Parking Brake Cables

Doppleganger · Sep 30, 2020

I take it GM makes nothing for these trucks anymore? Was wondering if there was an aftermarket parking brake cable that had the metal wrap like my original one does? Only ones I've seen look like a modded hood release cable - very generic.

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I would reuse mine but this truck had running boards with some custom-cobbed bracketry that rubbed almost through 2 places.

Thanks.

MisterB · Oct 1, 2020

Is this more like what you're looking for? https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/UBQ92882

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Craig 85 · Oct 1, 2020

MisterB said:
Is this more like what you're looking for? https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/UBQ92882

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He's looking for this style. The ribbed looking one that snakes through my picture. I couldn't find any when I needed one a few years ago and had to by the plastic cover style. FYI the one you posted is for earlier models where it bolts to the backing plate. 1985 should have the push through style with 2 little tabs. Photo #2.

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Doppleganger · Oct 2, 2020

Craig 85 said:
He's looking for this style. The ribbed looking one that snakes through my picture. I couldn't find any when I needed one a few years ago and had to by the plastic cover style. FYI the one you posted is for earlier models where it bolts to the backing plate. 1985 should have the push through style with 2 little tabs. Photo #2.

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I think thats it! (I knew you'd know - lol) The pic I posted is from my own 85 K20 - seriously dont think its ever been touched. Who offers this?

ALSO....who offers the most complete rebuild kit for the drum hardware? I swear every kit I see has everything but 1-2 items. Its bad enough there's so many variables (diameter of drum, brakes, thickness of drum, etc.). My drums are 13 x 6 3/8 - but then they ask about brake length? Most shot things from mine are the springs (stretched or broke). All the adjusters and brackets could be cleaned and even replated if need be. THANKS!

WebMonkey · Oct 2, 2020

ACDELCO 18E112 Wheel Cylinder $ 5.81 $ 0.00 2 $ 11.62
CARLSON H2323 Drum Brake Hardware Kit $ 20.79 $ 0.00 1 $ 20.79

i bought these for my 85 k20 with 13" drums.

much more confidence stopping the truck with a load of sand in the back.

https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/webmonkeys-1985-k20.28635/page-2#post-578215

Doppleganger · Oct 2, 2020

2 of those wheel cylinders just arrived today from Rock. I knew I'd at least need those. lol

Was looking at THIS, but still not certain its for what I have.

WebMonkey · Oct 2, 2020

that link description says 11" drums.

if you have 11" drums, it looks good.

Doppleganger · Oct 2, 2020

Nope....they're 13's. But thats the kind of inclusive kit I'd like to find for mine.

Still thinking of just cleaning and replating what I got....I know they fit. Except the springs....they're toast.

Craig 85 · Oct 3, 2020

I had to piece mine together, but I got it all from Napa. I looked at your link and saw Parts Geek was the online seller. Here's a link to their website. I listed out the separate links to get you the parts needed. Since my truck is a California truck, I didn't need to replace any of the hard metal parts, just springs and retainers, etc.

Main Page
https://www.partsgeek.com/ymm/1985/chevrolet/k20.html?sort=pop&scat=brake
Brake Self Adjuster kits
https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1985/chevrolet/k20/brake/drum_brake_self_adjuster_repair_kit.html
Drum Brake Hardware kits (springs)
https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1985/chevrolet/k20/brake/drum_brake_hardware_kit.html
Strut kits
https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1985/chevrolet/k20/brake/parking_brake_strut.html
Strut Return Spring (11" brakes) - Found mine locally
https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1985/chevrolet/k20/brake/parking_brake_strut_spring.html

Doppleganger · Oct 3, 2020

Thanks so much for all the links!

When they say 11" brakes, are they talking shoes or drums? My truck is from Oregon, so very clean - the adjusters and brackets are easily re-usable. Just figured if they came new in a kit, so be it. I have access to a zinc plater too, so its nothing to make them like new if there is any rust or corrosion.

Next up will be the master cylinder and booster. I have heard U-line refurbs boosters. ?! Dunno.

Blue Ox · Oct 3, 2020

Doppleganger said:
Thanks so much for all the links!

When they say 11" brakes, are they talking shoes or drums?

The shoes and drums would be the same size. They're referring to the ID of the drum if that makes more sense.

Turbo4whl · Oct 3, 2020

Doppleganger said:
Thanks so much for all the links!

When they say 11" brakes, are they talking shoes or drums? My truck is from Oregon, so very clean - the adjusters and brackets are easily re-usable. Just figured if they came new in a kit, so be it. I have access to a zinc plater too, so its nothing to make them like new if there is any rust or corrosion.

Next up will be the master cylinder and booster. I have heard U-line refurbs boosters. ?! Dunno.

Good idea to refurbish and reuse the stamped steel parts. Many aftermarket kits are mixed with incorrect length pieces. Any stamped parts made in China are junk. Cheap steel will rust in a minute in the salt belt.

The adjuster cable length is critical for the self adjusters to work correctly. The cable eye should be installed between the two shoe return springs. After it is installed, take a hammer and a screwdriver, make sure the cable eye is set down tight to the pin. Take the gap out the way the cable pulls.

Remember, the self adjuster only maintains the adjustment. Initial replacement adjustment is required.

Craig 85 · Oct 5, 2020

Doppleganger said:
Next up will be the master cylinder and booster. I have heard U-line refurbs boosters. ?! Dunno.

I just had an issue when replacing my Hydro-boost unit. Luckily it was a mismarked box. I did find out that A-1 Cardone is the one that rebuilds the master cylinders and hydro-boost units for all the auto parts stores. They do offer a direct rebuilding service, but it didn't ask about vacuum boosters.

Doppleganger · Oct 5, 2020

I've never had good luck with refurb'd boosters. If they lasted 2 yrs I was shocked....usually it was 6 months. There are a few booster rebuild outlets (private businesses) with great feedback from classic car restorers. Steep, like $200+, but if I could get something 'new' the same level as the 35yr old model sitting in it now (that still works), it'd be worth it. The blister pack stores' remans are utter garbage.

It will never be easier to R&R than now with the whole truck gutted.

AuroraGirl · Oct 8, 2020

Doppleganger said:
I've never had good luck with refurb'd boosters. If they lasted 2 yrs I was shocked....usually it was 6 months. There are a few booster rebuild outlets (private businesses) with great feedback from classic car restorers. Steep, like $200+, but if I could get something 'new' the same level as the 35yr old model sitting in it now (that still works), it'd be worth it. The blister pack stores' remans are utter garbage.

It will never be easier to R&R than now with the whole truck gutted.

i have a dual reservoir master cylinder that is just laying in a pile, do you think it stands more value to be rebuilt or sold for scrap?

Parking Brake Cables

Doppleganger

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MisterB

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Craig 85

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Doppleganger

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WebMonkey

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Doppleganger

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WebMonkey

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Doppleganger

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Craig 85

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Doppleganger

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Blue Ox

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Turbo4whl

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Craig 85

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Doppleganger

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