They are generally used for radio frequency interference suppression. When a circuit opens, you can get a spark from the inductive kick when the voltage drops. Can you see whatever it was attached to? I doubt that it has anything to do with the brake itself, it was probably a convenient mounting spot. FWIW, I've never seen that.
I think my '69 had one of those in that location when I bought it, but I assumed a previous owner had put the resistor there along with the many other devices he had added to the car's stereo system.
I'm fairly certain my Skylark has that as well. My radio hasn't worked in the 20 plus yrs that I've owned the car though.
I have the same assembly here with that resistor and have to swap out my original assembly, as it's all jacked up along with missing the tiny clip that secures the lever into the mechanism. Apparently, the two front nuts are hidden under firewall sealer below the harness bulkhead. This should be fun....
my car has one - asked the same question a few years back! No one seems to know but there is a switch on the assembly for the light. The switch will cause a spark and the condenser might be intended to prevent a radio "pop" when the switch closes/opens???
Actually those two nuts aren't bad to get at. When I had my car painted i had the entire interior out including that E brake assembly. I thought for sure I would be pulling the inner fender to gain access to those nuts. With a ratcheting wrench it took all of 10 minutes to install. It was no big deal at all.
Just finished swapping them out. Notice mine on the left (with the jacked up handle) is devoid of a resistor. I installed the new assembly without it and utilized the original switch. I also now know why 2 things happened: 1. The bolt that holds the assembly under the dash was basically finger tight. Most likely in an effort to move the assembly inward. 2. The clip was missing that holds on the handle. The vent for the kick panel had jutted out toward the footwell. With the assembly tightened as it should have been, the handle would get hung up on the edge of the vent. I took the assembly back out (after figuring this out) and pushed the vent back into the kick panel. Now it's working as designed. I also hit all the moving parts with some lubricant. Another thing to cross off the list.
