Emergency Brake

[bobby hinman]

On the buggy I am fixing up the previous owner installed rear disk brakes. He took the line off the master cylinder going to rear brakes and put a push/pull valve in place of the emergency brake. I believe you hold down the brakes and pull up the valve to lock the rear brakes. The problem is the valve doesn't move and must be froze up. I am not real happy with the look of the valve. The orginal lever mounting bracket is still on the tunnel. Any suggestion for Emergency Brakes.

[tx_1987_gta]

So basically its a line lock?

[jspbtown]

Line locks are not always legal for street use. I can't speak for Texas, but you should check it out if it is going to be a street buggy. many states require a "separate mechanical" device.

If the rear calipers don't have the e-brake option on them, and you want to go mechanical, then you need two new calipers, two e-brake cables, and a new e-brake handle.

[DannyT]

Line locks are NOT legal for emergency brakes in Texas. I had to install e-brakes on my rail to pass inspection and was told at the pre inspection that it would have to be a mechanical brake and the line lock would not pass.

[bobby hinman]

How would I know the difference between a caliper that is E-brake equiped and one that is not ?

[jspbtown]

There should be a lever on the caliper. Post a pic if you can.

[bobby hinman]

Did not find the e-brake lever on the old caliper. Can you buy just the caliper with e-brake?

[jspbtown]

http://www.socalautoparts.com/product_i ... 9e6c23358d

www.socalautoparts.com if the link doesn't work. Search "caliper"

[bobby hinman]

Thanks going to make sure that the e brake cable tubes are there. I was told that there are tubes that the cables go in that run up to the the lever. I am going to have to buy cables and lever also.

[bobby hinman]

I can only find one tube under the emergency brake lever for a cable. Does each rear wheel cable come to the lever?

[jspbtown]

Yes, each cable should have one tune. You can see where the cables exit in this picture:



On the right of the picture (left side of the car) you can see a cable exiting near the rear frame horn and going to the backing plate. That is where they should exit. Do you have both exit points on your chassis?

If you have only one tune (be very sure first), then you MAY be able to get away with just one e-brake caliper. My thought is that they usually test the ebrake and one may be enough to hold the vehicle for the test.

of course I am open to alternative opinions.

[bobby hinman]

I live in Georgia and they don't do inspections and I already have the buggy titled and a tag. I want the ebrake for my safety. I will check the exit points on the frame. Thanks again for all the information