Changing Rear brake pads

The rear pistons have an marking on them (triangle, from memory), that must match up with the little notch on the caliper itself.   Wind the caliper all the way in, then wind it out only to match up those marks, then you're set.  You can then adjust your handbrake at the pivot in the middle of the car :)

The 'v' indicates the position the piston needs to be in, for it to slide back over the pads again, as the pads have a circular notch in them, so that they physically can't fall out. :)
 
The handbrakes are generally **** because the cables are decades old and are starting to come apart, lol. 
 
I used to have a pair of cables made up new and balanced the handbrake by hand, then i could actually make it lock up for autocross work :D

Hmm, my cables are like new. Only replaced a few kms ago. Did the whole lot, so I don't think that's the problem. I checked the rubber boots and they are all fine.
 
Essdub, when you say you could lock them up, was this turning or travelling in a straight line. Its much easier to lock the wheels when turning than in a straight line.
 
Given the pads are still bedding in, I'll see how it goes....hopefully it will get better.
certainly on the old pads my car would roll down hills with the handbrake. It would hold fine initially but as they cooled and contracted they would lose their grip. Its not fun to go outside and find your car at the bottom of the hill and up the curb! (luckily with no damage)