The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Parking brake help needed

Hey guys , I am happy to be able to be tinkering on my tinker toy... the a.k.a. "babe the blue ox" 52 chevy panel. I needed a spring for underneath the locking bar of the parking brake rod so I was lucky enough to find one at the hardware store that was the same wire diameter and overall diameter. I trimmed it to length and installed it. but to my sadness it did not work sufficiently . I made the length as long as I could to be able to install the thing but I do not know if the hardware spring has the same heat treating as the 6$ spring from LMC truck .. I would be grateful for some help.

I don't think I have my old one anymore but if you have an ACE Hardward they usually have a "variety" of springs that you may find one that is tough/strong enough..........post an ad in the Swap Meet Parts Wanted. A lot of guys go a different route and don't use the original set up.

Achipmunk I did that very thing and it did not work. The parking brake won't stay down/engaged... the wire diameter and overall diameter of the spring are the same .. so I question if the heat treating is the same as a "parts catalog " spring.... ... I wonder it I put a hardened washer between the bottom of that flat bar and the top of the spring if that would work... seems like the locking flat bar the round rod goes through is just not getting enough bite. .....
I was excited to see you too have a 52 panel !! sweet ride fella!!

Wendell, you might check the hole on the flat bar. If the shoulders are round off, it won't bit well on the pedal shaft. You can sharpen it up with a file where it makes contact and see how that goes.

thanks for the tips. :0)

whoooo hoooo bending the lock bar worked like a charm!!!!!! thanks for the tip !!