not sure how the ebrake set up is on 48 but it sounds the similar to my 38. on my 38 the cables were also frozen within the sleeve. do you have rods going to the cables then the cables attach to the lever going into backing plate? if so are the cables disconnected from rods and from the lever in the backing plate? inside the drum you find the lever attaches to the two pieces to expand the brakes these piviot points may also be frozen. with the brakes adjusted here may not be a lot of movement of the levers. I was able to get 1.5 ton reproduction ebrake cabeles thru antique auto supply in texas. now to make up new rods for the ebrake and i will be in good shape.good luck

I liked the transmission mounted ebrake on my 54 much easier to get working.

Last edited by kb3csw; 07/19/2008 5:20 PM.