C-2 1965 Parking Brake Rear Cable Spring

[David H.]

I need some help locating a replacement spring that's located at the end of the rear parking brake cable (wrapped around the cable, hooked on the trailing arm, below the caliper). It's the release spring for the parking brake lever. I can only find them on new replacement cables, but my old oringinal cable is fine and I hate to replace it just for the new spring. Thanks for your help!

[Joe L.]

Re: C-2 1965 Parking Brake Rear Cable Spring

David-----

I don't know of a source for that spring. However, even if I did know of one, I really don't think that it would do you any good. In order to remove and install the spring you would need to remove the ball which is crimped to the end of the cable. Re-attaching a ball in such a manner that the cable would be reliable is very difficult to do. I would never attempt such a thing for a safety-related component of a parking/EMERGENCY braking system.

What's wrong with the spring on there now? Usually, this spring is about the "last thing to go".

[David H.]

Re: C-2 1965 Parking Brake Rear Cable Spring

Thanks Joe. The spring has rusted in two, but the cable looks to be in good shape. I'm a patient person, so I thought if I could find one, I would coil it on the cable, leaving the ball intact.

[Joe L.]

Re: C-2 1965 Parking Brake Rear Cable Spring

David-----

OK, now I see what your plan was; I had not thought of that. However, that should work fine. Here are a few suggestions:

1) If you attend any Corvette swap meets, look for an old cable. Then, salvage the springs off of it.

2) Check out your local full-line hardware store. Many have all sorts of springs and spring stock. You may be able to find just what you need.

3) If all else fails, go to www.mcmaster.com. Search on "compression springs". McMaster-Carr has a huge line of these springs. Just get the dimensions off the old spring and look for a spring with like dimensions----all the specs on their available springs are provided. Even if you have to purchase a longer spring or a standard length of spring, you can cut it to the exact length desired.

[David H.]

Re: C-2 1965 Parking Brake Rear Cable Spring

Thanks Joe. I also want to thank you for all the indirect help you've given me. I'm new to this. I bought my first vette, the '65, this past summer and have used your advice to others many times: replacing strut rod, threw my new mail order u-joints on the shelf (bought before reading your recom.) and found a Spicer dealer and had them installed on the 1/2 axle - VERY pleased with them, re-replaced my new poly main spring bushings (ditto) with stock rubber, and now have my left trailing arm boxed and ready to ship to Baer's for Timken bearings, new bushings, etc. This was my first posting, but I've got several more mysteries I'm sure you'll help me solve! Regards, David.