The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Emergency Brake Linkage with SBC on Task Force

Hi all,

Finished installing the SBC in my 56 3100 pickup. The new engine uses side mounts from Trans Adapt - easy installation but the driver's side motor mount interferes with the emergency brake arm. I am sure other folks have already solved this problem. Any clever solutions out there that retain the original brake lever in the cab?

Thanks!

poorly designed kit, sounds like it's too late for the only solutions, using the original style front mounts or positioning the mounts so they clear need to mount inside the frame member rather than over the top, I've never seen anyone adjust the brake bits to clear mounts like that, but it may be possible

Bill

Saws-all, welder, and a long beard to slowly stroke from top to bottom while pondering how to make it work. That's how I MacGyver my way out of 'oh crap' moments. When you open up the modification door, you have to be ready to do more modifications. That's where all the fun is, right?
Carl

Hey Carl, I don't have a beard or a welder; Sawzall by itself may be inadequate. I will poke around to see if I can move the e-brake pivot point forward on the frame. I have been trying to keep the cab stock throughout this project - put a stomp starter button in to fire the V8, kept the stock gas, clutch and brake pedals, kept a manual choke, kept the SM420 trans, etc...

It is fun to engineer my own solution to a problem but I am not above borrowing someone else's good ideas!

Sounds like you are way ahead of me. Cool to keep the stomp starter with the v8. How did you do that?
Carl

It was pretty easy. I used a Cole-Hersee floor starter switch suggested by another Bolter, PN 9060. Made a template and cut some heavy steel sheet stock to form a bracket. Then riveted the switch to the bracket and screwed the bracket to the floor at the location of the stomp starter. I painted it to match my firewall. Wired 12VDC to one side and the starter solenoid to the other. As a bonus, I was able to keep the original 6 cylinder ignition switch unchanged.

I believe the side mount kit was designed to use on an engine conversion using a later auto trans. In that application the rear crossmember is removed and a replacement rear crossmember & mount is used. It moves the front mount ahead of the e brake assy. Since you are using the stock bellhousing and trans it would probably be easier to get the stock front mount kit that Bill referred to.
Fred

Hi Fred,

I am pretty sure my newer (1996) engine block was never even drilled/tapped for the front mounts. Am I missing something?

not positive about one that new, but some of the mount holes will be there, for accessory mounting on the driver side at least, the ones missing should still have the bosses and can be drilled/tapped, the one they first dropped was the one on the pass side that goes right thru to the crankcase and will leak if it doesn't have a bolt in it

Bill

I just looked at my 88 1500, it has the PS pump mounted on the drivers side in what appears to be the same location as the early mount holes. I can't see anything on the pass side though, too much stuff in the way. It could very well not be drilled out though. Numerous differences on the later engine, one piece main seal, different flywheel bolt pattern, no fuel pump location, center bolt rocker covers, different intake mounting holes, and others. I think they did some of this stuff just to complicate our lives. I have installed a number of GM crate engines (early design)and used the front mounts, I guess that's what I thought you were using.
Fred

I did the same as you with my 58 GMC. I used the saddle mount which goes inside and across the frame to mount my 350. The only thing I had to do is after installing the engine the drive shaft angle was a little to sharp so I cut the flat bar that holds the piece the motor mount bolt loose and added some heighth to it. This mount left the parking brake mechanizum in the stock location. I wanted mine to not change anything on the truck from stock so if someone later wanted to put it back stock they could.

If you can could you please take a picture of how the rod on the parking brake connects under the dash I would appreciate it. I'm missing those pieces and need to know what and how it goes. Thanks Larry

Larry, see the brake assembly here .... and I see it's also referenced on your thread about it

Bill

Perfect. That's it. I'll dig out the welder and add some to what I've got. Thanks, problem solved.Larry