Handbrake cable question , later axle ?

[Ratty]

Hi all , quick question for you ;

What handbrake cable do I need to use when fitting an '87 C20 Suburban rear axle into '63 P30 ?

Mine is fitted with the under-dash hand operated mounted handle horizontally to the left of the steering column . I have the cable that goes from there to the 'lever' mounted on the chassis rail under near the rear of the gearbox (Length-wise) but nothing from there back , so should I order a cable for a '63 in the hope that it'll fit the later rear axle or visa-versa ?

If neither cable is a straight swap which end is easiest to modify to fit the different years (I'm guessing the front end would be easiest) ?

Thanks in advance , Ratty

[lakeroadster]

I would get the cable made for the rear axle, then splice it to the stock cable from the hand brake.

I used cable splices, the type you get from Home Depot, when I modified my emergency brake cables. You will need to buy the crimper pliers though to ensure a good strong crimp. The pliers look like bolt cutters, but instead of shear jaws they have crimping jaws.

[72lb4x4]

Maybe convert from the hand lever to the pedal and swap all the cables for the later stuff? I've never been a fan of the hand brake lever...

[Ratty]

Cheers for the replies guys !

Can't go the splice route as thats a big no-no with our annual MOT test over here unfortunately (Or not , depending on how good your crimping skills are !) , and converting to a pedal is not really an option as I don't have one and there aren't junk yards full of American stuff over here .

Good thoughts though , keep 'em coming

[lakeroadster]

Originally Posted by Ratty

Can't go the splice route as thats a big no-no with our annual MOT test over here unfortunately....

Here's a thought: Do they make you pull the brake drums during the inspection? Instead of splicing the cable where it is visible put the crimp connector at the end of the cable inside the brake drum.

More than one way to skin this cat.

[Ratty]

Its a thought ! Still need to actually get a rear handbrake cable in the first place though so any more tips greatfully recieved