carthought.com/
🔥 Instagram: / carthought

[@jassperformance]

Other than informative, they are also feel-good-videos, Dom. Really enjoying them. Thanks!

[@michaeleubanks6534]

Great video! I bought a similar hand brake replacement and had do idea how to install it on my 2008 MX-5. No installation instruction was provided. With your instruction I am now ready to tackle it. Thanks for sharing this!

[@irvb9881]

I'm thinking of buying an NC - these videos are great! Thanks.

[@Chris391971]

Thanks for the video. I’ve just bought a 2013 MX5 roadster coupe and loving it very much

[@taffetatwist2194]

Awesome video! Am shopping for an NC right now and am quite a tall chap. Haven't sat in one yet to test this out but at least I know now that the handbrake is easy to change. Please please please keep doing what you do, your videos are really high quality!

[@CarThought]

The proof is all in the testing 👍 I’m not a giant but my legs seem to disagree with the stock position, I have mates that are taller than me and have no problem!

[@rcmakingtracks18]

I'm 6 feet have no issues in my 2011 nc. Good luck. John

[@jackdavies1718]

Good stuff, very professional, that could have so full of innuendo! Glad you’re pleased with the seat lowering brackets. I think I’ll go for a set of those.

[@CarThought]

The temptation was there! Make sure you watch my video on it. Probably wouldn’t take the seat off the rails at all if I did it again, just slide them to the back!

[@jackdavies1718]

Car Thought Aah ok. Yeah, removing the rails didn’t look much fun at all!

[@megajohntopunishenslave427]

I like your advice but you could have added the following things. 1. If the lock bar dislocates you have to fiddle to make sure it operates properly. 2. If you want to hide the ugly finish underneath just take the old sleeve cut off the bottom of the injection Mould “Mazda branding”. Then glue it on to the base of the hand brake. This will hide the ugly look between the sleeve and gator some way as it’s black 3. Never mentioned the screw on button don’t bottom out so a little of thread lock is needed once you reach the desired height. Other wise top product and vid.

[@pantherskates]

The lock bar was bent on mine so I've ordered a new one to replace. Seriously fiddly bit, not looking forward to doing it

[@markgettemeyer1145]

I ordered the parts from Jass as soon as I finished watching your video. Didn’t know if they shipped to the States, but they do and I’m loving the upgrade to my interior.

[@mx5gaz709]

Looks good does that, may consider this. Great video fella

[@OXOtwo]

Really miss you. Hope your ok.

[@CarThought]

Take a shot of tea every time I say Jass Performance ☕️

[@Dthomsson]

How much space does the 1" lowering gave you considering your height? Did the longer journeys became comfortable? I have recently ordered the 2.5" version to make sure I will fit in the car nicely on long journeys as I am 188 cm (6.2") tall. I am a bit worried though that I will be too low in the car. What do you think?

[@CarThought]

Thanks for the comment! It has made an improvement but in all honesty I’ve really not driven more than about 5 miles since lockdown! I really want to test it out on a long journey, with the handbrake, removal of deadstop and the drop it feels more roomy so far! It’s a tricky one as everyone’s different body shapes, I have long legs and short torso, but you might have long torso short legs.. 2.5 will give a lot more headroom, but can you ever be too low?? Good if you want to wear a helmet on track!

[@jassperformance]

@@CarThought actually the 2.5" drop version provides leg support for long legs, naturally bend and also raised up (there is not enough space to stretch them unfortunately). While the raised seat front and leg support is essential for ergonomic seating and support for any really tall driver, this might be an issue for someone not that tall.

[@cs2360]

Nicely done and a nice upgrade. I'm waiting for you to change out your shift knob ... Perhaps go with a voodoo style ball that matches your handbrake. Unmarked shift knobs are theft deterrent devices in the U.S.A. (where not so many people drive manual transmissions anymore).

[@janreijers208]

As allways, nice video, I will check out the link.I have got a left-hand drive so I do not have the issue. I was wondering how the right hand side looks on your car? It looks as if a big part of the gearbox is their which gives issues when you want to sit comfortable. I feel I am always struggling a bit when I try to find a good position on the passenger site.

[@85waspnest]

I bought a leather and chrome handbrake lever cover from MX5 Parts and had the same issue removing the old one. After no success pushing, pulling and twisting as you did with yours I resorted to carefully tapping it off with a hammer and a small block of wood. Wish I'd thought of this in the first place :-D.

[@CarThought]

That’s interesting, I’ve heard heat also works!

