Classic/Antique Car Repair: Parking brake cables, star wheel, screw drive

Question
Dick,
I have a 67 Mustang (6 / 200 cu in), it has been sitting in a garage for about 5 years. The parking brake will not release. Do you have any suggestions.

Answer
If the control works OK, and the cables become slack when you attempt to release it, the brake shoes must be stuck to the brake drums.   If this is the case, you will have to jack the car up and back off the adjusters so that the brake linings can retract.  You will need a "Brake spoon" to do this - you can buy one at any auto parts place.  Pull the rubber plugs out of the slots in the backing plates, and, using a flashlight to see what you are doing, find the star wheel adjuster wheel.  Stick a thin rod or very small but long screw drive through the slot to hold the automatic adjuster tang away from the outer edge of the star wheel, then with your third (or is it fourth) hand, using the spoon, back off on the star wheel at least 20 clicks.   Now, with some tapping on the drum, the brake springs should release from the drum, enabling you to turn the wheels.   If you cannot do this, you may have to have the car flat-bedded to a brake shop to get them to release the shoes for you.

This is a good lesson to learn - (depending on where you live), don't park a car with the parking brake on if there is any chance of moisture being on the linings when you park it.

If I guessed wrong, and the cables are NOT going slack when you release the brake control, the problem is in the control linkage or the cables themselves - perhaps they are rusty?  If so, a good soaking with a "liquid wrench" sort of solution might get them to release.  I use "PB Blaster" - but there are other good ones.

I hope this is some help,

Dick