LEVER HAND BRAKE NOS TRAILER BANTAM/WILLYS
Handbrake Lever NOS Trailer Bantam/Willys
1/4 Ton Trailer — Original surplus
New Old Stock handbrake lever for WWII 1/4 ton trailers. This lever with characteristic push-button release was used on Bantam T-3 and Willys MBT military trailers from World War II. The mechanical cable-operated brake system was an essential component of these amphibious cargo trailers.
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Condition NOS — New Old Stock |
Application 1/4 Ton Trailer |
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Type Handbrake lever with push-button |
System Mechanical — cable-operated |
Features
- New Old Stock military surplus
- Push-button release on top
- Steel construction
- Cable-operated brake system
- Original WWII design
★ Rare original surplus part for authentic restoration of WWII 1/4 ton trailers. This handbrake lever with its characteristic thumb-button mechanism is difficult to find in NOS condition.
Application
Suitable for Bantam T-3 and Willys MBT trailers (1942-1945). The lever is mounted on the front panel of the trailer with special bracket and pivot fitting. Note: civilian Bantam T3-C trailers (post-war production 1946-1953) had NO handbrake system — this lever only fits military versions with brake drums on the axle.
Installation notes
The lever is fitted to the front panel via a bracket with two bolts (left) and a central pivot (centre). The thumb-button on top must be able to move freely to release the cam lock. Requires compatible brake cable, bracket and pivot components. Check that the trailer has brake drums and backing plates fitted.
Compatibility
ONLY for military trailers with mechanical handbrake system. Willys MBT used cotter-pin fixing for shock absorbers, Bantam T-3 used threaded stud with nut — this does not affect the handbrake lever itself. NOT compatible with later M-100 or M-416 trailers (which have handgrip lever instead of thumb-button design). Civilian Bantam T3-C trailers had no brake system.
Historical context
The 1/4 ton cargo trailer was produced by American Bantam (model T-3, approx. 569 units) and Willys-Overland (model MBT, approx. 000 units) during WWII. These amphibious trailers with mechanical parking brake were deployed behind Willys MB and Ford GPW jeeps for cargo transport in all theatres.
This description was generated automatically. Unsure about fitment? Contact us at info@willys.be.
This part is intended for the restoration of historic military vehicles. Fitting, aligning, deburring or reworking is part of that work and is inherent to the nature of these goods. Dimensional variation also exists between original vehicles.
Installation requires technical knowledge of the vehicle. Unsure whether this part suits your version? Ask us before purchase at info@willys.be.
📐 Diagrams & technical drawings
From the original Technical Manual TM 10-1281 — Parts List & Maintenance Manual — only for the 1/4-ton 2-wheel trailer (Bantam T3 / Willys MB-T)