[@HienTQuan]

About to do exactly the same with lever bought from MX5 Parts. Shall try your trick. Thanks!

[@jackleonard2088]

Nice looking piece and install video. Hard to believe Mazda didn’t swap sides for the handbrake for right hand drive cars.

[@CarThought]

I know! That would be the ultimate fix, move the handbrake to the other side, but as you say.. same on both LHD and RHD!

[@DepakoteMeister]

The handbrake is on the correct side for RHD drive cars, they are RHD as standard in Japan! Hard to believe Mazda didn't swap sides for the left hand drive cars.

[@r1freak1]

That would go great with my Moddiction Anvil2 shift knob.

[@phillipbiros3046]

Nice seeing the small differences between UK market nc's and our US ones

[@CarThought]

What’s different?

[@phillipbiros3046]

@@CarThought Our hand brake dust cover thingy isn't glued on, in fact nothing really holds it in place, Never seen a silver painted button on a US car, And that spring looks BEEFY compared to the one I pulled out of my car. like I said small stuff : D

[@GMak81]

My stock gear knob worked loose when I was out the other day. Having seen this video I ordered the Sport style replacement from Jass. I can't wait to fit it and go for a drive. They have loads of sweet looking bits, although the NC aftermarket is limited compared to what I was expecting.

[@steffydog]

I had one, in the winter it’s absolutely freeeeeeezing to touch. Looks fab though.

[@HewAndAwe]

Thanks for this, did you ever resolve the baggy leather cover problem? Just tried to install mine and have the same issue 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@CarThought]

Had to install a fresh cover from Jass, that was much tighter/longer and made it better 👍

[@HewAndAwe]

@Car Thought Thanks mate 👍

[@ccsukdigital]

The original handbrake and gear lever gaitors aren't actually leather, they are plastic (PU leather, leather, whatever...). Upgrading them both to actual leather is a nice mod to do, although from experience I can tell you that fitting the base of the handbrake gaitor to the clip in panel is a tight fit! 🤬

[@CarThought]

Interesting! I’ll have a look at the clips on it as I am interested in replacing mine!

[@davidkirkland4364]

So does it solve the interference with left leg problem?

[@CarThought]

Much better!!

[@danburgephoto]

Great video! But you didn't mention if it was actually any better for interior space or not!

[@CarThought]

I know! My fault, I filmed it but wasn’t happy with the quality of the shots. It is better, more room so need to rest it out on a long drive now!

[@toshibavoodoo]

Cool

[@pkonneker]

How does the math work on a fatter handle giving you more clearance? Is it just because of the angle your leg hits it?

[@CarThought]

Only wider in the middle as it tapers at the top end. Also shorter, hard to explain without a comparison!

[@bomfunk411]

Did it give you the extra leg space as hoped? How much

[@alfnitro6104]

Great instructional video. New Handbrake looks cool, but it's way too heavy for an MX5. LOL. And didn't give you more space either. But, who cares, an MX5 is all about the fun, not the space. Party on Dood! All I need now is..........hmmm........an MX5!

[@spirosalygizakis3686]

Can a normal student 18+ yr old afford such a car? I a thinking of buying one!

[@ecarnomics]

Yeeeii

[@Nobody-dc8dp]

Probably buy pliers with rubber teeth

[@S30Uploads]

Wrong side mate hahah

[@CarThought]

I'd have trouble steering if I sat in the other seat! haha

[@robertwagner8544]

I like your Miata videos, but i hope really you invest a little bit money in the future to buy some proper tools ;-)

[@CarThought]

Haha which tools aren’t proper?! 😂

[@robertwagner8544]

@@CarThought Yeah... those rusty pliers triggered me hard :-D But maybe it's just because... Weil ich Deutscher bin ;-) Greetings from Krautland from another happy MX5 driver.

[@Pembolog]

"More interior space!" where? you've been given a product, you didn't review it, you didn't say why it's better than OEM, this is literally just a show off that Jass sent you an aluminium handbrake. 7mm isn't more interior space

[@2boosted385]

That sound of you rubbing that metal just made me want to throw up and make my ears bleed that was so bad

[@CarThought]

I could make a remix music track of it for you if you want? Haha

[@2boosted385]

That would make 2021 10x better hahah

[@RobWhittlestone]

Please speak English. "Gifted" is not a verb in English. It is a noun that has been "verbed" (also not a verb). I received it as a gift or I received it free of charge or it was a gift. A habit from our transatlantic cousins. It's as bad a "birthed" (also not English). Otherwise nice video, Dominic.