parking brakes...

[PowerdbyChevy79]

whats up guys..wanted to get yalls opinion/advice..
got a 63 swb.. are any of yall using aftermarket parking brakes..i dont like the look of the old handle under the dash...i was thinking of going with a lokar set up..

[earl84]

Can't help you with this, just an interesting observation on how people's opinions differ. I freakin' LOVE the stock parking brake handle, to me it's one of the most iconic features of these trucks. But, that's MY opinion and I kept it on my truck. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[wayno]

I'm with Earl on this one - and I am no purist by any means - cutting up my inner fenders... lowering etc. I'm going out of my way to keep the parking brake handle because I love the look - I'm also going to run an old deluxe steering wheel as well. No wrong answer here though.

[The Rocknrod]

Here is some info on using a brake pedal mechanism from a mid-80s foot pedal assembly:
http://www.persh.org/pickup/misc.htm
Which I was considering, if I can't find a brake handle.

[Blue666(2)]

I was not crazy about the brake handle location on the 1/2 ton truck but I liked it on the 1 ton trucks. This picture shows my first whack at relocating the handle. I used a handle from a 1 ton. I have since moved it back and even with the gear shift.

I made a mount for the rachet and handle from 4" channel stock. This mounts to the bottom of the high hump cover. The bigger problem is routing the forward brake cable. I moved mine to the inside top of the swing arms. The cable now goes through the cross member close to the drive shaft.

I used an emeregency brake cable junction bracket to gather and align the cable ends. I pull the center section with a rod to the 1 ton handle.

This web page has some product to help you. http://www.controlcables.com/parking-brake-hardware/

If you search this forum for Lakeroadster, he also used a floor mounted brake handle.

[Blue666(2)]

Here's a picture of the of the 2nd attempt. This handle sits back even with the gear shift and has a smaller hole through the high hump.

It rides on two rails (1 x 1 angle iron) to span the high hump front to back and the sheet metal is adjusted to accept the rails.

A third version, when I get around to it, will eleiminate the rails and mount the rachet & handle direcly to the high hump panel.

[PowerdbyChevy79]

Originally Posted by Blue666(2)

Here's a picture of the of the 2nd attempt. This handle sits back even with the gear shift and has a smaller hole through the high hump.

It rides on two rails (1 x 1 angle iron) to span the high hump front to back and the sheet metal is adjusted to accept the rails.

A third version, when I get around to it, will eleiminate the rails and mount the rachet & handle direcly to the high hump panel.

looks good brother..

[PowerdbyChevy79]

ya im still debating on it.. im not finding any after market right now..i may go the route of blue666 ..but we will see.. thx for the input guys

[The Rocknrod]

Here is another idea:
http://persh.org/pickup/DonsEBrake.htm

[Blue666(2)]

This type e brake control would fit tight under the dash. You pull out to engage and rotate 90 degrees to release. Simialr units were used in Jeeps and import trucks.

https://www.cal-mustang.com/MUSTANG-...MBLY-C880.aspx

[Slow Build]

I haven't done any research yet but I have been thinking about going to a pedal to replace the handle. In my case I would like to extend the dash down a few inches (examples below) to hide the wiring and mechanicals. Just clean it up a little bit. I was planning on doing some measurements on a 67-72 setup since (at least the one I took pictures of but didn't measure) also have the vent, but with an easier to use handle, so there should be clearance. As I said I'm only in the preliminary thought process so it may not work. If someone else has tried this I like to here if it's possible. If so it would be a lot less than the aftermarket alternative.

I like that setup that Blue666 has. Looks like your ready for the drift competition.

[markeb01]

I fell in love with the Orscheln “over-center” hand brake in Vietnam. All of the military vehicles had one. They were easy to use, and the tension was easy to adjust right at the knob on top. I couldn’t figure out why they weren’t standard on regular production cars. It turns out they were installed on Dodge trucks and Chevy step vans for many years.

I bought this one for a Chevy step van from this outfit for $37.93 brand new:

https://www.millsupply.com/workhorse...36275&cs=1+133


It bolted right up to the stock cable setup and is much easier to operate (compared to the stock GM handle) for a guy with a bad back like me. The full installation can be seen on page 74 of my build thread.