How to install cross brake mechansim return spring
 

'36 Ford. Want to install a NOS return spring to the brake mechanism at the X member.
Yes, I have the correct spring, yes, I know where it attaches.

How do I stretch it to get it over the pin?
Yikes...

Re: How to install cross brake mechansim return spring
 

Got it! Made a small and crude puller of sorts. The NOS spring makes a huge difference.

Re: How to install cross brake mechansim return spring
 

A pictures worth a thousand words.

Re: How to install cross brake mechansim return spring
 

Don't make any marks on the spring with plyers or eventually the spring will break in that spot, that goes for any spring, especially brake springs.

Re: How to install cross brake mechansim return spring
 

I didn't.

Re: How to install cross brake mechansim return spring
 

I'm not certain is it's possible to photograph the areas in any way that may be helpful.
I will add that finding the correct spring was very difficult.

Re: How to install cross brake mechansim return spring
 

Back in the day, there had to be a 'guy' that could use a hook tool to pull on it and get it in place.
I ended up using a come-along and a strong piece of wire to 'convince' the spring into place. Then cut the strong piece of wire.

Kube is right -- makes a difference in the brakes.

Re: How to install cross brake mechansim return spring
 

I just use a bit of 1/16" welding wire, bend it into a U, feed it through the hole at back of Xmember, put hook of the spring into the U shape, use a pair of vice grips on the two ends of the wire as a decent handhold, and pull the spring back and into place.

Re: How to install cross brake mechansim return spring
 

I have used a bent piece of coat hanger pulled by a ratchet strap connected to the I-beam.

Re: How to install cross brake mechansim return spring
 

I have to wonder how Ford did this rapidly on a daily basis.

Re: How to install cross brake mechansim return spring
 

Where can I find one of these, nothing shows up on the interweb? Failing that, does anyone know what the spring rate (i.e. pounds/inch) is for improvising something? My current spring is only 80% complete.

Re: How to install cross brake mechansim return spring
 

I had searched and searched and finally found two NOS in CA. Paid big for them but was happy to get the one I needed. Probably never need the second one.
I don't know the rate but it requires a LOT of pull.