Is this a dealer installed option? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

wugunguy · 08-07-2007, 07:02 PM

I just took this off a 72 Cheyenne. I think it's a brake sensor for trailer brakes? It was mounted on the steering column and had a hard line going to the P-valve on the master cylinder.

Was this a dealer option or is it junk

thanks in advance

cory321 · 08-07-2007, 07:11 PM

I have something similar not sure if they are dealer installed or not.

Longhorn Man · 08-07-2007, 09:04 PM

I've never seen anything to indicate the dealers would install one... but it is a possibility.
Any kind of GM markings or anything?

ChevLoRay · 08-07-2007, 09:17 PM

I have one on my truck, that was for the electric trailer brakes on the travel trailer the P.O. used to pull. There should be an electrical connection from the battery to the box and wiring from the box should go to a 7-pin connector on the back bumper. The trailer would have a plug that would hook to the truck.

But the question is whether or not it was dealer-installed. Based on the looks of yours, compared to mine (which is newer), it is at least a vintage unit.

Longhorn Man · 08-07-2007, 09:18 PM

that much is certian... I think they stopped tapping into the brake system in the 80's for traler brakes.

**special-K** · 08-07-2007, 09:40 PM

Dealers didn`t install those on trucks.Maybe one would,but it wouldn`t be common.

sdkid · 08-07-2007, 09:47 PM

TEKONSHA is a current brand name for trailer brake controllers. Dealer installed, very possible. GM marketed option, I personally doubt it. My opinion only. I'm pretty sure thay haven't tapped into brake fluid for trailer brakes for many years.

jott_06 · 08-07-2007, 09:56 PM

wow i never thought i'd see another one of those. I dont know if that is a dealer thing or not but my 68 GMC i bought back in feb. has the same exact trailer brake in it. I mean its identical...I live in ohio but my truck is originally a california truck.

GREASEMONKEY72 · 08-07-2007, 10:09 PM

maybe it is a dealer option deal but then it could just be that was the only or atlest the most popular model back then if theres so many that are the same, i wouldnt mind having one

jeffspower · 08-07-2007, 10:15 PM

Yours is a "deluxe" or later style of the hydraulic controllers. It has a knob for adjusting the level of variable voltage output, which increases with more pedal pressure. Earlier designs used a panel that mounted underhood with resistance coil springs and a "slider" you could adjust the voltage output with. In ways, yours works better than the new electronic ones, because the electronic ones use an internal pendulum switch that senses the truck trying to stop. So if your truck is sliding on loose gravel or something, it doesn't know you are braking hard. The old hydraulic doesn't know any difference, as it runs off line pressure. That's why you can't use a hydraulic one with antilock brakes, thus the electronic one came into play. You can buy a pressure switch controlled electronic one for today's trucks that works GREAT, but they are pricey.

Whew! Ok class, trailer brake 101 is dismissed

**70C10Toejam** · 08-08-2007, 12:25 AM

looks like something that would have gone with my '85 MC, never saw it before the body was pulled.

**special-K** · 08-08-2007, 06:25 AM

My GMC has a Kelsey-Hayes wetline controller.That`s the brand I`m most accustomed to.I had spongey brakes so I did the calipers/master cyl/booster.It still would loose pedal after bleeding.That`s when I realized it was in the controller`s fitting at the prop-valve.Unhooked it.Guess that`s why they`re gone,now.That and just good ol`new technology.

wugunguy · 08-08-2007, 12:42 PM

wow, thanks for the info everyone, there weren't any wires connected anywhere-just the short ones coming out the back of the control-there isn't anyother wiring going to the rear for trailer brakes either, hmmm

thanks again everyone

cdowns · 08-08-2007, 02:00 PM

probally dealer installed by the trailer dealer

mbgmike · 08-08-2007, 04:58 PM

Where I grew up dealers installed alot of things. My dad just called up the dealer , he brought it in and they put them on like anything else. You just walked in the shop and they gave you a price. As far as a dealer installed aftermarket part supplied by them probably not. But who knows some dealers may have offered them as an add on.

wugunguy · 08-10-2007, 01:22 AM

awesome info guys

greasemonkey-are you interested in this? I would part with it.

