The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Emergency Brake question 47, 48 vs 52

Did Chevy change the setup/rigging of the emergency brake system between the years 1947 and 1952 on their 3100 series of 1/2 tons?

I have a 3100, '52 1/2ton and need the whole set up from the foot stomper to the brake release. I might be able get parts off a 47/48 truck if they're the same. I have one schematic of the e-brake system, but it's a drawing and hard to see what it really looks like.

The '52 has drum brakes in the back.

Thanks in advance.
Marc - "Bigeasy"

Marc,

In 1947, the parking brake was on the transmission (both the 3-speed and the 4-speed had floor shifters in 1947). In 1948, the parking brake "was activated by a pedal through the left side of the floorboard (allowing the driver to easily exit on the curb/passenger side - the exterior door lock is on this side). A new fender skirt (inner fender) was needed for the parking-brake pedal-mounting lever."

From 1948-1954, the truck foot operated starter parts were almost all the same. The differences in a few parts are not significant for the foot-starter assembly assembly to work on all 48-55st manual transmission trucks.

Some of the parking brake control parts differed between 1948-1955st.

on my 47 1/2 ton the ebrake, or parking brake, handle is located to the right of the shifter and is a hand operated lever.

On a 48 the same lever is moved to the left of the clutch.

On a 52 you should have a foot operated style that mounts on the left side of the clutch pedal and a hand operated release lever under the dash that would be operated with your fingers.

Look for a set up from a 49 to 54. All the parts should interchange. I will check I should have the pedal and release rod.

The '48 has the setup you describe for the '52, 5/8 ton.

The '48's have the "three-on-the-tree" setup, while the '47's had a floor shifter. That's why they moved the e-brake to the left side and developed the foot engaged/finger released system. The '47 had the e-brake on a stalk near the floor shifter.

The Stovebolt forum and you guys, are the best! Thanks! for the information. The parts I'm guessing on are from the '48. It's look to be what 5/8 ton was saying - foot pedal on floor to left of the clutch with a finger pull (small T shape grip) release handle mounted on the top side under the dash.

Thanks.

I seen a 48 with the hatchet style hand brake not foot actuated thats why I described it that way. Sorry if I was wrong.

No problem. I have a '46 Panel Truck and the e-brake is a pole right next to the shifter too. But the picture I have from the donor '48 is a foot pedal e-brake with the T pull release up under the dash. All good - helped me.

There are some subtle differences in parts for the various years.
The 48-50 have the set-up indicated in the drawing shown by Tim. They also bolt through the locking tang as shown. I have posted pictures of later versions which have a 1/2 twist and a pin/cotter in that location. The other difference is the small bracket for the rod on the dash right behind the knob 48 and 54 are held with two bolts other years with just one. When they used the straight rod they also increased the length of the bracket I have posted pictures so you can see:
Short bracket 1949-50
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2170202530102454676vCrOsX
Long bracket 1951-53
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2954501030102454676TjkaDl
Unique 1948 bracket
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2769735300102454676UudoGQ
Unique 1954 bracket (not sure on 55 1st)
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2819720760102454676CuQDBk
1950 version (straightened rod by po)with Z-bar
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2602080550102454676drEvVn

Tim's diagram, and your photos blow me away. The diagram looks to be the best thing I've seen and looks to be the ticket - closest to what the slots in the floor look like they would handle.

Where did you pull those parts up so fast? Dang!

Brad,

As always, thanks for the education.