Early B-body parking brake cable

[RTSrunner]

Does anyone know the free length or travel of a front parking brake cable for a '65 B-body? My '65 Coronet did not have a front cable since I've had it.I purchased an OE reproduction cable for the car and it doesn't reach the adjuster.The conduit length seems okay,but the cable threads are about 1.5-2 inches away from it.Since it is too short,cable travel is only 1/2" when installed.That is only 1/2' of cable is exposed beyond the crossmember.I am going to contact the vendor tomorrow about the issue.I'm not sure if it is made or just labeled wrong.Hoping for some specs to help find the correct cable.
Thanks-RT

 

[mattsmopars]

If i get a chance i can look under mine tomorrow afternoon. I might even have enough sense to take the camera with me.
Matt

 

[RTSrunner]

Thanks for the reply Matt.The part vendor is checking with the Mfg. for the correct length specs.I will post the specs when available.
RT

 

[RTSrunner]

I have some specs from the manufacturer,the overall length of the front cable should be 55-1/2".My new cable is close at 55-1/4" OAL,this includes the threaded adjuster.My cable is about 1-3/4" from reaching the equalizer on the intermediate cable,let alone being able to install a nut on the threads.They gave me the lengths of what the intermediate and rear cables should measure.I will check these and see if they are correct,the rear cables have been replaced at one time.One thing that concerns me is the lack of free play in the front cable.In the released position there is only 1/2" of exposed cable behind the trans crossmember .This seems to me when the e-brake is applied it would bottom out on the adjuster.I have no other similar car for reference,so I looked at some cars advertsed for sale with undecarriage shots.Some good shots look like there is 1-1/2 to 2" of cable before the adjuster threads,hard to judge exactly from a photo but i is way more than a 1/2". .Not sure if this is with the e-brake applied or released though.
RT

 

[mattsmopars]

I went out and took some pictures under my 65 coronet. I hope they help. I also had a set of rear brakes from off a 65 coronet in the shop and they still have the E-brake cables on them. They look to both be the same length RH and LH at 22.5" to 22.75" out from the baking plate to the tip of the ball on the end of the cable. Where it would hook to the intermediate cable. Sorry I am sure they are not the best pictures, but I can't do much better with out putting it up on the lift and I have it tied up with a toyota truck at the present. Let me know if you do not get this figured out. I probably have most of the ebrake parts on a 65 that I would part out anyway, as I just pulled the rear out of it.
Matt

 

[RTSrunner]

Matt,Thanks for the photos,tey are perfect!This looks like I may have two problems:First your front cable is 1-1/2 to 2" exposed between the rear fitting and adjuster threads,mine is only 1/2".Second your equalizer connection is 5" from the crossmember,mine is about 7" away from it. I'll have to get some more measurements tomorrow in the daylight,maybe it will be dry too!Is your brake applied or released in the photos?
Thanks,RT

 

[mattsmopars]

Matt,Thanks for the photos,tey are perfect!This looks like I may have two problems:First your front cable is 1-1/2 to 2" exposed between the rear fitting and adjuster threads,mine is only 1/2".Second your equalizer connection is 5" from the crossmember,mine is about 7" away from it. I'll have to get some more measurements tomorrow in the daylight,maybe it will be dry too!Is your brake applied or released in the photos?
Thanks,RT

To be 100% sure i will go out tomorrow and look, but I am nearly sure that it is released. It sure would be nice to have the cars inside here where the computer is! LOL.....
Matt

 

[62MAX]

Didn't measure but I have at least 2" of cable behind the cross member before the adjuster on my 62.This in an original N.O.S. cable,not a reproduction.

 

[RTSrunner]

62MAX,Yes,I think no matter what,this cable will not have enough travel to operate the brake.If this is the correct overall length at 55-1/2",possibly the threaded part is too long and taking away from the exposed cable?This is 5-3/4" from crimp to thread end,Matt's pic it looks to be about 4"long.Nice wagon on the top and bottom,I looked at your pics!
Matt,Outside is cold and rain here today,snow shovel is still parked though!We are way behind in snowfall number in Pittsburgh this year,only 2" this season,by this tiime last year it was 12" .Not compaining either!
RT

 

[mattsmopars]

Those pictures are with the E-brake pressed down. So I would have been wrong, that is why I like to check to make sure as my memory is not that sharp at times. I can try to get a few pictures with it released this afternoon.
Matt

 

[mattsmopars]

Here are a couple pictures that i went out and took this afternoon. The E-brake is OFF this time. So this might give you a better idea about the cable. Hope this helps you out.
Matt

 

[RTSrunner]

Matt,Looks like 2-1/2" exposed cable ,no way will this new cable work with only 1/2" cable exposed on mine.Even if it did reach yhe equalizer,ther would not be enough travel to apply the brake.I may have to find a used cable or hit the parts store catalog for something close.Thanks for more photos,you are going above and beyond!
RT

 

[mattsmopars]

Let me know if you get to looking for a cable as I most likely will have one on a 65 coronet wagon that I am going to part out since i have the rear sold out of it anyway. It is a good Oklahoma car so everything is not just rusted over.
It's just wat ever you come up with. Glad to help!
Matt

 

[RTSrunner]

Bump,I'm back at it since the car is outside and the weather is breaking.Matt.do you still have that parts car?

 

[mattsmopars]

Yeah, I should have what you need, Send me a PM to let me know what all you think you are needing and I will check. Matt