C3 parking brake

[John L.]

I would like to restore the parking brake handle assembly on my C3 because the chrome is pitted. Looking at the assembly it appears that it will not come apart with regular tools. Does anyone know of a person that does this type of work?

Thanks..........

John

[Jack H.]

Re: C3 parking brake

Check the archives, there were a few who believed the chore was 'possible' and indicated that they'd give it a whirl.... Basically, this is a COP (chrome on plastic) finish that's notorious for EXACTLY what you see--non-uniform coverage and prone to peeling. I don't know of a single plater who'd attempt the effort...

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 parking brake

John-----

Even if you could dis-assemble the handle and find a way to re-assemble it, you wouldn't be able to find the parts to replace any of the components of the handle. No such parts were ever available from GM and, as far as I know, none are reproduced.

[John L.]

Re: C3 parking brake

Everyone, thanks for your responses.

I had a feeling I would end up reusing my parking brake assembly, even if it doesn't look too good.

Peace.......

John

[Chuck G.]

Re: C3 parking brake

You can take them apart. I've done several. It's been awhile, but as I recall, with the assembly out of the car...you knock out the drift pin and the larger pin which hold the handle and the "button" lever. With those pins removed, you get enough "wiggle room" to remove the button, which is screwed/pushed on. Once the button is off, you can slide the complete plastic handle off the metal handle.

Well....now you have the plastic handle and button off, BUT I tried to find somebody to plate them. Tried all the advertisers of "plastic chrome" in Hemmings, etc. Nobody could "selectively" rechrome just the chromed pieces. Best offer I had was a guy in Florida, who would replate the ENTIRE plastic handle (no guarantees). Then, I would have to black out what wasn't originally chromed. Cost?? About $250.00 as I recall. I passed on that deal, and touched my handle up with "chrome paint" from a hobby shop. Chuck

[Greg Hansen]

Re: C3 parking brake

I repaired mine with chrome tape availiable from any model building shop, while the results aren't perfect it looks much better than the peeling chrome I had to start with.