778,
I have an early car so we may differ-but I don't got no stinkin' springs.
Which may be why you're not seeing it in the manual.
The handle is a simple ratchet pulling a cable which then pulls the mechanical clevis'. Releasing the ratchet relaxes the cable and the brakes release.
Here are recent pics of mine. If different than yours, post a pic. Bob will be on here to advise soon.
