54 Emergency Brake Cable Disconnect

[John Lanning]

I am preparing for the body lift on my 54' this weekend but am having a problem with the disconnection of the emergency cable at the firewall. Perhaps your advise would prevent my breaking the cable or housing.

I removed the spring clip on the cable at the firewall but cannot pull the cable or housing out of the socket where the large nut is. I can turn the cable housing in the socket about a 1/4 turn but no more. Pulling the housing does not help at all and it appears the nut is locked tight on the treaded end of the brake handle shaft at the firewall. Am I missing something here or should I try and apply heat to the nut at the firewall (not me) and try to loosen it? Any other thoughts even if it is disconnecting underneith the car.
Thanks,
John Lanning

[Roy B.]

Re: 54 Emergency Brake Cable Disconnect

If you disconnect the cable from under the Vett you can then pull the handle out and remove the cable. The nut your talking about may be locked tight but there is a nut and bolt holding the housing to the firewall that should hold the housing plus the under dash two bolts

[Michael L.]

Re: 54 Emergency Brake Cable Disconnect

John, I had the same problem with my '55. As Roy states, you can disconnect the cable from underneath the car in two places: one is where the cable attaches to the lever, the second is a clamp welded to the frame.It will then allow you to get the body off the frame.

My brake handle was very rusty so I removed it from the firewall. I soaked it well with PB Blaster, let it sit over night and hit it again. Once the handle is out, you can remove the entire cable ( It is held in a slot by a ball at the end of the cable) and really clean up the assembly. My springs and pawls were in good shape, so rust removal, repaint, reassemble,some oil and all is well.

I have the body off now ( Roy, the car has been completely torn down since you saw it during Hot August Nights!) and I'm rebuilding the entire front end and finishing the frame... Amazing how fast you can tear one down!

[John Lanning]

Re: 54 Emergency Brake Cable Disconnect

Thank you for your suggestions. Will try to disconnect the cable from under the car. Looking forward to the lift off!!
John Lanning