Parking Brake Install
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Parking Brake Install
I need to install a complete parking brake system on the 72 and can't find any pics, diagrams etc on the subject. The cables are here, but I don't have any actuating hardware/shoes on my car. I've bought all stainless and need to see how to install.
Thanks Guys
Eddie
Thanks Guys
Eddie
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,336
Likes: 786
From: Redondo Beach, California
I think you can find a discussion at corvettefaq.com about how to install them. Also there's been some previous threads on this forum discussing "how to...."
I bought a set of the stainless steel parts from Mid-America and they sent along an illustration showing how the parts fit. I bought a set lately from Stainless Steel Brake Corp. and there was no instruction,illustration, etc. (However, whenever I've had questions about installing their stuff, they've been very responsive both by telephone and E-Mail.)
Since the emergency brakes parts fit between the stub axle flange and the cast iron bracket for the disk brake caliper, it's difficult to work in that small space. I think one key bit of knowledge is that one of the little springs has to be installed compressed. People who describe this operation compress the spring with dental floss, and when in place they use an X-acto knife to remove the floss. You're going to need some long needle nose wire pliers.
I bought a set of the stainless steel parts from Mid-America and they sent along an illustration showing how the parts fit. I bought a set lately from Stainless Steel Brake Corp. and there was no instruction,illustration, etc. (However, whenever I've had questions about installing their stuff, they've been very responsive both by telephone and E-Mail.)
Since the emergency brakes parts fit between the stub axle flange and the cast iron bracket for the disk brake caliper, it's difficult to work in that small space. I think one key bit of knowledge is that one of the little springs has to be installed compressed. People who describe this operation compress the spring with dental floss, and when in place they use an X-acto knife to remove the floss. You're going to need some long needle nose wire pliers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Grove AL
There was recently a link posted on either this forum or the C1/C2 forum with instructions and pictures for replacing the brake hardware without removing the spindles. It's a real PITA, but probably less PITA than removing the spindles.
Check posts for the last week or so on both forums. You'll probably be able to find it.
Check posts for the last week or so on both forums. You'll probably be able to find it.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
I used tie wraps to compress those springs. I was fighting for about an hour until I did that. I may be able to snap some pictures if you want. Mine is partially dissasembled, so I can put it back together piece by piece and take pictures along the way for ya. Not sure if I am going to have the time to do it this weekend or not though.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
On both sides you have the pins that come through. One side you can hold it with your finger and the other side can be a nightmare. You caliper mounting bracket will have a divit on 1 side where the pin goes. Fill that divit by folding up a little piece of paper or something and tape it down. Than set your pin on it and put the backing plate over top. This will save you lots of time.
I hope you didn't get the SS parking brake shoes. They are arched wrong and you will have to sand down most of the pad to allow the rotor to be installed. Using new GM style shoes are your best bet. Hope this helps.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Originally Posted by Van Steel
On both sides you have the pins that come through. One side you can hold it with your finger and the other side can be a nightmare. You caliper mounting bracket will have a divit on 1 side where the pin goes. Fill that divit by folding up a little piece of paper or something and tape it down. Than set your pin on it and put the backing plate over top. This will save you lots of time.
I hope you didn't get the SS parking brake shoes. They are arched wrong and you will have to sand down most of the pad to allow the rotor to be installed. Using new GM style shoes are your best bet. Hope this helps.
Eddie
Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 601
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From: Nottingham
Lucky I just read this thread - I was getting ready to order the S/S shoes. Change of plan, then!
OK, so the SS shoes are dubious, but what about the SS spring and hardware kit? Any views?
To be honest, putting in SS shoes might be overkill anyway- I guess just the stainless springs and hardware kit would suffice, being as that's where most of the rusty pivots/interfaces would occur in the stock setup.
Mind you, there's "stainless" and then there's "stainless"- - who knows what type I got in the SS hardware kit I've just bought. The quality looks ok, and the similarity to the stock pieces is fine. I guess it's just a matter of time, to see how "stainless" those bits really are!
OK, so the SS shoes are dubious, but what about the SS spring and hardware kit? Any views?
To be honest, putting in SS shoes might be overkill anyway- I guess just the stainless springs and hardware kit would suffice, being as that's where most of the rusty pivots/interfaces would occur in the stock setup.
Mind you, there's "stainless" and then there's "stainless"- - who knows what type I got in the SS hardware kit I've just bought. The quality looks ok, and the similarity to the stock pieces is fine. I guess it's just a matter of time, to see how "stainless" those bits really are!
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
I actually used to manufacture all the SS parking brake hardware. You wil have no problems with it. Everything is within spec to original. I just wouldn't do the shoes. There is a new guy making them also out of TX but I'm not sure on his quality. Haven't seen them yet. Just heard some things.
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Hudson MA
Thanks for posting the video on YouTube... Putting the top spring on last made all the difference in the world for me. So much easier. Thanks again! 
Don
Don
I actually used to manufacture all the SS parking brake hardware. You wil have no problems with it. Everything is within spec to original. I just wouldn't do the shoes. There is a new guy making them also out of TX but I'm not sure on his quality. Haven't seen them yet. Just heard some things.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
