'54 KM parking brake cables

[retroguy]

The main cable from the release handle in the car to the bracket that pivots under the car is still there and operative, but the two cables than go from there to the rear wheels are broken.  Can anyone tell me how I'd hook up new cables to that pivoting bracket, and where the two springs (one each side) go?  I know they go from the two cables to the chassis, but I don't know where they hook up to on the chassis.  Looks like they just take up the extra loose play in the cables.  And from the pictures i've seen under the car, it looks like if you pull out the parking brake lever in the car than the bracket would pivot the wrong way and not pull the cables to the brakes.  Something about that pivoting action that I don't understand.

[rrdcorvair]

The cable to the rear wheels is one cable, not two.  Where it attaches to the front cable there should be a hook and curved bracket that the rear cable loops over.  The two hooks are just supports and looking up toward the chassis you should see a little hole on each side rail near the front bracket for the leaf spring.  That's where the hook attaches to the frame.

[retroguy]

Ok. I understand the hooks. But it seems that this car has some kind of pivoting bracket where you say the curved piece is.  What does this pivoting piece of metal (about 1 1/2" wide and 12" long) do?

[rrdcorvair]

I haven't been under a car lately but I think the piece you are talking about is part of the parking brake tensioner.  I believe it is attached to the front cable and keeps the cable assembly centered in the x-member frame.  I may make it up to my garage later today and I have our 52 Manhattan up on the floor hoist.  I'll take my camera with me but I won't be back on the computer until tonight. Bob

[rrdcorvair]

here you go.

[retroguy]

Absolutely great photos.  Thank you so very much.  Another question though.  How does that 1 1/2"x14" flat lever that passes through the slot in the frame fastened to the frame--or somewhere else?  And are the photos taken with the parking brake on or off--looks like the off position to me.

[rrdcorvair]

Brake is in the off position.  That flat rod is held in place by the tension of the front cable, springs, and the adjusting hook.  One end, opposite the slot in the frame, has a notch in it and sits against the frame to pivot.  Looks shaky in design but it works.  ( Have you ever looked closely at how the brake shoes and 'stuff' just kind of sit there?)

[retroguy]

Thanks for the pivoting explanation--that's what i couldn't visualize.  Haven't been under the car yet.  I live in a condo with a one car garage and guess who's car gets garage priority, wife of course.  Also at 86 I just can't jack up cars and crawl underneath like I used to.  But next week or so I'll be taking the car in to a mechanic to get a new front end kit installed and I'll be there to watch and take photos.