1964-1974 Park Brake EQUALIZER (GM 6256437) details + install open end UP or DOWN?

[Scott S.]

Part: parking brake Equalizer (GM 6256437) used from 1964-1974 (67 AIM page UPC 5-C1)

Pictures of a 1967 survivor and another 1967 5-star bowtie car (posted in the TDB archives) both show the parking brake equalizer installed with the opening facing downward, with the side-to-side cable supported by the front-to-rear cable.

The 1967 AIM appears to show the equalizer installed with the opening facing upward, and it seems to make more sense in this orientation, with the side-to-side cable going under the front-to-rear cable and being supported underneath by the closed end of the equalizer, with the opening facing upward.

A picture of a 1972 Corvette in McNichol's restoration book (p. 141) shows the equalizer installed with the opening facing upward.

Which direction is the opening on the Equalizer supposed to face?



Also, are there any identifying markings on original Equalizers, like a stamped company logo or letters, machining marks, etc.?

[John H.]

Re: 1964-1974 Park Brake EQUALIZER (GM 6256437) details + install open end UP or DOWN

Part: parking brake Equalizer (GM 6256437) used from 1964-1974 (67 AIM page UPC 5-C1)

Pictures of a 1967 survivor and another 1967 5-star bowtie car (posted in the TDB archives) both show the parking brake equalizer installed with the opening facing downward, with the side-to-side cable supported by the front-to-rear cable.

The 1967 AIM appears to show the equalizer installed with the opening facing upward, and it seems to make more sense in this orientation, with the side-to-side cable going under the front-to-rear cable and being supported underneath by the closed end of the equalizer, with the opening facing upward.

A picture of a 1972 Corvette in McNichol's restoration book (p. 141) shows the equalizer installed with the opening facing upward.

Which direction is the opening on the Equalizer supposed to face?



Also, are there any identifying markings on original Equalizers, like a stamped company logo or letters, machining marks, etc.?

Scott -

Although the equalizer is shown in the '67 A.I.M. with the open side up, that's counter-intuitive; if it was being designed today, the open side would face down so it wouldn't collect water and dirt and become a corrosion trap, but nobody paid much attention to corrosion potential in the 60's. Functionally, I don't think it makes any difference.

[Scott S.]

Re: 1964-1974 Park Brake EQUALIZER (GM 6256437) details + install open end UP or DOWN

Scott -

Although the equalizer is shown in the '67 A.I.M. with the open side up, that's counter-intuitive; if it was being designed today, the open side would face down so it wouldn't collect water and dirt and become a corrosion trap, but nobody paid much attention to corrosion potential in the 60's. Functionally, I don't think it makes any difference.

Thanks John, that makes perfect sense, I hadn't thought of the corrosion factor.


Does anyone have an original equalizer that has survived with little or no corrosion, so that any manufacturer logo or ID marks are still visible?

[Brian M.]

Re: 1964-1974 Park Brake EQUALIZER (GM 6256437) details + install open end UP or DOWN

Mine was facing up, I repositioned it to face down.

[Rich C.]

Re: 1964-1974 Park Brake EQUALIZER (GM 6256437) details + install open end UP or DOWN

I'm getting ready to replace my original rear cable, probably next week-end. I'll also check for logos etc, and report in then. I know my car is several years later, but now i'm interested!

'73 LS-4 454, owned 21 3/4 years

Smu ttynose 'Finestkind' IPA, now on tap!

[Scott S.]

Re: 1964-1974 Park Brake EQUALIZER (GM 6256437) details + install open end UP or DOWN

Okay, here are a couple pictures of a recently acquired NOS example of the GM 6256437 parking brake Equalizer.

The part number in the 67 AIM (GM 6256437, UPC 5-C1) was listed in the 1960s P&As and up through the 1972 P&A 30B, and still shown in the illustrated section of the 1974 P&A 30B, even though another GM catalog shows that GM 6256437 was discontinued April 1973. In any case, it has been discontinued for a long time.

The example below has a capital "P" manufacturer mark stamped into the top of the closed end, and machine marks, more pronounced on one side. The reproductions I have seen don't really have any machining marks, and no manufacturer ID or logo. The example that came off my car may have the "P" logo, but it's too corroded to be certain.

Does anyone have a known original parking brake equalizer for comparison?

[Scott S.]

Re: 1964-1974 Park Brake EQUALIZER (GM 6256437) details + install open end UP or DOWN

I'm getting ready to replace my original rear cable, probably next week-end. I'll also check for logos etc, and report in then. I know my car is several years later, but now i'm interested!

'73 LS-4 454, owned 21 3/4 years

Smu ttynose 'Finestkind' IPA, now on tap!

Thanks Rich,

I don't have a 1973 AIM or P&A 30B, so I don't know if the GM 6256437 Equalizer was still being used in 1973 production, but I suspect it was. Please do let us know what you find,

Scott

[Joe L.]

Re: 1964-1974 Park Brake EQUALIZER (GM 6256437) details + install open end UP or DOWN

Okay, here are a couple pictures of a recently acquired NOS example of the GM 6256437 parking brake Equalizer.

