bernardi Posted September 23, 2004 Share Posted September 23, 2004 To set the parking brake on my 55 400, the handle pulls from under the dash at just over knee height. The release is very sensitive. Often my leg brushes the handle as I enter or exit the car and the brake is released. Not good.Has anyone converted to a foot operated brake with separate release or found a good way to avoid accidentally releasing the brake? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Speedster Posted September 23, 2004 Share Posted September 23, 2004 Since I never use the Emergency Brake, I don't have that Problem. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />The only time mine gets used is at annual inspection time. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> (Shame ON Me) I don't think Packard ever had a really good E-brake lever design. In my '29, I nearly brake my leg ever time I get in and out and the one in '37 won't stay inguaged half the time (needs better spring).Oh well, can't expect everthing to be perfect. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WCraigH Posted September 23, 2004 Share Posted September 23, 2004 Apparently there were a lot of complaints from new owners of 55-56 about the placement of the E-brake. I agree with you that it's a p*** poor location and design, probably the worst of any feature on those cars.On my Panther, I was considering a center floor (hump) mounted pull hand brake (ala hot rod style) next to an aftermarket floor shift for a 700R4...but, I decided to adapt the push button shift instead, so just having the hand brake there seems nearly as bad as the original location.I like your idea of a foot-actuated E-brake like all modern cars, but I don't know of anyone who's done it. I'll take a look at how the foot E-brake in my 1976 Firebird project car is attached for an idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_PackardV8 Posted September 24, 2004 Share Posted September 24, 2004 Mine is real touchy too. Slam the door and it might disengage. The problem is that the mechaism under the hood is a bit flimsy. Adjusting mine helped alot but its still not what it should be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Randy Berger Posted September 24, 2004 Share Posted September 24, 2004 Mine was a little touchy till I replaced the spring at the end of the handle - little short stiff one.YFAM, Randy Berger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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