Robert1970C20rstbukt · 08-11-2007, 12:12 AM

I doubt that was a dealer item. I saw one at the junkyard in a '84 GMC crewcab. It had the T fitting on the MC line for the rear brakes and ran to the back of the brake controller. It had a power wire and two 10GA wires for the brakes running to a 6 pole connector on the inner driver side of the bed(for goosneck trailers).

wugunguy · 08-15-2007, 01:49 AM

R. D. Mercer-sounds like the same thing

08-07-2007, 07:02 PM	#1
wugunguy 70 C/10-Work in progress Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 601	Is this a dealer installed option? I just took this off a 72 Cheyenne. I think it's a brake sensor for trailer brakes? It was mounted on the steering column and had a hard line going to the P-valve on the master cylinder. Was this a dealer option or is it junk thanks in advance __________________ In the garage 1999 Dodge Dakota Sport-Daily Driver 1972 Chevy K/5 CST AC/PS/PB/4x4/Tow Hooks/Tilt 1970 Chevy C/10-Current project Last edited by wugunguy; 08-15-2007 at 01:51 AM.

08-07-2007, 07:11 PM	#2
cory321 Problem Child Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Kettering Ohio Posts: 1,248	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? I have something similar not sure if they are dealer installed or not. __________________ 1972 gmc sierra grande 350/350 a/c soon`to get a new 350 I Survived Norwood

08-07-2007, 09:04 PM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? I've never seen anything to indicate the dealers would install one... but it is a possibility. Any kind of GM markings or anything?

08-07-2007, 09:17 PM	#4
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? I have one on my truck, that was for the electric trailer brakes on the travel trailer the P.O. used to pull. There should be an electrical connection from the battery to the box and wiring from the box should go to a 7-pin connector on the back bumper. The trailer would have a plug that would hook to the truck. But the question is whether or not it was dealer-installed. Based on the looks of yours, compared to mine (which is newer), it is at least a vintage unit. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

08-07-2007, 09:18 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? that much is certian... I think they stopped tapping into the brake system in the 80's for traler brakes.

08-07-2007, 09:40 PM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,858	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? Dealers didn`t install those on trucks.Maybe one would,but it wouldn`t be common. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-07-2007, 09:47 PM	#7
sdkid Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Pierre SD Posts: 1,533	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? TEKONSHA is a current brand name for trailer brake controllers. Dealer installed, very possible. GM marketed option, I personally doubt it. My opinion only. I'm pretty sure thay haven't tapped into brake fluid for trailer brakes for many years. __________________ I think the world needs a drink... Help somebody...If you can....VanZant We're not wrong, we're not sorry, and its probably gonna happen again. That's the truth about men. Tracy Byrd Member# 13924 '70 c10, 350/350 '68 c10 250/4spd '68 c10 no eng/trans fac ps/pb/ac/at (future father/sons project) '48 Chevy Loadmaster Last edited by sdkid; 08-07-2007 at 09:48 PM.

08-07-2007, 09:56 PM	#8
jott_06 Camaro Club Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 472	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? wow i never thought i'd see another one of those. I dont know if that is a dealer thing or not but my 68 GMC i bought back in feb. has the same exact trailer brake in it. I mean its identical...I live in ohio but my truck is originally a california truck.

08-07-2007, 10:09 PM	#9
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? maybe it is a dealer option deal but then it could just be that was the only or atlest the most popular model back then if theres so many that are the same, i wouldnt mind having one __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME

08-07-2007, 10:15 PM	#10
jeffspower Well, Whoop-dee-do! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Easton, Mo. pop.- me & scarcely a few others Posts: 2,302	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? Yours is a "deluxe" or later style of the hydraulic controllers. It has a knob for adjusting the level of variable voltage output, which increases with more pedal pressure. Earlier designs used a panel that mounted underhood with resistance coil springs and a "slider" you could adjust the voltage output with. In ways, yours works better than the new electronic ones, because the electronic ones use an internal pendulum switch that senses the truck trying to stop. So if your truck is sliding on loose gravel or something, it doesn't know you are braking hard. The old hydraulic doesn't know any difference, as it runs off line pressure. That's why you can't use a hydraulic one with antilock brakes, thus the electronic one came into play. You can buy a pressure switch controlled electronic one for today's trucks that works GREAT, but they are pricey. Whew! Ok class, trailer brake 101 is dismissed __________________ '68 GMC shortbox 4x4 350/SM465/T221- bought it in '83 SOLD '72 K20 500 Cad/TH400/NP205 SOLD '92 Chevy 2500 6.5 mech TD 4L80E crusty daily driver '72 Monte Carlo... sweet low mile toy '11 Dodge Challenger IE 392 6spd... midlife car

