Vintage car question - what does this part do?

[Mr. 'H']

I've been wondering about this for some time.

On most all vintage 30s and 40s cars, there is a metal bit that sticks out to the bottom left hand side of the steering wheel.

What is it? What does it do??

 

[Brad Bowers]

I believe that's the hand brake, but someone will set me straight if I'm wrong.

Brad

 

[BellyTank]

Kind of like the same thing on an old (up to '70s)British car Mr. H- just on the other side of the car and outboard of the wheel.
You're just not old enough...

B
T

 

[Tudor]

Parking Brake

Brad is correct, that is the parking brake. On my 1948 Ford it is connected to a cable that goes back to the rear wheels just like on many modern vehicles.
Dennis

 

[Mr. 'H']

How exactly is it operated?

What mechanism is used?

Do you press on the raised bit to release it?

 

[Tudor]

You pull it out (toward you) to set the brake. A trigger like lever at the top part of the handgrip releases it. So, to release the brake you would pull out a little on the hand brake to remove the tension on the pawl and detent that holds the brake set, pull/hold the trigger, and then push the brake forward all the way. At least that is how my Ford hand brake works. Did that make sense?
Dennis

 

[Alan Eardley]

Hand-brake

Yup! That's how it works.

 

[jamespowers]

I believe that's the hand brake, but someone will set me straight if I'm wrong.

Brad

Quite right. My 57GMc has the same set up.

Regards,

J

 

[Mr. 'H']

You pull it out (toward you) to set the brake. A trigger like lever at the top part of the handgrip releases it. So, to release the brake you would pull out a little on the hand brake to remove the tension on the pawl and detent that holds the brake set, pull/hold the trigger, and then push the brake forward all the way. At least that is how my Ford hand brake works. Did that make sense?
Dennis

Dennis, that makes perfect sense, thank you.

I'm impressed yuo know even the terminology ("pawl")!!

Were these hand-brake handles usually solid (i.e. round-feeling) all the way round - or were they inverted on the underneath - kinda like a spoon?

 

[Tudor]

Mine is formed sheetmetal, curved like a sickle. Round (round-feeling) on the back side (not concave like a spoon).
Are you looking to get a vintage vehicle?

 

[Mr. 'H']

Are you looking to get a vintage vehicle?

Yes sir, a '41 Buick in fully operational order.

 

[Tudor]

'41 Buick in fully operational order.

Very Cool!

 

[scotrace]

Yes sir, a '41 Buick in fully operational order.

Excellent, excellent choice. What model? Sedan? Convert?

 

[Mr. 'H']

A 4 door sedan. Eight Special.

A covertible would be highly desirable if I could get a four door - don't like the two door models.

Check this baby out:

 

[scotrace]

I'm sure you noticed the Buick convertible in the film Pearl Harbor?

 

[Mr. 'H']

Scot, I missed that - I only ever saw the movie once.

Would you like to get one?

 

[Twitch]

My 1950 Packard hand brake functions with a pull up to set it and a touch of the trigger on the bottom of it to release.

 

[scotrace]

Scot, I missed that - I only ever saw the movie once.

Would you like to get one?

Who wouldn't. Also a nice one in Mulholland Falls.
The Buick ain't bad either. :-O

 

[Mr. 'H']

Yes the Roadmaster is a real looker!