The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Parking Brake Cables Problems

Hello Y'all Again, (SEE ATTACHED PICTURES)
Got a 1953 Chevy 3100 1/2 ton that I'm trying to keep original as possible including the brakes.
Ordered some parking brake cables and they aren't working because the metal attachment that bolts onto the rear wheels pinches the cable not allowing it to move freely.
After comparing to the original that I pulled off the truck, they don't have the same shape.
The original ones are roomier and don't pinch the cables.
Also, the covering on the originals are meatier and the front end of the cable, where the boot goes, has a longer press fitting that fits perfectly in the Frame Bracket.
DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND PARKING BRAKE CABLES THAT ARE VERY SIMILAR TO THE ORIGINALS?

Thanks,
SB Newbie

Miguel. It looks like your new cables are very similar to the AC-Delco ones I got off RockAuto. They didn't fit in the frame bracket, but appeared to be OK at the backing plate. But I didn't use them.
What I found was parking brake cables from LMC Truck. They fit perfectly and although they didn't look exactly like the originals, they're what I used, and they're reasonably priced as well.
Buy them HERE PN 34-3806.

Are you using the little felt pads that fit between the two halves? That would create a little space and might help with not pinching the cable so much. Maybe they are called the "seal"? (#4 in Kevin's link)

https://classicparts.com/1937-54-p-b-cable-to-backing-plate-gasket

Yes, the gaskets should be used, but I doubt they add much to keeping the cable housing from being pinched. The more important thing is the fit in the frame brackets. There are multiple instances of guys trying to spread out the clamp, only to have the bracket crack. Intact frame brackets for the brake cables are a bit like hen's teeth.

Years ago we had the same issue on our 1948 3100 1st series truck. The aftermarket cables are pretty bad and issues you all have found I had. I had the same issues with the frame bracket and fortunately I was able to fix one on EBay. The cables I also found have length issues. I’ll try later to post pictures I have in Google photos.

I also bought mine at LMC for my 52 3100 and can assure you they do fit. In addition to the issue you had at the backing plate, you would have an issue at the other end too. The cable doesn’t lock into the frame mounted bracket properly allowing the cable sheaf to slip, not a good situation, especially in an emergency.

SB Newbie,

What company sold the cables that don't fit and don't work? We should let everybody know.

I had to pry open the frame mount just a tiny bit and press the cable in for a snug fit.

I found these. https://store.fillingstation.com/de...55_12_TON_PARKING_BRAKE_CABLE_METAL.html

I’m not sure they are correct. The important part is where they slip into the frame brackets. The correct ones just slip into place, no prying required and the bolt that clamps down on the steel ferrule, also engages with the groove to prevent it from slipping. A second groove at the end retains the rubber boot protecting the cable.

Phil is correct. The ones from the Filling Station don't fit in the frame bracket. I bought a pair of those on my search for correct ones and returned them.

just assembled mine 24 hours ago. My truck is a '46 and parts run '36-'50 so there could be a few variations from my experience to yours. cables came from chevs of the 40"s. look very original and fit well. the felt pads are emergency brake gaskets and do make a difference in the spacing on the backing plates. Install them on the inside of the backing plate (inside the drum). These cables from chevs only needed minor adjusting to fit. One of the cable backing plates needed to be slid slightly farther down the cable. Easy fix as they are crimped on, just open, move and squeeze close. 5/16x3/4" bolts, lock washer and nuts. I've seen pics of both installation methods but I chose to install with the nuts on the outside of the backing plate.