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My newly-acquired 68 convert arrived from the Texas dealer with a list of things the dealer knew did not work, including the parking brake. Nice he informed me, too bad he did not tell the truck driver who picked it up in TX and had to sprint after it when it started to roll away. Anyway, I worked on it yesterday and thought I would ask the forum for their advice why the parking bake does not work. Multiple choice: 1) The cable is not properly adjusted. 2) one of the cables is broken. 3) the cable is binding as it goes thru the pulley. 4) the previous owner just wanted to sell the car and left out the parts inside the rear brake drum, like the brake shoes, the hold down springs, the return spring, the adjuster, the actuating lever. this is what I found: Do you think this might be why the brake does not work?
To me it looks like someone removed the parking brake shoes!! When you pull the park brake the shoes expand and rub against the rotor. I thought I have a picture of mine I did a couple of months ago but I can't it, sorry. Hugh
Just order the COMPLETE p.b. components from Corvette Central....get all SS hdwe. parts & regular steel brake shoes, like I did....and you'll be good 2 go! Your SHOP MANUAL will tell you how to do it....you do have one, DON'T YOU??!! It's also the perfect time to double check yer calipers, brake pads, etc!! Part of the park. brake job is NOT fun....but it CAN be done!
My newly-acquired 68 convert arrived from the Texas dealer with a list of things the dealer knew did not work, including the parking brake. Nice he informed me, too bad he did not tell the truck driver who picked it up in TX and had to sprint after it when it started to roll away. Anyway, I worked on it yesterday and thought I would ask the forum for their advice why the parking bake does not work. Multiple choice: 1) The cable is not properly adjusted. 2) one of the cables is broken. 3) the cable is binding as it goes thru the pulley. 4) the previous owner just wanted to sell the car and left out the parts inside the rear brake drum, like the brake shoes, the hold down springs, the return spring, the adjuster, the actuating lever. this is what I found: Do you think this might be why the brake does not work?
I just went through this on my '77
The rear cable that operates the parking brakes is one piece that attaches to a lever at each end and runs through the equalizer in the middle. With one end disconnected, the rear cable cannot get equal tension on both sides. The cable will just slide in the equalizer.
Also, the dust shield in your picture has been hacked up. There should be a rectangular slot at the 1 o'clock position that the lever passes through. The only way I know of replacing the dust shield is to pull the spindle. So, while you're at it, you may want to check the bearings and replace as needed.
The rear cable that operates the parking brakes is one piece that attaches to a lever at each end and runs through the equalizer in the middle. With one end disconnected, the rear cable cannot get equal tension on both sides. The cable will just slide in the equalizer.
Also, the dust shield in your picture has been hacked up. There should be a rectangular slot at the 1 o'clock position that the lever passes through. The only way I know of replacing the dust shield is to pull the spindle. So, while you're at it, you may want to check the bearings and replace as needed.
Good luck with your project.
To all who are giving me serious advice..........This was a joke!!!! I know how the pkg brake is supposed to work. The previous owner sold the car with all of the internal pieces missing. I have ordered the ss replacement parts. Thanks, anyway. RA
Parking brake problem
