Installed a 12v electric actuator with lever for the handbrake cables. Total pulling force on the cable about 2500Newton. Installed a 3-way switch with spring-back function and 2 LED lights that indicate when the handbrake is on or off.

Remounted the wheels now after the brakes were finished. This is how the height was after rebuilding the rear and front suspension. About 5-7cm (2″- 3″) higher.

Everything in the brake system is now complete and working.

Everything is new and replaced, new brake hoses and lines.
New T-coupler, new master brake cylinder, new brake shoes and cylinders. New handbrake cables.

Filled with brake fluid and bled all the brakes and they look like they are working. Hope the automatic brake adjuster on each wheel works as it should, time will tell.

Today’s project, small but oh so important.

I’m guessing the car was towed by one of the previous owners. The tow rope was probably not only around the front axle but also around the steering rod. Removed, straightened and reassembled. Looks a little better.

Took the liberty of washing the tires and rims while they were still removed from the car. Made a slight difference.

I got hold of longer screws so now I have mounted 3 more leaf springs on each side.

If I lower the car, there is about 6cm between front axle and shock absorber.
The shock absorber can be compressed about 4cm so a total stroke of about 10cm in front.

The height at the front and rear of the car was as good as it could be and I also got some suspension too.

Also need to cut the screws that are too long for the front leaf suspension.

I’ve removed all the tires so the next step is to fill and bleed the brake system and see if I can get any life out of the brakes.

Both the front and rear axles were lowered so much that when I got the car home the axles were against the impact rubber.

Two things had been done to the rear axle.

1. The axle has been moved to the top of the spring package.
2. The rear mounting was pointing upwards instead of downwards.

So I removed the front mounting of the rear springs, pulled the axle forward slightly and angled the mounting downwards instead.

Now the axle is about 10cm from the impact rubber and the height at the back of the car was good.

The following has been done to the front axle.

1. The axle is mounted on the top of the spring package.
2. 3 leaf springs were removed on each side.

I received the removed springs but have to buy longer screws tomorrow. I will come back with before and after pictures of the front axle tomorrow after it is finished.