The part number in the 67 AIM (GM 6256437, UPC 5-C1) was listed in the 1960s P&As and up through the 1972 P&A 30B, and still shown in the illustrated section of the 1974 P&A 30B, even though another GM catalog shows that GM 6256437 was discontinued April 1973. In any case, it has been discontinued for a long time.

The example below has a capital "P" manufacturer mark stamped into the top of the closed end, and machine marks, more pronounced on one side. The reproductions I have seen don't really have any machining marks, and no manufacturer ID or logo. The example that came off my car may have the "P" logo, but it's too corroded to be certain.

Does anyone have a known original parking brake equalizer for comparison?

Scott------

The GM #6256437 equalizer was replaced in PRODUCTION during the 1975 model year by GM #1497525 which was then used through 1982. However, it's possible the replacement actually occurred as early as the 1973 model year. Information is conflicting on this issue.

The 1497525 became the SERVICE replacement for all 1964+ Corvettes sometime around late 1973 or early 1974, although it was mistakenly omitted from parts history. The SERVICE replacement information also implies that the PRODUCTION change actually occurred prior to 1975.

The GM #1497525 remains available from GM.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1964-1974 Park Brake EQUALIZER (GM 6256437) details + install open end UP or DOWN

Just as a note. The 1497525 does have the draw marks on the sides but no "P" on the top as the originals did. They are also painted gloss black enamel. Don't think this would be an item that judges will note but installing one upside down might get their attention.

JR

[Scott S.]

Re: 1964-1974 Park Brake EQUALIZER (GM 6256437) details + install open end UP or DOWN

Scott------

The GM #6256437 equalizer was replaced in PRODUCTION during the 1975 model year by GM #1497525 which was then used through 1982. However, it's possible the replacement actually occurred as early as the 1973 model year. Information is conflicting on this issue.

The 1497525 became the SERVICE replacement for all 1964+ Corvettes sometime around late 1973 or early 1974, although it was mistakenly omitted from parts history. The SERVICE replacement information also implies that the PRODUCTION change actually occurred prior to 1975.

The GM #1497525 remains available from GM.

Joe,

Thank you for the clarification, I found GM 6256437 in the Parts History showing it was discontinued in 4/73 but it didn't show what it superseded to. The 1974 P&A then shows GM 1497525 in the same Group (4.765) and says it is Service for 1964+, but curious there's no "official" connection between the two. It reminds me of your comments on the 1967-68 rag joint vs. the 1969 rag joint situation.

[Scott S.]

Re: 1964-1974 Park Brake EQUALIZER (GM 6256437) details + install open end UP or DOWN

Just as a note. The 1497525 does have the draw marks on the sides but no "P" on the top as the originals did. They are also painted gloss black enamel. Don't think this would be an item that judges will note but installing one upside down might get their attention.

JR

Joe Ray,

To clarify, have you seen the "P" stamped into known original GM 6256437 park brake Equalizers?

Thanks for the reply,

Scott

[Rich C.]

Re: 1964-1974 Park Brake EQUALIZER (GM 6256437) details + install open end UP or DOWN

Finally got the thing off!!! My well preserved (lots of transmission fluid) original had NO manufactures mark, (nor does my N.O.S. equalizer that I have in storage). Finish was not black, but a deep almost brass color to it. Also it was installed opening down. My original parking brake set-up was most certainly never replaced (or used for that matter, automatic transmission), I bought car with less than 60,000 miles.

'73 LS-4 454, owned 21 3/4 years

Smu ttynose 'Finestkind' IPA (keg kicked)

[Jim D.]

Re: 1964-1974 Park Brake EQUALIZER (GM 6256437) details + install open end UP or DOWN

The equalizer on my 65 is the original one and in perfect condition. It is installed with the opening down which agrees with the 65 AIM. There are no manufacturing marks or stampings on it and has traces of black paint.

[Scott S.]

Re: 1964-1974 Park Brake EQUALIZER (GM 6256437) details + install open end UP or DOWN

Finally got the thing off!!! My well preserved (lots of transmission fluid) original had NO manufactures mark, (nor does my N.O.S. equalizer that I have in storage). Finish was not black, but a deep almost brass color to it. Also it was installed opening down. My original parking brake set-up was most certainly never replaced (or used for that matter, automatic transmission), I bought car with less than 60,000 miles.

'73 LS-4 454, owned 21 3/4 years

Smu ttynose 'Finestkind' IPA (keg kicked)

Rich,

Thanks very much for the follow up!

If your NOS equalizer is still in the GM package, is the part number GM 6256437?

Does either your original or your NOS equalizer have what Joe Ray referred to as "draw marks" (post 9), the vertical machining marks? I was guessing those marks were caused by whatever machine takes the flat piece of metal and folds it into the finished shape while the steel is still hot.

[Scott S.]

Re: 1964-1974 Park Brake EQUALIZER (GM 6256437) details + install open end UP or DOWN

The equalizer on my 65 is the original one and in perfect condition. It is installed with the opening down which agrees with the 65 AIM. There are no manufacturing marks or stampings on it and has traces of black paint.

Jim,

Thanks for posting the info. I just checked the other AIMs, and it looks like '67 is the first year that shows the equalizer installed open end up, the '68 and '69 AIMs also show open end up, even though they were apparently installed open end down in practice.