Handbrake not holding

[STM]

Hey all, I recently purchased a Series IIa 1961 Ute and post the delivery the handbrake is now not holding on. I can lift up the lever and the ratchet is not catching. Any tips on fixing?
Thxs STM

[Don 130]

Investigate the pawl mechanism that makes the ratchet hold. Perhaps a spring is missing or broken, or something is binding. Someone else may be along shortly to add to my suggestions.

Don.

[JDNSW]

The pawl is engaged in the teeth of the ratchet by a spring under the button on the end of the lever. If this button has unscrewed enough it may not exert enough pressure. It is possible that the spring is broken or missing, and also possible that the pushrod has become disconnected from the pawl, or the mechanism is rusted so stiff that the spring cannot move it.

Removing the under seat panel should enable you to see what is happening or not happening. There is a slight possibility that the pawl or the ratchet of both are just plain worn out, although this would indicate decades of abuse (not holding the button while pulling on).