E-Brake Mods

[Ponyman66]

I know a popular mod for the e-brake for 65-68 is to move the under dash handle to a center hump lever. Anyone tried converting from the under dash to a foot pedal? I'm kinda hooked on the idea for my '66 and really don't want to waste a bunch of cash/time reinventing the wheel if someone's already been there. I've looked at utilizing a either a '66 (or similar style) Galaxie, or a '69/70 Mustang. The problem isn't really figuring out how to mount the brake pedal assembly, it's in a compatible cable to tie into the stock '66 system underneath the car. Thoughts, suggestions, experiences?

 

[stangg]

I'd imagine if you went with a '70 style pedal and primary cable, then all's you probably need to worry about is the distance from the under floor mounted bracket to the equalizer. If that distance is similar between 65 and 70, then a 70 cable should work. Purely speculation on my part as I'm assuming the a 70 setup should be easily retrofitted to a 65 since the floor pan and braces are all the same. Just not sure if the e-brake pickup points are the same though.

 

[Ponyman66]

Thanks for the input. I've done some research which leads me to believe the attachment points at the parking brake assembly under the dash are pretty much the same. It's the cable/conduit lengths (which you pointed out) that concern me. There's no reliable way I know of to compare the lengths without having them in hand. Other than ordering a bunch of them, I haven't found any way to do that. It'd be foolish on my part (cash wise), to buy several different under dash brake assemblies and numerous cables to see what would fit with what. I can always stick with the stock setup, but would prefer something a little more "custom" (and user friendly). A center hump brake lever is not an option as there's a bench seat going in.

Thanks again and anyone else having any ideas or info, please feel free to chime in. This is actually the last thing I need to work out with the brakes on the car!

 

[guruatbol]

Ok, you can use the pedal that works /fits best and use a length of wire or string and measure the cable length then either have one made or buy as close as you can get on the longer side.

I think the pedal fit is the most important thing IMHO.

Mel

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Ponyman66]

Thanks for the input Mel. I agree the assembly fit is important. I can work around any minor fitment issues. I guess I could use the original conduit and get a new cable. My only problem would be finding someone to swedge new ends. Any thoughts? It REALLY sucks because I used to have the equipment available to do it myself a number of years ago. As a matter of fact, the cable on my '68 broke and I made a new one back then.

 

[guruatbol]

Thanks for the input Mel. I agree the assembly fit is important. I can work around any minor fitment issues. I guess I could use the original conduit and get a new cable. My only problem would be finding someone to swedge new ends. Any thoughts? It REALLY sucks because I used to have the equipment available to do it myself a number of years ago. As a matter of fact, the cable on my '68 broke and I made a new one back then.

You can get it done at Home depot or lowes. They have all the tools and all you have to do is put it in the conduit first.

Mel

 

[Ponyman66]

You can get it done at Home depot or lowes. They have all the tools and all you have to do is put it in the conduit first.

Mel

WOW! You're kidding me! I woulda never thought they'd do something like that. Fortunately I have a friend that is a manager at one of the HD's in our area. Guess I'll have to call in a favor! Thanks Mel! :thu

 

[guruatbol]

My son in law told about it.

Mel

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

 

[lethal289]

if the bench seat stops the center hump e brake handle, have you considered a pontiac fiero driver side handle? Its very similar to the earlier, but once engaged the handle can be pushed back down letting the driver get out of the car.

 

[Anonymous]

That's interesting and I like it. To me , an emergency brake handle needs to be in a location where you can easily reach it if there is a failure of the hydraulic brake system. Anywhere that is easy to get to in a hurry and give it a yank if you need to stop suddenly. A small foot pedal or a pull handle in a clumsy location may not cut it if the need arises.

 

[Ponyman66]

Thanks guys. Quit honestly I have no desire to use an e-brake handle, center or side. The Fiero set up is kinda interesting though. I've been around a few when they originally came out, but never looked one over real close. I rode in one as a passenger, but that's about it.

BTW, while the term emergency brake is a misnomer (it's actually a parking brake), it can be utilized in a total failure as a back up. Should that occur, I'd prefer a foot pedal to allow both hands on the wheel to counter that skid you'd induce by locking the rear down! Been there, done that. Once with a car I owned that had a center hump e-brake handle. While fooling around in an icy parking lot (we DO get them here every decade or so!), a buddy decided to yank the handle on me!! While in training with the Feds our driver training cars for the skid pan were equipped with a brake remote control. This allowed the instructor to lock the rear down and induce a skid that we had to counter. Now THAT was fun!!!!! :steer

 

[crustycurmudgeon]

BTW, while the term emergency brake is a misnomer (it's actually a parking brake), it can be utilized in a total failure as a back up. Should that occur, I'd prefer a foot pedal to allow both hands on the wheel to counter that skid you'd induce by locking the rear down! Been there, done that. Once with a car I owned that had a center hump e-brake handle. While fooling around in an icy parking lot (we DO get them here every decade or so!), a buddy decided to yank the handle on me!! While in training with the Feds our driver training cars for the skid pan were equipped with a brake remote control. This allowed the instructor to lock the rear down and induce a skid that we had to counter. Now THAT was fun!!!!! :steer

I'm no expert on the subject, but it seems to me you'd have a lot more control with a center or left mounted e-brake handle than either the pull handle or the foot pedal. With the hump or left mounted handle, you can easily reach the handle and "finesse" the stop, rather than having to either bend down to reach the pull handle or having no control at all with the foot pedal, ie: stomp too hard and you have to reach down to release it.

Frank

 

[lethal289]

I'm no expert on the subject, but it seems to me you'd have a lot more control with a center or left mounted e-brake handle than either the pull handle or the foot pedal. With the hump or left mounted handle, you can easily reach the handle and "finesse" the stop, rather than having to either bend down to reach the pull handle or having no control at all with the foot pedal, ie: stomp too hard and you have to reach down to release it.

Frank

Im with frank. You can "feather" the brakes a little more easily with the hand held controls.

 

[Ponyman66]

I'd agree, you could finesse the braking with a hand lever easier. I thought someone brought up an emergency braking situation though, not a drifting competition. When you hit the "Oh SH&T" because you lost all of your brakes, there isn't going to be much finessing of anything, other than the underwear removal outta ya crack when it's over!