55.2-59 Parking brake

[chevyhed53]

Finished installing a 4speed in my '56 stepside ('70 truck chassis) which PO sold me with a 350TH. Everything working well, but I realize I really do need a parking brake. Poking around through the catalogs I see Lokar makes a bunch of universal under-dash units, but I don't think I've got room for it under the stock '56 dash. Not enough "lip" to support it, I think, and not enough room in front of the door. Found a Lokar floor mount in the Chevs of the '40s catalog, and wondering if anyone has thoughts about best way to go. I have a disc/drum setup, and the 4-speed is a rebuilt Saginaw. Thanks!

[mr48chev]

I've used a stock later model GM foot pedal setup that usually has two studs that go through the firewall and a hole to bolt it to the kick panel. I did my 48 that way in 1989 and drove it over 100K that way.

[FAKKY]

I like the electronic brake setup (via button on dash) that was done.
Basically uses a 2" actuator. Ill find the thread if your interested

[chevyhed53]

If you could find it that would be great. Thanks!

[FAKKY]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...440079&page=86

Post #2150

[chevyhed53]

Thanks!

[mikebte]

I am going with the foot pedal on my 59. OrrieG is also using it on his build.

I'll post pictures when done. Cable should be here this weekend and I'll have it all hooked up.

[chevyhed53]

Thanks. Look forward to seeing how you set it up.

[mikebte]

Originally Posted by chevyhed53

Thanks. Look forward to seeing how you set it up.

Here is how far I got. I opted to use the Lokar as I had no clue how I wanted it done and could not order a pre made cable until I had one to mock up.
I ended up running to the factor brake bracket and welded on an eyelet for the cable. The factory clevis was moved to the outside by drilling a new hole.
The E brake assembly is out of an 80 blazer and the two bolts line up with the hood hinge bolts. I installed longer bolts and bolted it up inside the cab.

The cable runs down along the frame and has very few miner binds.

Once hooked up I'll let you know how well it works.

[Scott2]

I used this:

https://www.gmpartsstore.com/oem-par...EaArXQEALw_wcB

I had Control Cables make me up a new cable with the correct ends and length.

[chevyhed53]

Thanks for these and the photos are just what I needed. I think I'll go with an old GM unit.

[D60]

I'm going through this on a '58 right now. Appreciate the info here.

The vehicle owner already had a later model foot pedal from "something"...looks basically the same as what everyone here has been using/suggesting. Center to center of the studs appears to be 3". There were already two holes in the firewall for it to bolt up and a corresponding hole in the dash for the 3rd bolt. I can't imagine this was factory so perhaps someone embarked down this road before??

The hole in the dash is a bit tricky due to the way the dash is formed above. You're not likely to drop a bolt in from above and you would barely be able to hold a nut in place with a fingertip (this would likely be a call-the-wife job because small hands would be better). Anyway, I put a 1/4-20 nutsert in the existing hole in the dash and voila!

Now to figure out cables.....

(apologies I don't know why the firewall pic appears turned 90)

[mr48chev]

That setup looks like it was there from the get go. If you can't find small fingers to do the job a nutsert installed from the bottom would get the job done.

[bowt1ed]

Looking to install a foot parking brake in my 57 also. Does anyone know of a specific year GM that has the push-release function, with the holes that match up to the factory hood bolt holes?

Thanks, Jim

[dsraven]

if bolting through the firewall you maybe should reinforce the back side some. you could use a couple of nutserts in a piece of flat bar or angle and bolt through the firewall into that.
check some newer model trucks' foot pedal style as some have a cable release that could be mounted anywhere you want or some have the step once to set, step again to release system.