Comments on: Wheels and brakes.

By: Karl Kovach

Karl Kovach — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:43:37 +0000

On front brake, I lost guide on backing plate top for hook springs. Im looking for guide but hard to find on website or auto stores or junk. Where can I get guide ?

thanks

By: Bryan

Bryan — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:31:38 +0000

Okay, that is what I was starting to think I would have to do. I was not sure if the new line would include the piece or not. I’m glad I stumbled upon this site it is really helpful and I still have a lot of work to do on this car. Thank you for your help.

By: Lloyd

Lloyd — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 09:22:16 +0000

Hi. I had to buy all new parking brake lines, including the rear section. The new line for the rear has this retainer you mention, and I have not seen it sold seperately… I don’t know how feasible a replacement would be to fit. The new line is fairly inexpensive at less than $20… and is no more work and probably easier than fitting a replacement retainer (if you manage to find one).

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 08:04:42 +0000

Hi. While working on my 67’s rear end I ruined one of the three prong retainers that holds the parking brake line to the backing plate. I am not having much luck with locating a new one, to be honest I’m not even sure what to call this piece. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Bryan

By: Lloyd

Lloyd — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:41:49 +0000

Hello. Thank you for your comments.

It has been a few months since I rebuilt the drum brakes but I do remember the retainer bracket you mention having an egg shaped hole. Honestly, whether this is by design or through wear I am unsure. I am certain however that the bracket would not slip off; the springs will hold it very tightly in place.

Just a quick thought… is the narrowest part of the egg-shaped hole also large enough to slip off the post? If it is then concerns over the egg-shaped hole causing the bracket to be oversized and slipping off the post are moot. If not, then like I said, the springs will hold it and I would not be worried. It is worth noting that every single component of the drum brakes, including all the brackets and both shoes, is loose and has to be held in place by springs and/or hold-down pins.

My brakes worked adequately (the shoes being almost completely worn out) before disassembly so I am not worried. Hope that helps.

Anything else and I’ll be happy to try and help.

By: Martin Lum Older Car restoration

Martin Lum Older Car restoration — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:40:55 +0000

Hi There- a nice presentation of your restoration process. This is my first foray into a late 60’s Pontiac Firebird with drum front brakes.

Have you noticed the brake return spring retainer has an egg shaped hole where it slips on the post at the top of your backing plate.? On my Bird this piece will slip off over the head of the 1/2″ bolt which attached sthe post to the spindle. which does not seem a good situation.

I’m not happy about this part and feel the egg shape is due to wear but have no confirmation such as an NOS part. The part does not seem to be serviced by GM and not reproduced.

Your comments please.
Martin Lum

By: Damien Reed

Damien Reed — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 22:21:08 +0000

can you send me an up close picture of the rear brake shoe set up before you take it apart? i took mine apart and cant figure out how it all go’s back together it would be a real big help thanks Damien Reed in Newport Oregon USA