parking brakes...
 

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..

Re: parking brakes...
 

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.

Re: parking brakes...
 

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.

Re: parking brakes...
 

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.

Re: parking brakes...
 

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.

Re: parking brakes...
 

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.

Re: parking brakes...
 

looks good brother..

Re: parking brakes...
 

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

Re: parking brakes...
 

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

Re: parking brakes...
 

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

Re: parking brakes...
 

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.

Re: parking brakes...
 

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
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/673/Sv3dEa.jpg

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.