C2 - 1963 Brake Strut Bar Function?

[Tom D.]

Wish I was in TX!

What is the function of a 1963 Strut Bar installed between the rear brake front shoe and (I think) the emergency brake lever? It could be to assist the release of the emergency brake.

Or is it actually attached to the brake adjusting lever instead?

What is the result of not having this "strut bar" installed?

Should I post a photo?

Thanks
Tom Dingman
4889

[Jim T.]

Re: C2 - 1963 Brake Strut Bar Function?

Tom from your description and what I see in my 63 Corvette service manual, the strut bar you reference is the automatic self-adjusting brake lever. It performs its function when you back up and use the brakes.

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 - 1963 Brake Strut Bar Function?

Tom,

If you're looking at the horizontal bar between pri/sec shoes, it's the parking brake apply bar. The parking brake cable is attached to the bottom of another lever that pivots off of the sec shoe, then forces the shoe out to the drum. Without this bar, the parking brake will not function on that wheel. (or possibly both rear wheels) This part is fairly common as it was also used on most passenger cars so it shouldn't be difficult to find.

[Mike McKown]

Re: C2 - 1963 Brake Strut Bar Function?

The lever that has the park brake cable attached pivots on one shoe and pushes against that flat bar and actuates the opposite shoe. That makes one side push against the other. Without the bar there would be no brake action.