The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Brake help

I am attempting to install my parking brake cables to my 1950 3100. When I hooked the cable up to the parking brake "hook" by the pads I realized something was off and that pulling on the hook wasn't going to cause anything to happen. It appears someone may have reworked the brake pads at one time and perhaps put a spring in at the time to hold the pads together more like a modern day drum system instead of the spreader bar. Please see pic. I also posted a pic of what I think I may need. I cannot find those parts anywhere so I assume I never had them to begin with. I installed the pads just as I had found them (if memory serves correct).

On a side note the cables I ordered are 2 inches longer from the metal backing plate that attached to the housing to the end which leaves much slack inside the drum. I do not believe these will even work. If I send them back I am likely to get the same thing from someone else as they appear to be like every other one I have seen online. Thinking of cutting the cable and installing a new cable stop on it. I have read many posts with them being wrong, especially too short, but not too long. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I put a parts wanted post in for the spreader bars.

Thanks

Are you talking about that sort of dog leg lever for the parking brake?

I took zillions of pictures when I did my brakes but it looks like most of them were on the front. Here's a few pics of the rear but they probably won't help you.

Yes Otto I am.. thanks for the pics...to clarify the pics in my post..the one with the spring is the current set up but I think I need the rod from the second pic that goes from pad to parking brake lever being pulled by the cable. I cannot find them listed online for sale.

It looks like you have the infamous "Huck" brake system- - - -which works one of two ways- - - -poorly, or not at all. In around 1951 Chevy swapped over to Bendix brakes, which work a lot better, and were used by various manufacturers other than GM. One approach would be to find a donor vehicle and convert to Bendix brakes- - - -drums, backing plates, shoes, and all the hardware. "Buy once- - - -cry once!" There are a lot of sneaky little tricks to making Hucks work, like sanding the linings to the exact radius of the drums, and/or making frequent adjustments, but you'll need to acquire all the right parts to begin with. Be patient, follow the service manual procedures to the letter, and don't take any shortcuts. Good luck!
Jerry

Jerry, I drive my truck all the time and I don't find the brakes to be any worse than any other old vehicles I own. I've never felt like they weren't up to the job.

Yes, they have to be adjusted all the time but they get the job done without scaring me or my passengers. Granted, I don't own any modern cars so the bar for me isn't 2024 standards. In fact, when driving modern cars, I about throw myself through the windshield for the first stop or two. The 1956 Cadillac has the absolute best brakes of all my cars. When everything is adjusted to spec, they all work just fine.

The key is to understand the vehicle's capabilities and limitations. I don't attempt to exceed them.

The spring in your first picture is in the correct position. The rod in the second picture should be behind the spring.

Here are a couple pictures to help you visualize it and a picture of the front brake with the same spring in place.

Thanks Otto, trying to source them.

jasrking, The parts you are seeking are listed in the 1929-57 Chevy Master Parts Book as Group 5.150: Extension - Strut, Parking Brake Shoe Lever. Left is GM# 475481 with an overall length of 7-1/16". Right is GM# 475482 with the same length. The screenshot below taken from the parts book lists all the applications those parts were used on. The great thing about that is the same part was used in both 1/2 ton truck and passenger car applications for all the year groups and models listed with each part number in that pic. Lots of potential donor vehicles! Since you have an ad in the Truck Parts Wanted forum, I will ad a reply in there in case it may help others provide leads on what you need.

thank you gdads51