Parking brake cable question

[Wayne P.]

I have replaced the back drum set up with 1966 rear disk trailing arms.
I bought a new cable and used the old one from the front. ( 1 Year old ) I am finding their is not enough leverage to put the parking brake on . Is their a different pulley system on a 65 and up.
Would I be able to adapt it to my 64 set up ?
Thanks

[William C.]

Re: Parking brake cable question

looking at my '65 chassis parts book, the brake assembly inside the pass compartment is the same 64-65, and the lever at the center crossmember that equalizes the cables from each side is also the same. One issue could be that the e-brake shoes in the disk system are TINY and generally don't hold well when the cars were new. Also there are great variations in some of the replacement parking brake shoes available today, some of which won't hold anything. I suspect that is where you will find you problem.. I'm assuming you have adjusted them to spec?

[Wayne P.]

Re: Parking brake cable question

The trailing arms are new ( Bair's ) and the parking brake was to have been adjusted so I wouldn't need to adjust it. Maybe I need to drive the car first ? Thanks William.

[Wayne M.]

Re: Parking brake cable question

This TSB might help.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Parking brake cable question

Thanks Wayne. Looks like I am also missing a bracket that looks like it is welded to cross member were it comes through the frame. Mine just goes through the hole and cable attaches to pivit . I will try and find another Lever, must be longer . I would make my own if I could find a blue print.
I was thinking I might have to keep a 2x4 handy to chock the wheels
Regards.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Parking brake cable question

Would anyone have a picture of the bracket that holds the parking brake cable were it comes through the #2 frame . Not sure were it is located.
Thanks

[Wayne M.]

Re: Parking brake cable question

Would anyone have a picture of the bracket that holds the parking brake cable were it comes through the #2 frame . Not sure were it is located.
Thanks

Here it is on an early '65. Looks like the bracket was crudely welded to the frame.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Parking brake cable question

Wayne exactly what I am looking for . Thanks

[Wayne P.]

Re: Parking brake cable question

William would you have the instructions on how to adjust the parking brake 65/66. I will check with Blair's to see what type of shoe it is.
Bracket on order.
Thanks . I didn't realize how much of a pain it is not to have one working.

[William C.]

Re: Parking brake cable question

I believe Bair's sends them pre-adjusted. There is also a threaded rod that makes the gross adjustment for variations in the cable, at the point where the rear cables connect tot the lever at the crossmember.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Parking brake cable question

Thanks I will take the rims off and take a look for the threaded rod.

[William C.]

Re: Parking brake cable question

Wrong place to look Wayne, the rod is at the frame center crossmember, where the "L" bracket connects to the cable from the interior of the car.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Parking brake cable question

Thanks I adjusted the nut till the rear cable was tight. I can only move the brake handle about 3 inches and the car still moves freely.
2x4 handy

[John L.]

Re: Parking brake cable question

Wayne:
Until you install that hold down frame bracket on the front cable or retain the cable housing firmly some other way,… the parking brake will not work. And any adjustments will be not work.
Here are the abbreviated directions from the ’65 manual. (This would be after you attach the front cable (Housing) tightly to the frame.)
1. Turn disc until adjusting star wheel can be seen through hole in disc (hole at bottom).
2. Insert tool (screw driver) through hole and tighten adjusting wheel by moving your hand away from the floor (on both sides).
3. Tight until disc will not move then back off 10 NOTCHES.
4. Apply parking brake handle 4 notches.
5. Then adjust equalizer bar under car until there is a light drag at the wheels.
6. Release parking brake and there should be no drag at either wheel.

[Wayne P.]

Re: Parking brake cable question

Thanks for all the help I got it to work. I have the bracket on back order. I feel allot better