Mangusta build sheets

Mangusta pop-ups seem to have had at least two mechanisms. On a long-distance run with a '70 Goose that used vacuum-controlled pop-ups, we were astounded to note that when using full throttle uphill, in the mountains in the dark, the headlights tilted down exactly when the driver desperately needed to see where he was going! Reminiscent of 1950s' vac-controlled windshield wipers. On another '70 Goose I saw a lever-operated cable system that seems to avoid my friend's terror-based system.

The Mangusta was not DeTomaso's main priority in 1970 and the single headlight model probably only applied to maybe 25 cars total- all apparently sold to the U.S. The exact number might be an interesting trivia fact.

I crunched those number a few years ago using data from 3 registries. My count was 28 confirmed 2 H/L cars. VINS ranging from 904 to 1142.

I have examined 5 2 H/L cars and all had cable operated headlamps.

I do not know why anyone would convert a car from 4 to 2 as historically they have brought less money. There are at least 4 confirmed cars converted from 2 to 4.

(just for fun, one of the 28 (wow, really so few...) headlamp levers...this one still on 1046.

and the cover for it. '1076 was somehow missing its lever and cable, even in 1985 Hall had no idea where to get one...You can imagine how incredibly excited I was when a Member so generously ebay'd the one from his conversion 25 years later...
The grille is different (wider) on the 2 headlight car...Headlight buckets and chrome trim seem to match a Fiat 850 spider...

Lee,

Good score on the original pieces!!!!

After seeing the "push-pull" cables, I recall seeing something very similar hanging on the garage wall of a local club member who previously had been employed by FMC.....maker of the Bradley fighting vehicle. I think you also find this sort of cable in big rigs and perhaps even boats.

Just a matter of cutting and welding tin to resemble such pieces as the cover, and cutting some thicker steel to make a handle/lever....and you are a DeTomaso production line parts supplier!!!

Some more parts from the Fiat 850 Spider line too!!!

Cheers!

Lee, is that the same mechanism some of the later cars used for a parking brake?
I have been on the hunt for one but seems it will never materialize. Probably would be better off making my own.

No, the later cars have a Mercedes Benz 250/280 handbrake. Only the last 55 cars have that style as those cars left the factory in an unfinished state. The cars were finished by the German distributor. As the story goes, MB engineers were concerned when they saw spike in sale of e-brake handles and were concerned. Once they found out their destination, the selling dealer and DeT distributor got a cease and desist letter.

I found a couple pics of the lever's location in 1078 & 1120. Does it get in the way of removing the seat?

here's a comparison

on the 2HL the grille sides line up with the hood seams, but not the chin scoop

on the 4HL it's narrower, lining up with the chin scoop, but not the hood seams

Good pictures, M!ke...Scifi, the lever seems unique to the popup headlights. I actually started trying to make my own from pieces used for a parking brake, but the push-knob is pretty special (and follows the same industrial design as the knobs used on the seat rail adjusters). Pushing the knob releases the latch at the bottom (there is a single upright position for it, unlike a parking brake that will have progressive pressure). Note also the swivel at the front of the cage.
I used 72" and 90" control cables (for left and right).

another shot of the replacement

A quick look on ebay reveals only MB 250/280 hand brakes that are either pull type similar to the Capri version used in most, and a foot operated version...... and some small bits.....

The hand operated version is listed as being from a 1967 model Benz. So the search needs to be for 1970/1971 models?????

Will keep my eyes peeled at the local int'l wreckers for them old MB's!!!

What we need here now is a pic of a late version hand brake lever! Hint hint nudge nudge....

Ciao!

cover is a bit easier to fab...Lee

interior...this from '1046.