Russ:
GMC'er Larry Fairbanks installed Leigh Harrison's six-wheel disk brake
system in late 1994 or early 1995, including the electric brake lock (Mico,
I believe). I visited Larry a couple years ago and he told me then that he
has had the brake lock engaged in excess of 30 days with no problems.
Paul Bartz
From: Russ Bethel [mailto:rbethel]
Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 1999 4:36 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Rear disc brake project
I have an electric brake lock system in my tool box at work. It is made by
United. It was bought at NAPA. The part number is 57504. I also have a
manual system by the same mfg. NAPA part number is 57515. I have not
installed either one on my GMC but we use them at the airport on belt
loaders and bag tractors. They work well at the airport but I do not know
if they would be effective for more than a few hours. If I were to put one
on my GMC I would use a pair of wheel chocks if I was going to leave it
parked for more than a day.
From: Bartz, Paul
Date: Wednesday, January 20, 1999 2:48 PM
Subject: RE: GMC: Rear disc brake project
There is an alternative that will eliminate penetrating the floor pan to
accommodate the brake line tubing. That is an electrically operated
hydraulic brake line lock. But it is more money than the J.C. Whitney item.
Leigh Harrison has them available and uses them in his six-wheel brake
system.
Although you still plumb the valve into the brake line, that part is below
the coach floor, in the original line. Only the valve wiring is routed into
the interior of the coach.
To use, you step hard on the brake pedal and switch on the lock. Step on
the pedal again and the brake releases.
From: JDDP32B [mailto:JDDP32B]
Sent: Thursday, January 07, 1999 7:00 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Rear disc brake project
I like these. We always used them on our dump trucks in my dad's gravel
pit. They were great and they were hand controlled.. They are so easy to
use, and it is really hard to forget the brakes are on. I have heard
complaints that if you leave the pressure on for a long time the break
cylinders will leak past the cups, but looks like cheap insurance to me.
Esp.. since the emergency brake in the GMC is almost useless.
Is going up on my web page and is on my list to do. the part number is
different 85bf6592y in my catalog
Date: Thursday, 07-Jan-99 10:23 PM
From: Chill113 \ America On-Line: (chill113)
Subject: Re: GMC: Rear disc brake project
Yes I do have the part number. I guess the number would be the same in all
of their catalogs, but I'm looking at Catalog No. 616-1J On page 183 it
lists an In-line Hydraulic Brake Lock. part number 85KP6592Y for $22.49.
They list another that can be used with silicone brake fluid for $24.99,
part number 73KP4432T.
If you go this route, be sure to use metal lines. I used flexible rubber
brake lines at first and found with that much distance, they had enough flex
to affect my pedal. When I switched to metal lines, no more problem. I
mounted mine just behind the base of the parking brake where it is
convenient. Just put your brakes on and hold the brake pedal down and step
on the Line Lock. Your rear wheels are locked. When you are ready to unlock
them, just hit your brake pedal. Justin 77 PB