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| | | Forums66 Topics128,151 Posts1,057,001 Members48,460 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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For helping keep this great
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 12 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 12 | Hello, I have a '55 3800 dually with a shaft mounted parking brake. I have pulled the transmission to rebuild it and want to clean/rebuild the shaft mounted parking brake as well. The brake Handle doesn't lock into the "on" position and it looks like some parts are missing. Does anyone have a diagram of the parking brake with enough detail to show the brake handle locking mechanism? The service manual and the factory assembly manual don't show enough detail.
Thanks, Al
55 3800 converted to a short bed dually pickup
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,233 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,233 | If you pull back on the main handle to set the brake and then push the movable handle forward does the brake set? If that works then the handle spring is broken, one end of the spring fits in a hole on the main handle and the other end rides against the inside of the movable handle...clear as mud right? If you need a picture, send me a PM with your email address and I'll go take some for you. If you band needs a new lining you can take it to a big truck brake shop and they can reline it for you. Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 70 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 70 | I'm not sure if any of these diagrams is the one required. I have more diagrams if needed. Photobucket Bill | | | | | Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 12 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 12 | Mike, I am sure I am missing a spring somewhere because the movable handle doesn't have any spring force on it. I plan to dig deeper this weekend.
Bill, Thanks for the drawings. I think the 2nd and 3rd are pretty close. I'll know more this weekend. BTW, where did those pictures come from?
Thanks to both of you for your help, Al
55 3800 converted to a short bed dually pickup
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 70 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 70 | BTW, where did those pictures come from? They are from my GMC Illustration Book for models from 1955 to 1962. I have a feeling it is a somewhat rare book but you may find one on ebay if you're wanting one. Bill | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,233 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,233 | The 2nd picture Greengrass linked shows the handle spring in between the grips of the handles, thats the spring that locks the handle in place when you pull back on it. I did a quick google search and found the spring,... http://www.americanclassic.com/Google_Base_HTML_Pages/ME436-1956.htmMike B  | | | | | Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 12 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 12 | Mike, If that spring is suppose to be in the handle, I think we have the culprit. Thank you very much for taking the time to look this us. It helps a lot.
Al
55 3800 converted to a short bed dually pickup
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,233 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,233 | Glad I could help...I've been there before. Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 12 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 12 | I got about three decades of crud cleaned off the transmission this weekend and was able to spend some quality time with the hand brake. It turns out I'm missing a few more parts than I thought. The biggest one is the piece that has the teeth on it for the locking pawl to engage with. It is part number 4.7315 in Greengrass' photos. I'm sure these aren't made anymore but a picture of the part would be helpful because it looks easy to make as it is a flat piece of plate once I have some dimensions. Any ideas?
Thanks, Al
Last edited by '55 3800 pickup; 01/12/2015 3:05 PM.
55 3800 converted to a short bed dually pickup
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 667 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 667 | Someone else here can no doubt correct me if I'm wrong...but...I think the driveline brakes for Chevys were all the same from at least'42 into the late '50's which at least gives you a better shot at finding some used parts.
I recently gave away the one from my '46 along with the tranny so there are still some working units out there. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,233 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,233 | That part is called the "Parking Brake Lever Release Sector" and is part number 3655807. My books list it used from 1940 thru at least 1966 (may go further, that where my books end). Place a Wanted Ad in the Stovebolt Ad Section and I'm sure you will get help finding your parts. Mike B  | | | | | Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 12 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 12 | Mike, Thanks. I found the number as well starting from the 4.7315 number on the picture. Tim Tygart's Obsolete Chevy Parts ( www.obschevy.com) shows they have them in stock. I love this forum!! Al
55 3800 converted to a short bed dually pickup
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