Trans Mounted Parking Brake (C20)

[cshanek]

I have a 1964 C20 pickup truck with an OEM transmission-mounted parking brake. Lately, I've been having trouble getting it to hold the truck securely on uneven surfaces. I've adjusted the adjustment screw a few times, which temporarily improves the situation, but it eventually goes back to not working effectively.

I'm looking for advice on what to check and how to fix this issue. Specifically:

1. What kind of material is used to apply friction (the white band in the picture)?
2. I read through this thread which indicated I could find a material that would work, but I am not 100% sure what material I am looking for. Can anyone clarify?
3. Does anyone know where I can buy replacement parts for this type of parking brake (e.g., springs, bolts, boot)? I can't seem to find much.
4. The vertical bolt to the right of the lower spring (with 2 nuts on top) is just kind of free-floating/rattling around in place. Any thoughts on this?
5. Is there an easy way to run lines to convert this band brake to use my rear drums? If so, what are the benefits and drawbacks of doing so?
6. I haven't had any luck even finding a parts diagram for this setup really

Any tips, advice, or step-by-step instructions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[MtGMC]

In regards to your questions;

1,2: Its called brake/clutch lining. McMaster-Carr and others carry it in various thickness and widths. I think I used 1/4” x 3” when I restored my 56 GMC. You do have to rivet or epoxy the material to the metal band, or have an old school brake shop do it for you.
3. Parts hard to find. The boot is reproduced, the small springs can be procured locally, but the large bottom spring is all you get, don’t lose it.
5. Don’t know
4/6. I’ve got diagrams and adjusting instructions somewhere. The bolt is part of that. I will try to get you copies.

Mine worked great after I replaced the lining and adjusted the clearance.

[cshanek]

Originally Posted by MtGMC

In regards to your questions;

1,2: Its called brake/clutch lining. McMaster-Carr and others carry it in various thickness and widths. I think I used 1/4” x 3” when I restored my 56 GMC. You do have to rivet or epoxy the material to the metal band, or have an old school brake shop do it for you.
3. Parts hard to find. The boot is reproduced, the small springs can be procured locally, but the large bottom spring is all you get, donÂ’t lose it.
5. DonÂ’t know
4/6. IÂ’ve got diagrams and adjusting instructions somewhere. The bolt is part of that. I will try to get you copies.

Mine worked great after I replaced the lining and adjusted the clearance.

Thanks for all the helpful feedback. I'm looking forward to seeing the diagrams and instructions. I'm still surprised by how little information is available on this system. Do you remember where you saw the boot reproduced? I haven't been able to find a single reproduction.