Emergency brake setup

[Automotive Stud]

I'm installing a new rear cable on my '40. Where the cable grabs the lever in the rear drum, there is a spring on the cable and a small metal clip to retain tension on the cable. I looked through all of my motor manuals but I haven't found anything on where the clip should be placed on the spring. How do I determine where it should go and how much tension should be on that return spring? Also, should the brake adjustment be set prior to that, then remove the drum to install and set the cable I assume?

[TJ]

The clip goes between the spring and the steel tube on the backing plate. It keeps the spring from going inside the tube. You make the adjustment to the brake after all is put back together.

[rich b]

We found the springs on the repop cables are too long/too stiff.

We have been inserting the clip between the coils which leaves some of the spring inside the tube and effectively shortens the working length of the spring.

[Automotive Stud]

Originally Posted by rich b

We found the springs on the repop cables are too long/too stiff.

We have been inserting the clip between the coils which leaves some of the spring inside the tube and effectively shortens the working length of the spring.

Right, but is there a set amount to put into the tube? Every one I've had apart already had some spring in the tube, so the clip goes in the middle of the spring somewhere. Maybe I'm overthinking this and it's not that critical. The last one I did I had to move the clip because I wasn't happy with how it was working. Maybe it's just trial and error.

[Tim Ayers]

Timely, I have the same question as Automotive Stud does. I can't seem to figure out the spring clip thing.

If possible, can someone post a pict of how it supposed to look? I would greatly appreciate it.

Also, are the cable all the same length or are there different lengths for different years?

[19Fordy]

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Here is how my 40 Ford E-Brake "clips" are installed. The little "spring clip" is in front of the tube.
I installed this with the E-brake released and cable "loose" - not under tension.

If you happen to lose one of those clips, you can make one out of the old style flat steel banding used on packing crates. It's "springy" but you can drill it and cut it to shape with aviation snips.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Here is how my 40 Ford E-Brake "clips" are installed. The little clip is in front of the tube.
I installed this with the E-brake released.

If you happen to lose one of those clips, you can make one out of the old style flat steel banding used on packing crates. It's "springy" but you can drill it and cut it to shape with aviation snips.

Perfect. Just what I needed to see. Thank you!

[Kube]

Tim, Please pay special attention to the springs. As has been rightfully advised, the repop's have springs that are way too long. When installed they should be of a (proper) length so the shoe is not "pushed".

There are different lengths for different years. Carpenter has a good cable with the rubber seals installed. Still, like all the others, the springs are too long.

[Automotive Stud]

Originally Posted by Kube

When installed they should be of a (proper) length so the shoe is not "pushed".

That's the answer right there, thank you!

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Kube

Tim, Please pay special attention to the springs. As has been rightfully advised, the repop's have springs that are way too long. When installed they should be of a (proper) length so the shoe is not "pushed".

There are different lengths for different years. Carpenter has a good cable with the rubber seals installed. Still, like all the others, the springs are too long.

Thanks, Kube. Any ideas on how to fix the long spring? Cut them?

Anyone know the proper/correct length of the spring?

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by rich b

We found the springs on the repop cables are too long/too stiff.

We have been inserting the clip between the coils which leaves some of the spring inside the tube and effectively shortens the working length of the spring.

Thanks for the tip, Rich.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

Thanks, Kube. Any ideas on how to fix the long spring? Cut them?

Anyone know the proper/correct length of the spring?

I cut the springs.