1938 60 Special - brake springs

[joeceretti]

I've been searching for the four springs that attach to the secondary shoe. I bought a kit and these springs aren't included. The seller says they don't have any info on them. Does anyone know the specs or if these are the same as on any other car? Snaphot of the shop manual with the springs highlighted. The Master Parts Book I have specifies the size of all other springs with the exception of this one.

Also, since thoroughly cleaning all parts, including the backing plate, the clevis on the parking brake is rattling when I stop. I suspect that all the crud in there before was keeping it from shaking around. Anyone have any advice on what I can do to stop it from rattling. It's not dangerous but annoying. Click click click on every stop.

[Steve Passmore]

You bought the wrong set basically Joe.  I have had the same problem with sellers in the past. The springs kits are mostly the same throughout the GM range but Cadillac uses that secondary retainer, other makes do not, the sellers don't know that and so one size fits all as far as their concerned.  After discussions with one seller some years back he looked into it and now sells the kits with those springs included. they are on ebay under number 361064021194 see them to the left of the picture, for a while after that he sold them separately but I haven't seen them that way for some time so sadly this time you will have to use your old springs as I did or lay out for another complete set.

Pray tell how your able to tell the clevis is the thing doing the clicking inside the drum while your driving along? and why do you think it would 'Click'? as it would not be operating while your using the foot brake? These noises underneath are a nightmare to identify.

[joeceretti]

That's the exact kit I bought. Not sure where to go from here. I might pull on of the existing ones off and get the specs and discuss with the seller.

I know it's the clevis because after cleaning I noticed it was a bit rattly (if that's a word) and after driving and hearing it I pulled the drum and wrapped it in tape. Clicking went away. Not a good long term solution.

[Steve Passmore]

You bought that very same kit??? Whats the sellers answer when you tell him his kit does not have the springs pictured in his ad?

[joeceretti]

His reply was,

"Unfortunately we would not know what spring number that spring is that you are missing. It is not included in our kits for this reason. You will probably have to match up a spring using one of the originals.

Thanks,
Shawn"

I've emailed him again and attached a picture from the ebay ad. I hope they can fix me up.

[joeceretti]

On second look it appears that those are the springs that hold the star adjuster in place.

[Steve Passmore]

You could be right there Joe, I'll have to look through my old files and find who I bought my kit from, I thought it was these guys but its been 7 years.

[joeceretti]

The seller decided not to respond to me when I asked a few polite questions. I started a paypal resolution dispute. Still need to find those 4 springs. Steve, if you can find the info I would appreciate it a bunch. The sellers out there all claim to have all the hardware needed.

[Jim Stamper]

     I think the kits I have bought from Kantor Brothers have always had the springs I needed. I have only bought them for 50 and 60 series though.

            Jim Stamper, CLC#13470

[Steve Passmore]

As much as I have searched I cant find the information where I bought mine, Its just too long ago.
Have you tried Jims suggestion and asked Kanter?  They only show a generic picture on their web site so one would have to ask them whats in the kit. They claim its correct but then so do all the others.

[joeceretti]

Thanks for the help Steve. I am going to give Kanter a call.