You may get to the point in your build where you need to add or fix the parking brake system on your car. There are kits that allow to buy cables and kits, but I like using junkyard parts. I usually end up with a cable that is too long, so here are a couple of pics on how I attach the ends to a cable that is too long and has been cut: I cut a 1/4"-3/8" long slug of 3/8" diameter rod, a piece of 3/8" grade 5 bolt works great because it can be easily cut with a hacksaw. I next drill a 3/16" hole through the middle of it: The cable is clamped in a vise, and the "slug" is placed on top of it with the cable flush or slightly below the level of the slug. The hole is drilled a little bigger than the cable to allow the weld to penetrate: With the MIG welder, I give it one nice burst on the open end of the slug which welds the cable strands to the slug: The finished cable looks factory and is very strong:
Cool idea I was just today getting sticker shock with the cost of a swaging tool for a one time use after relocating the parking brake on my Buick. Have the cable measured out and on my bench as I write this. Gonna try your method in the AM it's this kind of stuff that makes this board so worth while...sorta makes up for the long nights going through the threads till well past my bed time
awesome. i think you should start a "whose vise has the most vice?" thread! i bet yours has some good stories!
I know, poor vise, I do everything on that thing. It is the 5" model that they used to sell at Sam's Club.
Hey I did the same thing on our roadster project. Used a brake lever from a '52 Ford COE and ran hardware store cable back to the repoped '39 Lincoln style rear brakes. Estimated the proper length and cut to fit. Grabbed the wire welder and turned it way down for a few practice tacks. Smoothed up the ends with the grinder - very carefully. The resulting end slides easly into the tube guides coming out of the backing plate. So far, so good!
I just got a swaging tool at Lowe's for $27 & used it for my E-brake ends. I also laid on a blob of weld for insurance & so far, so good.
I just took my cable to the local Overhead Door shop and they crimped the stop on for free. Garage door installers have everything you need. <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">
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