'63 parking brake cable

[GaryC]

Two questions: 1) Of the main cable going to the handle, the cable inside the housing is frozen. It is all the way at one end (simulating full release). I have stood it up and injected WD-40 down inside for sometime now but it still will not move. Suggestions? Also, what is a good lubricant for these cables?

2) The right rear cable has a washer on the end of the cable that inserts into the center frame. This is hard to describe but ... this washer is at the part of the cable that flares out after it goes into the frame (the flaring holds it inside the frame). The left side does not have this washer. Should it? Also, the right side has a U-clip just on the outside of the frame holding it and again, the left side does not. Should it?

Thanks,

[Arne]

Re: '63 parking brake cable

Gary, If the cables are off the car, or if you can remove them. I had the same problem. A old mechanic buddy gave me this hint: coil them up and place them all in a large 5 gallon bucket partially filled with Auto Transmission Fluid. The fluid has a very high detergent level and after a few days things should move again....worked for me. (but mine were left for about 10 days) Arne

[Duke W.]

Re: '63 parking brake cable

Don't have a sure fire way to free up the cable, but once it is free and clean lubricate it with Lock-Ease. It's commonly available in auto parts and home/hardware stores. Lock-Ease is an emulsion of spherical graphic in a petroleum distillate (shake well before using) and is an excellent low velocity high pressure lubricant. It is very effective and appropriate for clutch cables and parking brake cables. It is stable to extremely high temperatures, which makes it quite suitable for cables that receive significant radiant heat transfer from exhaust system surfaces. I would never, ever use any kind of a petroleum product to lubricate a clutch or parking brake cable.

Here's a description of the rear parking brake cables where they butt into the rear face of the center cross member on my SWC: The LH cable has a retention washer that is integral with the cable. The RH cable has no integral retention washer, but has a removeable "U" clip.

Duke

[WayneC]

Re: '63 parking brake cable

I would think the "soak it in a bucket" approach would work, if anything would, and I'd suggest using Marvel Mystery Oil.

[GaryC]

Re: '63 parking brake cable

Guys, thanks for the info on fixing the cable. I'll try it!

Duke, thanks for the response about the washer. That is what I have on my SWC but I wasn't sure if it was correct. When I took it apart, 8 months ago, I didn't take enough pictures and I didn't document it well enough to know if something was missing or not. (Live and learn.)