I noticed a new product that could improve c3 parking brakes. I see that at least one forum member used the E-Stoppe actuator with good results (Richard 454 I believe)
Anyways my 71 4spd is hard to use with all the hills around here. I keep a wheel chock in the storage bin. My parking brake works and is not frozen but it doesnt work well enough to hold on a steep hill. Even on my driveway is pretty steep.
Thinking of giving this product a try.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/27382725849....c101113.m2108

 

In case the link does not work this is a pic of the unit, it is only $285 on amazon. I think I might just buy it.
I drive my c3 less than I should and the parking brake is a part of that. My normal cruise is to a cafe on a steep hill. I park wheel to the curb but it is a bit concerning because the car will roll if the wheel is not touching the curb. I end up driving my 63' ranchero 2-3 times a week , 71 corvette 2-3 times every few months.

edit: I guess I will test this thing out, ordered one. Im hoping to use the stock cables that goe to the wheels and mount this right at the equalizer.

 

I think the e-parkbrake are sort of a neat idea and I've toyed with the idea of putting on in, mainly for something to do and to free up room on that arm console for maybe something useful like a cup holder
(If I did I'd just fab up something using a linear actuator rather than buying a kit but I know that's not for everyone)

That said, I don't think the weak point in the corvette system is the pressure you can put on the cables (you can apply a lot using that handle) rather than the size of the pads and the diameter of the drum they sit in vs the side of the tire and the weight of the car.
Anyway, maybe find a hill somewhere safe and do a test where the old brake let's it roll and then again after the swap to see if there's actual improvement. Where do you plan on mounting the unit?
M

 

Wilwood makes electric brake calipers. If you want a bunch of up-front engineering cost, why not give those a try?

I'm not saying the actuators won't work, but the system in the eBay link still requires a central mount point, and cables running to both wheels. If your current parking brakes don't hold, it is unlikely to be the fault of the ratcheting lever next to your seat, but one of the other dozen pieces that must work in harmony.

Have you tried following the procedure in the Shop Manual to get better braking? The stock parking brakes are pretty terrible, but I can pass inspection with them, which requires them to hold against the pull of an (automatic) car in Drive.

EDIT: I just read @Mooser's reply, but only after I basically wrote the same thing...

 

I think I will try to mount the box somewhere out of the way while maintaining the straightest pull on cables possible.
I always thought the problem with the stock set up is with the cable routing not the actual shoe drum system. I guess by that logic something like this locar ebrake handle could fix it. That said, I have followed Richard454's example before and got good results so I just went for the electric set up. Ill look for his post on use of the E-stoppe kit which looks similar but better than what I ordered and about twice the price.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking the change.

M

 

I replaced the parking brake parts with the aftermarket SS parking brake parts kit and then had it adjusted by a Corvette pro who told me that the new parking brake shoes needed to be "bedded in" to get the parking brake to work better. It was done by driving with the parking brake activated at low speeds from what I remember. Afterwards the parking brake will hold my C3 while parked on a Hill without any trouble or pulling the brake lever off the floor. I really "like" having a parking or emergency brake that works. Having a high compression engine also makes it hold well just leaving the car in gear and it really slows the car down when you downshift at speed. I still have memories of the brake pedal feeling like there was a brick underneath it while entering a 20 mph rated Cloverleaf at 70+ mph. I don't think I will ever forget that feeling......

I was so happy when I saw how GM solved that problem with the 1988 C4. They simply pull the brake cables which pinches the rotors and keeps the car still. It is more like a lot of newer cars work. Then I saw my daughters 2011 Camaro and they had gone back to the "Honda" motorcycle size drum brakes again. It must be an inexpensive way of making a parking brake.. But her Camaro stays in one place on hills as well so they can work when set up properly.

Our 2018 VW Tiguan has a button you push and the brakes are locked. That system works and works really well. I had toyed with the idea of a Line Lock type device but most of them draw power to hold the wheels. I guess I should see how VW did it and try to copy that.

 

The little drum brake inside the disc works fine on Toyota Honda and Subaru
I think the c3 implementation is off somehow. I guess I’m only risking about $300 to find out.
I’ll post copious pics of the install