The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks E brake

Just want to get some thoughts on this. I removed the e brake handle from my '66 GMC. I don't like the way it looks and clutters up the interior/dash. I've never had a car without a working set-up before and I'm kinda scared , just in case I should need it for an emergency stop if the brakes go. The truck is being 100% rebuilt so brake failure shouldn't be a problem down the road. Is there any way to use a pedal actuated one? Has anyone else chucked theirs too?

I have seen other guys modify factory foot operated e-brakes, or you can get something like the following offering from Lokar:
http://www.julianos.com/lokar_ebrake.html

Personally I wouldn't be without a functioning e-brake. More than for stopping in the event of brake failure, it's important just to lock the brakes when parking. Could be that rare occasion when you get stuck parking on a hill. If the truck has an automatic and the only thing holding the vehicle in place is the pin in the transmission, should somebody bump the car it will take off for greener pastures.

Also, I believe it's a federal requirement that all motor vehicles must have functioning emergency/parking brakes. There may be others, but for example under:

FEDERAL
MOTOR VEHICLE
SAFETY STANDARDS
AND REGULATIONS

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC
SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

Standard No. 105 - Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems - Passenger Cars (Effective 1-1-68)
This standard specifies requirements for vehicles equipped with hydraulic and electric service brake systems and associated parking brake systems to ensure safe braking performance under normal conditions and emergency conditions.

I have the same problem. I replaced the SM420 with an A833, in my 63 C20. As Mark has pointed out an emergency brake is a requirement. You should be able to use a emergency brake that attaches under the steering column. That is what my first 63 C20 had. The setup is basically the same from 63-72(?). I replaced the rear axle in my 68 with a 73 and didn't have a problem with emergency brake cables. Find a donor and get everything from the backing plates to the handle under the column. You may also need the tranny cross member whether the tranny needs it or not.

Larry

but if it did not come equipped as standard equipment proir to that date they can be exempted from having one, though these trucks did come so equipped
ron

Thanks for the info guys. Now I need to know what a SM420 and A833 are? I like the idea of a handle under the steering column. Are you saying I can get one from a 63-72 truck?

The handle/rachet mechanism that bolts under the steering column is the same from 60-66. There is a difference in how the cable mechanisms connect near the crossmember. 1960-62 is one style and the 63-66 if different.

I believe 67-72 use a foot operated mechanism.

The SM420 is the granny low 4spd. The A833 an optional 4spd 82-86 as RPO MY6.

I'm not sure what emergency brake came with what model or package. My 68 has an emergency brake handle under the column with a SM465. They are out there, when you find one get everything.

Markeb is right again. I've seen several variations of the cable mechanism at the cross member. You need to look at that carefully. You don't want one brake pulling more than other.

Larry

it was the under dash one right? you could put a propelar haft one if you have the sm420, but it will be even more in the way. you could use the orig style cable that pulls the front rear brake shoes foward. you could even use that cable for a mechanical secondary brake just like a hudson system. i almost took the setup off my 64 c20 when i had the tranny out, but am glad i kept it.