The plastic clip that holds the release lever spring broke on the parking brake for my 70 Cuda (see picture for the spring I am taking about). With out this clip the spring slips thru the hole and the parking brake does not function properly.

Does anyone know where I can find a replacement clip or have a do it yourself solution on how to fix this?

-Thanks

A small "E" clip that will snap over the handle shaft but not too tight that the shaft won't slide through.

Iirc that rod is 1/4 inch so maye a 7mm or 5/16 e clip?

i believe an "E" clip will stay with the handle when it moves. that is how it's designed. if you use one that allows the rod to move freely through it, it most likely will fall off. you can "slightly bend the ears in a circular direction and the clip will possibly stay on that way. you could also find a plastic flanged bushing that fits the rod and allows smooth movement, then drill the bracket hole to the bushing size, allowing the bushing to fit snugly or a possible "snap in" fit. if it were me, i would go the plastic bushing way. you can get these bushings at most well stocked hardware or home improvement stores.

I think this was talked about a while back and one of the solutions was cutting down one of the plastic nails / plugs that hold the firewall insulation to the back of the firewall.

I just opened up a lock washer, slid it over the rod bent it back flat. It held the spring from coming through the hole nicely and didn't cost anything. Think it was a 1/4" or 5/16". I test fit it over the end of the shaft before I used it. You want it just big enough to slip on the shaft.

Thanks guys. I think I will try the lock washer idea.

This is another example of the auto industry using plastic in an area where they should have just used a metal part.

I'm sure all of us on this site could probably come up with 1000's of examples wheres auto manufacturers used plastic in an area where a metal part was better suited for longevity (i.e. clip, faster, screw, etc.). This is a pet peeve of mine especially with newer cars.