Parking Brake Mod - Update 2

Here's a copy of the bezel drawing. It was made from a piece of 4" x 1/8" 6061-T6. I got a 42" piece for about $12 CDN.



[ January 27, 2006, 11:42 AM: Message edited by: dv/dt ]

Thanks for the compliments guys!!

Dan, In the first post a couple of people posted links showing some ways to disable the adjuster. I ended up doing it the way Chuck (Cwood) indicated in this post . I just cut the ratchet mechanism arm (yellow line) and let the spring unwind (you can see it unwound un the first couple of pics). May cut the spring out of there next time I take it out.

SB, Did a mock-up with the tranny in the first post (see link above). Clearance isn't a problem with the T-5.

DMW, Thanks! You were part of the inspiration for this.

Sergio and Garnet, yep, I made the bezel. You can see the first stages in a couple of the later pics above. I plotted out the template (added a jpeg version above) from AutoCAD using a hi res plotter and then cut out the border (you can see one template in the pics but the one for manufacturing did not have the center part cut out). Taped the template to the aluminium (line up one side to reduce the number of cuts) and then used a center punch to mark all the hole centers (including the centers for the two end radii). Removed the template and used a compass (you still have your high school set?) to draw the outer radii for both ends and then drew a line to connect the tangents. Cut about 1/16" - 1/32" away from the line with a jig saw. Then used the belt on a bench mounted sanding station (10" wheel and 4" belt) to trim it down to the line. Cut the end radius to within 1/16" with the jig saw and then used the wheel on the sanding station to bring it down fairly close and the belt to smooth it down the rest of the way.

Used a good quality bi-metal hole saw to make the internal radius and then joined them up using the jig saw (1/16"). Used a couple of different sanding disks and drums to smooth out the sides. This last part was the most difficult and, if you look in the fifth pic you can see a small nick on the inside radius at the back/right side of the bezel. I'll be making another.

I then sanded out any scratches with a small orbital sander and gave it a bushed finish using scotch brite.

When installing it on the car you want to match drill it. Drill the front or rear hole and bolt it, then drill for the bolt at the other end and bolt it, then drill the rest of the holes. If you want a really good match on the center slot then you want to match it to the car before cutting out the center on the bezel and use the center holes for the two end radii to mark the tunnel cover.

Sergio, If you send me some info (dimensions, etc.) on what you want I can do up a template for you to fit. May even be willing to make them up for the cost of materials (unless you were looking forward to the challenge). Would be neat to have a part on SuperCobra. PM me or give me a ring (I PM'd my number to you) if you'd like.

Chuck, Thanks! Nice handle, something to consider. May keep this one though as a tribute to my Mustang for it's contribution. It was my first car which I bought new in '87 so it meant more than most donors. Then of course it was just a car and I still have the heart! We'll see.

Thanks again guys.

Cheers, Rod

Here is a drawing for the mount. I'll post them for the enclosure and cable bracket when I get a chance to draw them up.



Cheers, Rod

[ January 27, 2006, 11:46 AM: Message edited by: dv/dt ]

Here's the cable bracket.



Cheers, Rod

[ January 27, 2006, 11:47 AM: Message edited by: dv/dt ]