Re: '68 Park Brake

[Terry M.]

Well this has turned more than a little interesting. I did spend some time looking in AIM and parts books and:


I don't have any references for the 1967 assembly, but the same parking brake ASSEMBLY number is called out for 1968 through 1972. Not withstanding this information, and not withstanding the words of JAT - there are different handles in the 1968-1969 time frame. Sal has well described the differences. It may be that the handle configuration was intermittent.


I would like to hear from Dick and/or Reba because these changes are in their area of expertise.


Terry

[Reba Whittington]

Re: '68 Park Brake

It seems that I remember someone telling me once that some 1967's had the '68 style brake handle. I checked the '67 judging guide and guess what? It says that there is another style with chrome trim appearing intermittedly after serial number 6000. I presume this is describing the '68 style. I know that the present 1968-69 manual says otherwise, but it is my opinion (for what it is worth) that all handles are the same for 1968-76 or '77. I am typing the new 1968-69 judging guide and our panel of 20 some contributors have not told us otherwise. I have seen one'68 with a '67 lever, but I am not sure it was original. Perhaps Roy Sinor or Keith Biggers could comment about the 1967.

[Gene M.]

Re: '68 Park Brake

Reba, From my experience, I agree with your statements on the 68-up handles. From the 67 world population out there the 67 style brake handle without the chrome trim at the top appears in early cars then scattered in mid production. From mid production on it appears to dominate with the chrome at the top as the 68 style appears. I do see non-chrome at the top (left overs) in mid (Jan-March) built 67's but far and few between. I remember reading something about this in the judging guide, but don't have it in front of me. Your post got me wondering if any non-chrome tops brake handle levers were put into production in 68.

[George Daina]

My 68 has build #2274.....

built Oct 15, 1967, and the brake handle has never been changed, owned the car since 5/69. I bypassed this thread, so am not up to speed as to what the question was or what is it about the brake handle that you want to know.

[Tom B.]

Re: Describe your handle......

.....I would mine but from the JM I can tell it's a replacement. TBarr #24014

[Tom B.]

Re: Also, what about your..........

.......rear stabilizer bar? Is it original? If so move up a few postings and give your diameter to Joe. TBarr #24014

[George Daina]

Okee Dokee, monyana...

when I go to work on the 68. Both have never been replaced. The rear bar is a skinny thing, maybe somewhere around .5", but I'll get the exact specs tomorrow. The brake handle has the diamond shape design on the side, but I really haven't paid much attention to it, will post exact description tomorrow. I think I have a spare brake handle, want it?

[Tom B.]

Re: Movin to Monyana soon.........

....gonna be a brake-handle-collector-tycoon.


Thanks, I'll take the handle and send you and email soon with address. TBarr #24014

[Wayne W.]

Re: '68 Park Brake

Absolutely, it seems that they went back to all black ones in late 67 or early 68. I have observed several early 68s with all black. ser.# 1445 for instance.

[Wayne W.]

Re: '68 Park Brake

Another interesting oddity. I once observed a very early 67 coupe, ser.# somewhere in the single digits as I remember, that had an all metal chrome plated handle. The whole thing was bright metal no plastic.

[Reba Whittington]

Re: '68 Park Brake

Thanks for the info, Gene and Wayne. Will we ever learn all about these cars? To any other owners of original 1968's out there, please forward info to me or Dick BEFORE the new JG goes to press. We thought the interior section was done. Wrong!

[Wayne M.]

Re: '67 /'68 Park Brake Handle

Good memory, Wayne. It was probably '67 VIN # 00005, a Lynndale blue on teal L36 4-sp air coupe. GM Canada used this car as a promotional vehicle and it ended up at a Vancouver dealer, then sold to the public. A friend of mine (Paul Seguin) saw the car advertised for sale here in Calgary in the late '70's; (it was white then). He almost choked when he saw the VIN, so he bought it. We couldn't figure out why the parking brake handle was all metal (chromed), but it also had custom cut (not moulded) carpeting which appeared to be original. Interesting car -- it had a "K" dated trim tag, which probably meant the body went down the '66 trim line. I have the details/photos somewhere in my stash.

[Wayne W.]

Re: '67 /'68 Park Brake Handle

Thats probably the same car. I saw it at Knoxville I think, must have been early or mid 80s.