'67 Park Brake Handle Chrome Plating

[James W.]

Do all 1967 Corvette parking brake handles have the chrome finish near the push button at the end of the handle? If so, what are the recommendations for having this portion of the "plastic" handle rechromed?

Thanks,

James West
Omaha, NE.

[Richard S.]

Re: '67 Park Brake Handle Chrome Plating

James,
I believe research has shown random use of chromed tipped handle throughout 67 production. I think some of the 67 Interior senior judges/experts....hello Nick....have accumulated data which indicates at approximately what VIN. numbers the changes seem to have taken place. Until recently I was not aware of anyone rechroming these handles....even the high dollar restorers were just painting them all black. There is however, someone who is doing this rechroming now.....I do not have access to the information just now but it is in the archives.....and the Driveline I think. If you can't find it E-mail me tonight.

[Justin N.]

Re: '67 Park Brake Handle

James,
There is a company in Texas, Mr. G's I think, try www.mrgusa.com They reproduce chromed plastic parts for vintage vehicles. They might be able to rechrome your piece, but I feel there's quite a bit of work for you to do first to disassemble. My car, #6252-Dec 19th 1966, is considered early and I have the all black plastic handle. Good Luck!
Justin #41362

[Joe R.]

Re: '67 Park Brake Handle Chrome Plating

I believe that either the chrome tip (with corresponding chrome stripe down the back) or the all-black handle is considered acceptable for 1967. My car (#15586) has the chrome, but most sources say that both styles were used throughout the production year.

NCRS member Jeff Salz (248-645-5953) has recently started advertizing in the Driveline that he can restore these handles, including the chrome versions. I sent him mine but I don't have it back yet, so I can't comment on how it came out.

Note that if you go looking for a replacement handle, the crosshatch pattern on the sides of the grip was different in the early years (1967 to 1970??) than it was for later years.

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: '67 Park Brake Handle Chrome Plating

Mine is a May car and the handle is all black like Justin's photo. Pretty easy to disassemble the handle to rechrome the shaft though.

[Stephen L.]

Re: '67 Park Brake Handle Chrome Plating

I just tried to get my handle rechromed. Because of its design the entire plastic handle must be chromed and then the chrome stripped off the knurles etc.. The original plastic handle was actually 2 pieces one chrome, one black that were welded/glued together never to be separated (I believe) again. I tried very hard. Anyway, the chrome that I got was very thick allowing me to carefully peel the plating off like a beer can. The narrow strip on the back will be "chrome tape" when I get done.

To get the handle off of the metal chrome stem you must first remove the 1/4" dowel pin in the pawl. This allows the 1/8" rod to extend beyond the end of the handle where you can grip/twist the black knob off (to be glued back on later). This then allows you to pull the black handle off.

Good luck

[Kevin M.]

Re: '67 Park Brake Handle Chrome Plating

Early cars had black only, it's listed in the 67 JG. I've seen new chrome ones on ebay lately.

Kevin

[Richard S.]

Re: '67 Park Brake Handle Chrome Plating

Joe,
Jeff Salz is who I was referring to in my earlier post.....please let us know how it turns out. I've already had one good response regarding Jeff's work. I intend to send my 67 handle if yours turns out to your satisfaction.

[John H.]

Re: '67 Park Brake Handle Chrome Plating

My June '67 car has the black handle too.

[Richard S.]

Re: '67 Park Brake Handle Chrome Plating

67 VIN# 15629.....has original chromed handle......

[Stephen L.]

Re: '67 Park Brake Handle Chrome Plating

My April 67 car has a chrome handle

[Rick S.]

Re: '67 Park Brake Handle Chrome Plating

My June 67 car has chrome!!

[Dale S.]

Re: '67 Park Brake Handle Chrome Plating

My March 30th has the chrome. Dale

[Dick W.]

Re: '67 Park Brake Handle Chrome Plating

Interesting enough, this random chrome/lack of chrome carried over into early 1968 production. Maybe two suppliers? We will probably never know the real reason

[Brian M.]

Re: '67 Park Brake Handle Chrome Plating

My Jan. 67 built car has a black handle.