Does anyone know when the ring that fits on the handbrake lever changed from being chrome plated metal to being plastic? I think this was a bit of a backward step because the function of the ring is to prevent you accidentally releasing the handbrake with your foot when you climb out of the car. The metal ring was robust enough, whereas the plastic ring is easily broken. Does anyones car have a plastic ring that hasn't been broken?

I found that you can buy new plastic rings relatively cheaply. I thought I would try and replicate the metal ring that came off my 1959 parts car in stainless steel. The original chrome plating was rather pitted and scratched. I first machined the round part then cut and filed the hoop from a bit of 3mm stainless and silver soldered it on. A bit of polishing finished it off nicely. The only way you could tell it wasn't original is the slightly different color of the finish and the silver soldered joint. I just need to make another one now for my other amazon!