Remove rear backing plate

[Russell Reay]

I found several old threads on this subject and viewed a few videos, but the details of a successful (and short ) exercise escape me. The red book says to remove the e brake assembly, then remove the 4 large bolts to permit further disassembly on the bench. I tried that but cannot determine which secret direction to angle the backing plate assembly to allow the two levers to slide through the radius rod gap/ notch. One Barner said he removes the e brake lever, and the rest comes off easily. I tried, and it works. But now comes the reassembly. An Epic Restoration video shows the assembly slipped over the axle and turned to line up with the 4 bolt holes, but the video lacks enough clear, detailed footage to see exactly how it works. (If it seems too good to be true, it probably is). I have the BP assembly attached, the ebrake shaft in place with the woodruff key, the heavy spring in place, but the final loop of the spring settles into the gap behind the key and prevents the lever from butting up tight to the housing with bushings so the tightening bolt can slide into place. It appears that it may be necessary to loosen the front bolt of the radius rods so it can be moved significantly away from the BP. If I am missing something obvious, please enlighten me. (Photos are before disassembly)

 

[nkaminar]

The spring is hard to put in place. I modified a screw driver to use as a tool.

I found it easier to remove the radius rods to get the backing plates on. But then it is hard to put the radius rods back. Any way I tried to do this it was difficult.

 

[Benson]

...

 

[Russell Reay]

Update: I slid the lever all the way onto the shaft and tightened the bolt. Using the hook end of the brake pliers and a notched screwdriver and some creative wrist movements was able to pull the spring into place. We'll see if I can repeat this on the other side.