Posts: 38
Joined: 11/24/2003 From: United States Status: offline
I just bought my first Mustang, a 68 fastback which is about 90% restored. Currently it has the hand activated emergency brake. Is that correct for a 68? If so, why do a couple of the catalogs I have sell foot activated brakes? The problem is that it doesn't work. All the cables are relatively new and aren't frozen up in the sleeves. It pulls out about 3" but won't stay out. My 66 f100 has the same brake and you can hear a ratchet type noise when I pull on it. Is it possible that 3" isn't far enough for the mechanism to lock it on?
Thanks
Posts: 317
Joined: 7/25/2003 From: United States Status: offline
It is the correct style it sounds like the assembly is broken. I would recommend removingit and inspecting also try some lube like wd-40 it may free up the ratchting assembly
Posts: 6
Joined: 11/11/2003 From: United States Status: offline
If the ratchet mechanism is fine, it may be you have the parking brake cable adjusted too tight. If this is the case, you won't be able to pull the hand brake handle/rod out far enough to allow the ratchet to begin its engagement. You can adjust the parking brake by adjusting the tension nut found under the car on the driver's floor pan. It will be on the threaded rod that connects to the equalizer bar that pulls on the rear brake cables. (Sorry if my description isn't totally exact. I'm workin' from memory.) When adjusted properly, the brake handle rod should have about 1 to 2 inches of serration dogs exposed on the underside of the rod. The handle is rotated to disengage the ratchet mechanism and release the brake.
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Emergency Brake in 68 - 
