Emergency brake lever springs How do you install?

[DeBordEngineMan]

I am installing all new brake system parts on my 29 Tudor Sedan I have Les Andrews book and a set of "How to restore your model A" books but it does not show a detailed picture or description of how to install the spring that go's between the lever on the backing plate. I know that there is a left and right spring just can't figure out how it go's on. If anybody could post a picture of the spring installed that would be great I could figure it out if I could see a picture of it installed. I know that it is a lot of trouble to take a picture of this part but It would be most helpful. Thanks Robert DeBord

[George, Iowa]

I hope this works. Here is also a handy tool someone else came up with.

[MAG]

For years I installed them the hard way. Using some kind of hook or heavy wire to pull the spring into the area and somehow twist it over and snap it around the lever Simular to George's pictures. A real pain. Recently I was helping a friend do his brake job and came up with a different method. No tools required. I discovered that I had been assembling all the brake parts and the only thing left to do was the spring. The new approach installs the spring FIRST. Before all the other parts are installed. Procedure as follows:
1. Slip the spring on the E-Brake Actuating Shaft and orient it properly with the straight portion on the housing hub.
2. Install the E-Brake Lever making sure the bent arm (hook)is in front of the Lever.
3. Continue with the brake installation and when the time comes to put the pin in the C Link connecting the E-brake Actuating Shaft it will do so with very little effort.
4. Install the E-Brake Rod.

If you aleady have the brakes assembled you can remove the pin from the C-Link and remove the E-Brake Lever. Then follow the above procedures.

I know fellows.... this sounds too easy because we have all fought this process many times and learned a whole lot of new Englidh terms doing it.
But, think about it. How did they do this job in the factory?
Hope this helps.

[George, Iowa]

Thanks MAG. That sounds easier. :-)

[DeBordEngineMan]

Thanks George for the pictures and to MAG for the procedure of installing them sounds to easy to be true but I will give it a try, thanks for the information Robert DeBord

[DeBordEngineMan]

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Thanks MAG I put the emergency brake spring on and it was as simple as falling off a log! WORKS GREAT!!! this procedure was by far the easiest way to put on they just slip on with a snap! Thanks MAG, Robert DeBord

[pat in Santa Cruz]

MAG,
I installed one last week using the pulling method, and started wondering then how they did it in the factory. I assumed they had a special tool and wondered why no one had come up with a blueprint for one yet. Then I had another install to do this evening and I chanced across your tip. What a time saver! That must be how they did it.
thanks for the tip.

[Kevin - Illinois]

Did a search today on installing this spring. I used Mag's method and it worked great! Just thought I'd mention it's well worth searching old threads!

[Rusty Homestead Fl]

But I thought bleeding and skinned knuckles was a prerequisite!

[mcpea]

I have been trying to get the left side parking brake return spring installed for some time now with little to no luck. I finally ordered some new springs as the old ones are now mutilated beyond repair. I just ran across Mag's solution and will use when my new springs get here. Thanks to Mag for what looks like the solution to this thornyer than most problem.
Mcpea
Austin

[RockHillWill]

Our own Roger V, that posts on this sight has a very nice article in the January-February issue of the Model A Nrews magazine showing two modifies screwdrivers that he figured out. It looks like a great idea to me. Also, I really like to make more tools, LOL.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by RockHillWill

Our own Roger V, that posts on this sight has a very nice article in the January-February issue of the Model A Nrews magazine showing two modifies screwdrivers that he figured out. It looks like a great idea to me. Also, I really like to make more tools, LOL.

Same article appeared in the Restorer that I received last night.

[Tom Endy]

The first effort is to determine which is left and which is right. Years ago at a club seminar the discussion about which was right and left went on for 15-20 minutes. When all finally agreed, it was wrong.

There are also some poor quality springs on the market that are too small, and you will have fits trying to install them. Be careful where you buy them.

The Sept\Oct 2013 Restorer has an article by Les Andrews about how to install the springs. He has made up two tools out of screwdrivers. He also shows a photo of the springs indicating left and right, which is certainly a big help.

My preferred method is to use a coat hanger wrapped around a screw driver handle to pull them into place.

Tom Endy

[jkeesey]

This has been beaten to death. Here are the only tools needed. The screwdriver has a U shape ground into the tip and the hook tool can be purchased at Harbor Freight for a couple bucks. It is much easier to install original springs rather than old ones but the process is the same. Use the screwdriver to push the spring up behind the arm and then reach around with the hook tool, grab the spring and pull it the rest of the way around. With practice it takes about 30 seconds.

[Napa Skip]

On pages 8 and 9 of the most recent issue (September/October 2013) of MAFCA's The Restorer is an article entitled "Emergency Brake Return Spring Installation" by (who else?) Les Andrews with pictures of modified screwdrivers used to install the spring, as well as several photos showing the spring being installed.

[bunnyc]

Thanks MAG. Your procedure helped me. It was easy to install the spring.

[katy]

Thanks for the info about the springs, our CCPU doesn't have them and I didn't know that they were required.

[Ted Duke]

Originally Posted by MAG

For years I installed them the hard way. Using some kind of hook or heavy wire to pull the spring into the area and somehow twist it over and snap it around the lever Simular to George's pictures. A real pain. Recently I was helping a friend do his brake job and came up with a different method. No tools required. I discovered that I had been assembling all the brake parts and the only thing left to do was the spring. The new approach installs the spring FIRST. Before all the other parts are installed. Procedure as follows:
1. Slip the spring on the E-Brake Actuating Shaft and orient it properly with the straight portion on the housing hub.
2. Install the E-Brake Lever making sure the bent arm (hook)is in front of the Lever.
3. Continue with the brake installation and when the time comes to put the pin in the C Link connecting the E-brake Actuating Shaft it will do so with very little effort.
4. Install the E-Brake Rod.

If you aleady have the brakes assembled you can remove the pin from the C-Link and remove the E-Brake Lever. Then follow the above procedures.

I know fellows.... this sounds too easy because we have all fought this process many times and learned a whole lot of new Englidh terms doing it.
But, think about it. How did they do this job in the factory?
Hope this helps.

Good grief, broadcast this info, that is the hardest thing I have done on my 1929 Rdstr PU so far and you knew an easy way. I'll pass that along to my club.

Ted

[Ted Duke]

Originally Posted by Tom Endy

The first effort is to determine which is left and which is right. Years ago at a club seminar the discussion about which was right and left went on for 15-20 minutes. When all finally agreed, it was wrong.

There are also some poor quality springs on the market that are too small, and you will have fits trying to install them. Be careful where you buy them.

The Sept\Oct 2013 Restorer has an article by Les Andrews about how to install the springs. He has made up two tools out of screwdrivers. He also shows a photo of the springs indicating left and right, which is certainly a big help.

My preferred method is to use a coat hanger wrapped around a screw driver handle to pull them into place.

Tom Endy

And, beware. I received a new set from a favorite vendor and they were the same. Two lefts or two rights, I forget now. After scratching my head for a day I called and they sent another set.