1966 Handbrake-ebrake tightening

[Swerve-Driver]

I searched for this on the boards but was unable to find a decisive answer.

Problem: 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton handbrake is ineffective. It seems to tighten up a little all the way at the end of its motion, but it is not anywhere near doing its job. This thing won't even hold the truck still in my driveway, which is relatively flat. In an emergency, it would leave me with little more than a sinking feeling.

Question: How do I tighten up the hand-brake (make it start to grab earlier)?

Do I adjust the star-wheel on the rear brakes or is there some adjustment on the hand brake itself?

I have my truck in storage right now, so cannot look at it directly, but I am looking to work on it while in storage and would like to have some direction when I get there instead of spending a lot of time figuring out what actually needs to be done.

Any direction anyone can provide is much appreciated.

Thanks,
S-D

[SkylineNXS]

Ok, on the cable that comes from the handle in the cab, there should be a long threaded rod pressed on the end of it. This is underneith the cab inbetween the to frame rails where the rest of the cables are (idk if u ever been down there). This is where the intermediate/middle cable goes through a little perpendicular dilee, and there should be a nut or 2 on the rearend side of the threaded rod that goes through the little perpendicular channel. If u tighten the nut/s, the perpendicular thing will move its way farther forward on the cable, effectvely shortening the cables length. Then, when u pull on the handle, it will pull on the cables earlier, so then ull have a good strong hold.....

Brad

[Swerve-Driver]

I have not seen the one on my truck as I only recently bought it, but know what you are talking about. I feel like a schmuck for not having thought about that.

I will check it out when I get it on the hoist.


Thanks for the help-
S-D

[Woogeroo]

.. and if that still isn't enough... you can buy a part that is a circle, that the brake cable wraps around to take up the slack. They have 'em at the parts store.


-W

[glennhuff]

Make sure that the rear brakes are adjusted before you try adjusting the parking brake.

Glenn

[Woogeroo]

Oh yeah... what Glenn said.



-W

[zenish]

make sure a rear seal hasn't coated your brakes with oil.