Lokar set us up for better...
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.
Hand-brake location boils...
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....
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...
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...
Your opening in the transmission tunnel should look like this.
The installed Lokar hand brake...
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...
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...
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.
Install the Lokar hand brake...
Install the Lokar hand brake from underneath, as shown, with a helper on top to secure the bolts. Lokar doesn't provide fastening hardware, so you'll need four 1/4- or 5/16-inch Grade 8, cad-plated, 1-inch long bolts; eight flat washers; and nylon locknuts.
Cable guides are next, which...
Cable guides are next, which come with the universal cable kit. You may locate this cable guide as far from the hand brake as you desire. Location depends on distance from the hand brake to the rear brakes. It's a good idea to follow the same path Ford did from the factory.
Noel marks two 5/16-inch bolt...
Noel marks two 5/16-inch bolt hole locations for the cable guide, then drills both holes.
Our project Mustang has a...
Our project Mustang has a Lincoln Versailles 9-inch rearend. Noel removes the old cable. Be aware that the cable installation can be challenging and every setup is different.
The universal cable kit from...
The universal cable kit from Lokar is prepped for installation-little more than locknut removal is shown for each side.
Return spring length depends...
Return spring length depends on distance between the cable end and cable conduit. Compress the spring approximately 1 inch, without the coils touching, which determines spring length. With some drum and disc-brake applications, you won't have to cut the spring. With others, you'll have to cut to fit. Tell Lokar what you have for an application and it will ship you the correct cable kit for your Ford. Most are simple bolt-on applications. Because we have a Versailles rearend in our subject vehicle, it's a more custom installation.
With some applications, you...
With some applications, you may use the stock cable attachment points. With others, you'll use the Lokar cable guides. We could have gone either way with our '66 Mustang, but we chose the Lokar cable guide.
We've removed the Lokar cable...
We've removed the Lokar cable guide to show you how cable installation is done. Move each sleeve to the cable end and secure the cable. Do a good mock-up before cutting the cable-and always give yourself a little extra.
Lokar makes cable installation...
Lokar makes cable installation easy. We like this cable union with four Allen-set screws for exceptional security. Noel installs both cables and tightens the Allen screws, using Loctite thread locker.
Cable routing should always...
Cable routing should always be with a minimum of bends-smooth bends that allow smooth operation with no sharp turns. Again, follow Ford's lead, keeping cable routing as close to factory as possible.
We're using Ford's cable anchor...
We're using Ford's cable anchor points, which are like this for '66. For '65, the cables are routed between the floorpan and framerail. For '67-'73, the cables are routed through cable anchor points along the framerails.
Because our '66 fastback is...
Because our '66 fastback is an "in process" car project, there's no carpeting. We suggest complete hand-brake installation before carpeting is installed for this reason: Escutcheon holes should be drilled in the floorpan before the carpet goes down. Try drilling through carpeting and you'll understand our suggestion. The boot goes on first as shown.
Using the escutcheon as a...
Using the escutcheon as a template, mark the holes, and drill 1/8-inch screw holes. Finish the installation by placing the carpet back in place and securing the parking brake's boot and escutcheon.