Taking apart an emergency brake handle

[jim1932]

I am going to get my handle plated (1932). How does it come apart? Is the button on top screwed on? Just making sure before I break something (no pun intended).

[DavidG]

The button on top is retained by a small pin in the shank of the button. You can drive it out using a punch of the appropriate diameter.

[jim1932]

Originally Posted by DavidG

The button on top is retained by a small pin in the shank of the button. You can drive it out using a punch of the appropriate diameter.

Ahh, once I took apart the gear side it slid up to reveal the pin. Thanks!

Added the photo for the next guy with the same question....

[PeteVS]

From the 'A' forum here's a guy who does a nice job of plating them:

Re: Replating brake handles...
That would be Craig Riker from Toledo, Ohio. Riker Restoration 419-290-4442.

[jim1932]

Comparing the two handles my one on the car has a more pronounced "bump defining the bottom of the area where your hand goes (sorry, for once I don't have a photo of it). Were there slight variations? OR could one have lost definition in the re-plating process?

[jim1932]

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Finally got the photos. You can see the one in the car has a much more defined end to the hand area.

Also, If I just wanted to replace the pawl on the end, how does that come off? Do you straighten the rod enough to get it off, then re-bend it?

[jim1932]

Still have the question on comparing the two handles......

[Floyd]

Jim, based on the original handles I have seen and my 32 one, they all look like your first example with the defined ring. The last example may have been ground down before plating. Remember that the shaft was Butler finish (satin) and only the grip area was bright chrome plated. Also, there is no need to unbend the pawl rod, once you remove the bolt and the pin at the top holding the push button, it will all come apart by turning the rod . The good news if you need the rod , the pawl or the bolt and clevis, good reproduction parts are available from the good model A suppliers. Unfortunately, the reproduction handles are junk.
Just redid my 32, all plated and looks good.
Floyd

[jim1932]

Originally Posted by Floyd

Jim, based on the original handles I have seen and my 32 one, they all look like your first example with the defined ring. The last example may have been ground down before plating. Remember that the shaft was Butler finish (satin) and only the grip area was bright chrome plated. Also, there is no need to unbend the pawl rod, once you remove the bolt and the pin at the top holding the push button, it will all come apart by turning the rod . The good news if you need the rod , the pawl or the bolt and clevis, good reproduction parts are available from the good model A suppliers. Unfortunately, the reproduction handles are junk.
Just redid my 32, all plated and looks good.
Floyd

Maybe I am not referring to it correctly. The piece on the bottom of the rod that engages the gear. How does that little piece come off. MY original handle looks like it may have been chipped and reground and does not engage the gear correctly (slips). I see you can buy just that part, but not sure how it is put on.

[PeteVS]

Jim: Here are some pictures. The first is an 'A' handle I bought from Craig Riker at Hershey. Second shows a flea market purchase and the original from my '32. The plating is still shiny where it was protected by a Moto Lever brake handle extension.

[jim1932]

starting to wonder if my handle with the barely noticeable bump is a repop.