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  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » Emergency brake/Parking brake not enough lever

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    8/09/2020 11:39 PM  #1

    Mach173
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    From: Sweden
    Registered: 8/08/2018
    Posts: 186

    Emergency brake/Parking brake not enough lever

    Hi
    I changed the rear drum brakes for a stock dbk9 disc brake kit. I think they are GM calipers. The brakes works great, but the emergeny brake doesnt engage. It seems that the fot operated mecanism in my 73 mustang doesnt pull the cable long enough to lock the calipers. Even if putting a lot of tension to the cable is still to short. Is there a way to build some kind of lever mechanism or change it directly in he fotoperated lever. Put in a new lever between the seats ?(I rather dont want to do that)
    Regards Rob 

    Last edited by Mach173 (8/09/2020 11:40 PM)

     

    8/10/2020 5:16 AM  #2

    TKOPerformance
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

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    From: Newark, DE
    Registered: 12/15/2014
    Posts: 7,504

    Re: Emergency brake/Parking brake not enough lever

    Nothing that's bolt in, but a lot of guys have gone to a lever between the seats.  Cables can always be made for whatever you need. 

     

    8/10/2020 8:06 AM  #3

    Mach173
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    From: Sweden
    Registered: 8/08/2018
    Posts: 186

    Re: Emergency brake/Parking brake not enough lever

    TKOPerformance wrote:

    Nothing that's bolt in, but a lot of guys have gone to a lever between the seats.  Cables can always be made for whatever you need. 

    Ok Thanks :-)

       •Thread Starter
     

    8/10/2020 8:46 AM  #4

    BillyC
    I FYI 24-7

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    From: Chesapeake, Va.
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 966

    Re: Emergency brake/Parking brake not enough lever

    I put mine between the seats using a 97 Escort lever. It’s as close to a bolt in install as you can get. Only requires cutting a small hole in the tunnel. See my post in the “How to” page.

    "anyone that stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty"Henry Ford
     

    8/10/2020 9:49 AM  #5

    MS
    Forum Originator

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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,267

    Re: Emergency brake/Parking brake not enough lever

    Sounds like the calipers are not adjusted as far as the parking brake is concerned.  That particular GM caliper is not noted for a good parking brake.  Try exercising the lever repeatedly until the caliper internally adjusts. It will then take noticeably shorter pull distance.  The car’s parking brake lever system provides plenty of travel to operate a functioning parking brake.

    When you get tired of fooling with them, check out mustangsteve.com for some Ford calipers that actually will function properly.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    8/10/2020 10:26 AM  #6

    TremendousWand
    I FYI 24-7

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    Registered: 5/16/2013
    Posts: 657

    Re: Emergency brake/Parking brake not enough lever

    1966 Mustang Coupe, 5.0 Swap, GT40 Swap, T5z

    I relocated the e-brake to the center console.  Maybe it was just my ride and old worn drums but I honestly don't see how people can drive a stick with that useless pull handle setup.  The leverage it provides was next to nothing.  There's just not enough mechanical advantage in the stock setup.  I did the relocation using a lokar parking brake handle along w/ a 4 wheel disc brake swap.

     

    8/11/2020 12:00 AM  #7

    Mach173
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    From: Sweden
    Registered: 8/08/2018
    Posts: 186

    Re: Emergency brake/Parking brake not enough lever

    Okay solved. I just redrilled the point where the cable attaches to the lever. Lowered it by 10 mm. It works as it should.now. Thanks all.

       •Thread Starter
     

    8/11/2020 5:59 AM  #8

    TKOPerformance
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

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    From: Newark, DE
    Registered: 12/15/2014
    Posts: 7,504

    Re: Emergency brake/Parking brake not enough lever

    MS wrote:

    Sounds like the calipers are not adjusted as far as the parking brake is concerned. That particular GM caliper is not noted for a good parking brake. Try exercising the lever repeatedly until the caliper internally adjusts. It will then take noticeably shorter pull distance. The car’s parking brake lever system provides plenty of travel to operate a functioning parking brake.

    When you get tired of fooling with them, check out mustangsteve.com for some Ford calipers that actually will function properly.

    If they are from a Cadillac I'd advise getting rid of them and getting different calipers.  They do not hold adjustment well.

     

    8/12/2020 12:30 AM  #9

    Mach173
    FYI Addict

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    From: Sweden
    Registered: 8/08/2018
    Posts: 186

    Re: Emergency brake/Parking brake not enough lever

    If they are from a Cadillac I'd advise getting rid of them and getting different calipers.  They do not hold adjustment well.

    For now they will do. probably going Cobra later, like in the front with MS adapter brackets.

       •Thread Starter
     

     

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