96LT4Z28_03Z06

Is it possible to replace the parking brakes on a 69 wihout removing the wheel spindles and bearings and all?

Van Steel

Yes you can.

NHvette

Yup - need some sturdy but thin needle nose pliers and a small screwdriver.
Well, that's all I use for tools.

At the bottom, pull the shoes apart and push the adjuster up until it dislodges
from the shoes. Remove adjuster. Now, using the pliers, remove adjuster spring.
Now, pull the shoes slightly to the sides, and line up the large hole in the spindle
with the shoe retainer spring/cup. Working through the spindle hole, hold the
end of the retainer pin from rotating with your needlenosed pliers. Insert the
small screwdriver between the shoe and spindle to depress and rotate the
retainer cup. Remove spring/cup. Repeat for other side. Now, you can pull
the shoes up enough to get the pliers on the top spring.

If you got them out, you can get them back in ... just a little more tricky.

:smash: :seeya

adamdinat

There are a several things you need work around.

The lever which spreads the shoes will have to be cut out. I cut it in half with a cutoff wheel on the dremel. The new one will be 2 pieces and is easily assembled.

The bolt holding the butterfly shaped retaining plate at the top will not come out. If the plate is in good condition I would leave it alone. Mine was rusted into oblivion. I ended up grinding down a wrench to fit between the bolt and spindle so I could loosen the bolt. I then split one side of the plate and pushed it over the bolt bent it back into shape and tightened things up. I dont know how well this stands up but I have not had a problem with it.

You will find one of the retaining pins trapped between the backing plate and trailing arm. I loosened the for nuts holding the back plate on, Wiggled the plate loose and fished the old one out and a new one in.

For reassembly it will help to compress the retaining springs and tie them so you are not fighting them when putting the retainer back on. Once The retainer is in place clip the line.

Hope this helps. Good luck

96LT4Z28_03Z06

Thanks for all the help guys. I thought i had done it before, but its been like 10 yrs since i messed with parking brakes. I ususally leave them off.

Skipple

Let us know how it goes. Take pictures if you can.

I've got a '69 Vert that I've got to do the same thing on in the next few weeks. I'm ordering a SS PBrake kit from VanSteel tomorrow.

Good luck!


:seeya

96LT4Z28_03Z06

hey man, i can get yu the brakes from Zip and get a decent discount. Email me at LT1TA1994@aol.com if you are interested.