Now why would someone do this...???

[todanielm]

Hi, I recently purchased a 1972 Trade Wind The PO (who has moved and I no longer have contact with him), for some reason unknown to me, cut the electrical wires that go to the brakes. He cut them just where they come out of the back of the brake drums.

Does anyone have insight into why someone would do such a thing? I realize that I'll need to go over the brakes, etc., but wonder WHY? the cut wires???

Any theories would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[RichardT]

Tow vehicle incorrectly wired would be one reason. Not a good reason.

[3 Dog Nite]

Maybe they were trying hide that the had brakes. Maybe tried to save $$$ by not having to add brake controller to TT. Didn't realize the actual cost had he found himself in a position where he wished he had TT brakes.

Ricky

[uwe]

Maybe the brake electrical components are bad, and the wires were cut to prevent anyone from hooking up shorted magnets? What a silly thing to do.

[todanielm]

Say, could you do me a huge favor? I removed my front window curtain track (for my painting project) before measuring the dimension between the top curtain track and the bottom track. I'm having new curtains made and I need that dimension. Would you please measure your 74 Trade Wind tracks and let me know what the dimension is? I'd really appreciate that!!!!

Daniel

[overlander63]

I towed a trailer once that had the brakes wired to the brake light wire. Stopping and even turning was an adventure.
You can do one of two things, depending on how you want to proceed. First, hook up the brakes, one wheel at a time, and see if one of them shorts your brake controller. Second would be to replace the brakes with complete backing plate assemblies. First option is cheaper, but the second will give you more peace of mind.

[Ganaraska]

You can check the magnets with a cheap multi meter. Use the ohm meter function to check the resistance. All should be about the same. 0 means a short circuit, infinity means a broken wire.

Do not use crimp on connectors for such a safety related repair. Solder on new wires and cover with heat shrink tubing. Or just replace the magnets, or possibly the whole brake assembly depending on condition.