1954 hearse parking brake cables

[Rick65Cat]

I'm pretty sure I'm going to need to replace my parking brake cables to pass an *insurance safety inspection*
And I'm also sure cables for a `54 Pontiac Superior aren't at the parts store down the street. Anyone have any ideas on how to make up new cables?
I was thinking about just buying a length of new steel cable of the proper dia. then welding the ends on that attach to the brake shoe.

Thoughts?

[Larry]

You're probably correct about the local PEP Boys not having '54 Pontiac (especially hearse) parking brake cables.

I have seen fabricated ones like you propose made. Actually all replacements need to be fabricated unless you're also replacing the cable housings that attach to the backing plates.

There is a special tool that fastens the ends to the cable, but a shot of weld certainly won't hurt either.... just on the tips where the braided cable shows through.

I would check a good truck supply store, or even a NAPA store. I bet that making brake cables is a common practice for trucks because of the many different wheelbases... and the fact that truckers and equipment people tend to make their own stuff.

I would also shy away from "aircraft" cable at Home Depot or a store like that. Their cable is probably fine for a garage door, but would probably stretch under a brake load.

I think you're on the right track!

If you get into any other brake work, remember we have the complete 1949-54 Pontiac Shop manual on-line in our On-Line Pontiac Reference Library.