The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Trouble with Reproduction Parking Brake Cable

So, thanks to George, I was able to get all the pieces (and a few spares) for the brakes on my 3/4 ton, 1953 chevy. The parking brake (emergency brake) cables, however, were cut by my brother when removed as I'm guessing everything was completely rusted horribly.
I purchased these reproduction cables as they claim to be for my truck:

http://www.classicpartsusa.com/prod...rts_Brake_Cables_Parts_Parking-Emergency

from classic parts USA that say they're for 1/2 or 3/4 ton long box. Has anyone ever used these? My troubles are this:

1. The bracket on the cable that bolts to the backing plate is in two pieces (like the original) but when you order it, if you look at the photo, it comes with the cable pushed out the front of the bracket so that the plates won't go together flush. I figured, 'ok, pull the cable back so the head is in the bracket' and it worked BUT then the cable that runs from that plate to the emergency brake bracket bolted to the brake shoe shortens and is so short it locks the parking brake on.

2. Even if I leave the cable out the end of the bracket as it is when it comes new and hold it up and compare it to the original, the cable part that's in the brake shoe hub (with the spring) is still about an inch or two shorter, although that doesn't seem to lock up the brake. BUT if I leave it that way, the bracket on the back of the backing plate won't go together. I can still bolt it to the backing plate, but the two pieces are so open at the end where the head of the cable is sticking out that it not only looks wrong, it'll get full of crud from any normal driving.

Can someone please tell me what I'm doing wong?

Rockauto.com lists 2 and has photos of both. Less than $30.🛠

Both the ones at rock auto are for a 3100 it says. Mine's a 3600, the ones I bought were the only ones I could find that specifically said 3/4 ton. I may have paid too much, but do those at rock auto work for a 3600? I'd really appreciate some help with my situation, or if I could get some suggestions or if you know for sure another brand/seller works without the issues I described that'd be good too.

I got my replacement cables (1953 one ton long bed) from Jim Carter, and they fit perfectly. He has cables for your truck listed.

Tim

Tim, can I ask, did the bracket that's in two pieces that bolts to the backing plate fit together nice when you put it all together?

Also, I feel kind of stupid, I know you said they have one for my truck but all I see is one for the 1 ton, and two for the half tons. Can you copy and paste me a link? Thanks

Edited: sorry Tim, I just realized that the one they list for half ton long box is also for the 3/4 ton. And I have to say, it doesn't look like it has the same bracket at all does it? Does that work well with the backing plate? I can't say that I can see exactly how it attaches, but I'll take your word for it. Thanks for any info.

The bracket I got with mine was one piece, the cable was MEB491. says its for up to '52, but it worked fine on my '53. The bracket is sort of dished to fit into the hole in the backing plate, with two bolts through the backing plate. When it's bolted down the edges are flush with the backing plate, and the cable sort of dives into the inside of the brake drum. I installed mine with the felt pads to seal it. If I can I'll get out tomorrow and take some pics to post.

Tim

Here are a couple of photos I took this morning of the parking brake cables on my one ton. One side is installed on the backing plate, one side is still loose. Hope they help figure things out.

Tim

Thanks so much for the info Tim. I talked to Classic Parts USA and they agreed the brackets on theirs do not go together, which leaves a very large gap when bolted to the backing plate. They agreed to take mine back (which I think is very nice of them) but seemed baffled that I was unhappy about it as they said they've sold 500 sets and never had anyone complain. I have to say I'm confused why anyone would want the mounting bracket to be tilted with about 1/2" gap for crud to get into, but maybe it's just me. Anyway, I'm going to go with Jim Carter since I know Tim got his and that they worked for him. Sometimes I feel like I'm working blind on this truck so when I find something someone else has already tried its worth alot. I do have one question Tim. Did you have to buy anything else with it, or was everything you needed included? Thanks tim,

The only thing I needed to get in addition to the cables were the two clevis that connect the cables to the parking brake cross shaft arms. The cables already had the rubber boots on the end for keeping out water. They also had heavy rubber sleeves, which I have no idea what they are for. I just slid them up the cable until they were against the heavy shielding that clamps onto the frame.
Keep in mind that the cables I got were for the one ton long bed, much longer than what you might need for a 3/4 ton.
I'll also admit that when I first got them I was confused about how the bracket fit onto the backing plate. I kept trying to make them fit the wrong way. Once I realized how they were supposed to go they slipped right in.

Tim

Thanks so much - and good luck on your project!