snapped handbrake return spring clip

ArtS

Had the Hornet parked in the street with handbrake set while I did some chores and upon return to move the car I noticed a long spring and attached metal tag sitting on the ground in front of car. Found out this was return spring for handbrake when I released brake and had to push it in to its resting position. Under the car I saw where the body clip welded to rear floor pan had snapped clean off sending the spring shooting toward front of car. I plan to re-anchor this assembly using a flat piece of steel and bolt through floor pan.



I figure I can operate the car safely until I make the fix. As far as I know, the only purpose of this spring is to take the slack out of the handbrake cable when the brake is released. Have I got this right? Don't want to have a bad day out there driving my Hudson. Thanks for your help. ArtS

hudsonguy

Art,



I believe you're exactly right. This spring simply removes the handbrake cable slack. You could always 'make' a temporary anchor with something, or add a longer spring. On my car, I couldn't find a spring long enough at the hardware store that was the 'right' strength, so I'm just using two springs in series to do the same thing. Good Luck.

Doug

ArtS

hudsonguy wrote:

Art,



I believe you're exactly right. This spring simply removes the handbrake cable slack. You could always 'make' a temporary anchor with something, or add a longer spring. On my car, I couldn't find a spring long enough at the hardware store that was the 'right' strength, so I'm just using two springs in series to do the same thing. Good Luck.

Doug

Thanks, Doug. As you did, I too went to Sears hardware and picked up a few springs that when hooked in series may match the length/strength of original part. I may rig them up to the frame if I decide not to drill a hole in the floor plan.