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Last Reviewed: March 17, 2024
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This article will show you how to relocate the emergency foot brake from the kick panel to in front of the driver´s seat. We chose a floor mounted E-brake unit from Lokar Manufacturing for this project.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 1 1. There was no room in the center console or under the dash so we decided to put it in front of the driver´s seat. In addition, we will lower it into the floor for more clearance and better access in an emergency situation.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 2 2. First we taped the handle to keep from scratching the chrome and then we cut off a small tab from the rear of the bracket to provide enough clearance for the bezel retainer bracket we will be making.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 3 3. Next we built a tray to let us drop the unit into the floor and clear the seat track. As with any fabrication, we laid out a pattern and in this case cut out the two pieces we needed from 20 gauge stainless steel for the sides.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 4 4. Then we cut out the bottom and welded the pieces together.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 5 5. These braces will be used to attach the emergency brake unit to the bottom of the tray.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 6 6. Starting with another pattern, we made a bezel to fit over the brake handle and provide room for the dyna mat sound deadener and carpet.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 7 7. We tack welded some 10-24 nuts to the back side of the bezel.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 8 8. Here is a view of the other side.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 9 9. As you see here, the brackets allow the unit to sit in the tray level to the floor, with plenty of room for a hand.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 10 10. This view shows the bezel retainer bracket in place and the cable attachment block. Now you can see that we snipped the end off of the factory bracket in step #2 to clear the bezel when in the upright position.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 11 11. This angle shows the bezel from the side.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 12 12. Here we cut off the seat track bracket and then cut a hole in the floor the size of the tray.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 13 13. Here we removed the seat to assure that the track would clear the brake handle. The bracket at the top is for the center console.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 14 14. We had to move the factory seat track bracket slightly to clear the tray, so we simply added some metal to the top and sides to gain the necessary clearance.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 15 15. This view shows the clearance.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 16 16. From under the car you can see the tray installed and the cable retainers sticking out the back.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 17 17. We also built a cover for the bottom of the tray to keep the mechanism clean and allow access for adjustments.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 18 18. We also made some simple channels to hold the cable in place up against the floor.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 19 19. This view shows the brake handle lined up directly under the seat track.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 20 20. Here are the cables installed between the handle and rear calipers.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 21 21. And here are the channel retainers tacked in place.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 22 22. Notice how the cables are guided over the rear suspension.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 23 23. And here is the connection to the calipers.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 24 24. With the bucket seat in the forward "show" position you can barely see the end of the brake handle.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 25 25. But in the driving position it is easy to access.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 25 26. This view shows you the finger clearance in the down position, and plenty of room to pull it up.
How to relocate the emergency brake handle on antique, vintage, old, used or classic cars or trucks - step 25 27. The handle assembly will have a black chrome finish when completed to blend it into the black carpet.

Jeff Lilly Restorations
11125 F.M.1560 N
San Antonio, Texas
210-695-5151 - www.jefflilly.com