Lokar set us up for better parking with its hand brake (PN EHB-7000F, $105.95), boot kit (PN 70-EHBF, $24.95), and universal cable kit (PN EC-80FHT, $159.95). Believe it or not, this is an easy Saturday afternoon project thanks to Lokar's homework. Best of all, no special tools are required.
Let's face it: Some designs just weren't good, regardless of how many different ways Ford passed them along to us 40 years ago. Flaws such as leaking cowl vents, flimsy door and window mechanisms, busted nylon-coated timing sets, under-engineered distributors, electrical system woes, dripping heater cores, and wimpy parking brakes are just some of the issues we've had to deal with. The latter, in particular, is no doubt familiar to any of you with classic Mustangs, Comets, Falcons and Mavericks. Those barely adequate dash-mounted parking brakes are a pain, aren't they?
OK. Enough fussing about Ford's engineering shortcomings. Here's a solution: Lokar's center-mount hand brake for all classic Fords. Available in stainless steel or satin black, the Lokar hand-brake kit is easy to install and can be put to work in a matter of hours. Best of all, the parking-brake handle is placed for easy and quick access and has more leverage for better holding power than the underdash systems found on early Fords. Let's get started.
Add A Parking Brake Reminder Light
Lokar sent us this sweet parking brake reminder light switch (PN EHB-7001, $32.99), a micro switch unit that's a good idea to install while doing this project. Lokar doesn't provide the light because there are so many available in the aftermarket for your classic Ford. All you need is a switched power source (ignition on only) and a solid ground-both easy to find. Switched power sources are available through female plugs already in your main wiring harness so there should be no need to cut your factory wiring. Look for the blue lead with a red stripe under the dash. Your automatic transmission indicator lead is an excellent place to start.
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Hand-brake location boils down to personal comfort and convenience. A good rule of thumb is to follow what Ford has done with '74-'04 Mustang hand-brake location. Locate the lever where it's easy to reach from an installed driver's seat. |
Noel Romeo of Mustangs Etc. locates the hand brake, then marks both bolt holes and opening dimensions. The opening should be 1 inch wide by 5 inches long inside of the four bolt holes. | 
Once the hole is cut, perform a backward mock-up fit to ascertain proper hole dimensions-then drill four 5/16-inch holes. If everything clears, move ahead with the installation. If not, trim as necessary. The hand brake shouldn't interfere with the tunnel. | 
Your opening in the transmission tunnel should look like this. |
The installed Lokar hand brake looks like this from underneath. Note the warning light switch hasn't been wired up yet. | 
Carefully remove the detent pin and add this micro switch tang as shown. This tang closes the micro switch when you set the brake. | 
Micro switch installation goes like this with two machine screws and locknuts. Lokar provides connectors while you provide the light of your choice. You can even use the factory parking brake warning light if you desire. |