Check this part out on your classic before this happens

[JDS68Stang]

Just bought a 68 coupe last month. After a few weeks wrenching on the front end, electrical ect... I dropped it down to replace the brake light switch that was next on the list to get done. I start backing up slowly and surprise, no brakes, pedal is right to the floor, pulled it into drive quick and E braked it.

Turned out the flimsy brake light switch, now pretty mangled, was the only thing holding the lever from the master cylinder onto the brake pedal stud. The guy I bought this car from told me he just had his 3 small kids out in it on their last trip, a 2 hour drive, somebody was watching out for them I'd say. Those kids came so close to getting killed over a stupid .25 cent part. No parts on floor either so pin was out for some time and brake switch was the only part holding that lever on for who knows how long.

Stuck a cotter pin in for now till I can get a stainless pin that fits. Just thought I'd mention this so all that haven't checked this part lately, you may want to now and then, especially if you have kids riding w/ you.

 

[dodgestang]

We don't call it a Jesus clip for nothing.

 

[geostang351]

Been there done that with the wife in the car driving down main street. Came to a light 200 feet ahead and the pedal dropped to the floor. Wife and I opened our doors and tried "Fred Flintstoning" the car to a stop while drive up on the landscaped center median to get it to stop. Had to avoid the 5" trees in the median too. Was able to stop 10' before the car in front of us. Mexicans walking the sidewalks laughed at us (real funny!)

Used a bobby pin from the wifes purse to use as a cotter pin for a quick fix. I'm the one who changed the brake pedal during a previous conversion from manual to power brakes and forgot the pin. Just like you, the switch held it in place for several years until it came undone. Lucky for you, you caught it.

 

[bnickel]

We don't call it a Jesus clip for nothing.

i thought that it was becuase they always went flying off across the shop and then you'd say "oh Jesus, where'd that clip that go"