08-08-2007, 12:25 AM	#11
70C10Toejam Hellasick Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Death Moans, IA Posts: 876	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? looks like something that would have gone with my '85 MC, never saw it before the body was pulled. Attached Images __________________ I keep two MAGNUMS in my desk. One's a gun, and I keep it loaded. The other's a bottle and it keeps ME loaded. I'm Tracer Bullet. (Calvin and Hobbes) This life was a test. It was only a test. If this had been an actual life, you would have received instructions on where to go and what to do. RED meat is not bad for you...FUZZY BLUE/GREEN MEAT is bad for you!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUILT FORD TOUGH WITH CHEVY STUFF--sticker at Goodguys

08-08-2007, 06:25 AM	#12
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,858	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? My GMC has a Kelsey-Hayes wetline controller.That`s the brand I`m most accustomed to.I had spongey brakes so I did the calipers/master cyl/booster.It still would loose pedal after bleeding.That`s when I realized it was in the controller`s fitting at the prop-valve.Unhooked it.Guess that`s why they`re gone,now.That and just good ol`new technology. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-08-2007, 12:42 PM	#13
wugunguy 70 C/10-Work in progress Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 601	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? wow, thanks for the info everyone, there weren't any wires connected anywhere-just the short ones coming out the back of the control-there isn't anyother wiring going to the rear for trailer brakes either, hmmm thanks again everyone __________________ In the garage 1999 Dodge Dakota Sport-Daily Driver 1972 Chevy K/5 CST AC/PS/PB/4x4/Tow Hooks/Tilt 1970 Chevy C/10-Current project

08-08-2007, 02:00 PM	#14
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? probally dealer installed by the trailer dealer __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-08-2007, 04:58 PM	#15
mbgmike Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR Posts: 5,415	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? Where I grew up dealers installed alot of things. My dad just called up the dealer , he brought it in and they put them on like anything else. You just walked in the shop and they gave you a price. As far as a dealer installed aftermarket part supplied by them probably not. But who knows some dealers may have offered them as an add on.



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08-10-2007, 01:22 AM	#16
wugunguy 70 C/10-Work in progress Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 601	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? awesome info guys greasemonkey-are you interested in this? I would part with it. __________________ In the garage 1999 Dodge Dakota Sport-Daily Driver 1972 Chevy K/5 CST AC/PS/PB/4x4/Tow Hooks/Tilt 1970 Chevy C/10-Current project

08-11-2007, 12:12 AM	#17
Robert1970C20rstbukt Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Beeville, Texas Posts: 1,943	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? I doubt that was a dealer item. I saw one at the junkyard in a '84 GMC crewcab. It had the T fitting on the MC line for the rear brakes and ran to the back of the brake controller. It had a power wire and two 10GA wires for the brakes running to a 6 pole connector on the inner driver side of the bed(for goosneck trailers). __________________ RJD 1984 Chevrolet C30 welding truck 454/SM465 1977 GMC C15 pickup 350/TH350 1970 Chevrolet C20 pickup 350/TH400 1970 Chevrolet K20 Suburban 454/TH350 1969 GMC 8500 478M V6/5 spd winch truck

08-15-2007, 01:49 AM	#18
wugunguy 70 C/10-Work in progress Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 601	Re: Is this a dealer installed option? R. D. Mercer-sounds like the same thing __________________ In the garage 1999 Dodge Dakota Sport-Daily Driver 1972 Chevy K/5 CST AC/PS/PB/4x4/Tow Hooks/Tilt 1970 Chevy C/10-Current project

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