Handbrake seized up.
Take 2
Using vice grips on top, undo mounting bolts, clevis etc.
Remove.
Then using the bench vice to support the handle, and a ball pein hammer on the ratchet catch, I managed to slip the handle off the lever.
And eventually………
Culprit.
Button, felt washer, spring and a support washer.
And the inside…… more rust.
Solution……
Some coarse sand paper on a shaft, slipped over the release rod and a load of rotation and in and out movement.
Also the felt washer clearly needed to be replaced.
Where to buy these little parts from though.
Bugggerrr.
Around 12.30 Nick came sauntering down the garden path.
Coffee time.