Frustrating brake problem on my 54 Chevy

For the last while I have been pulling my hair out trying to figure out why I had a hard brake pedal on my 54 210.
Well, just on a fluke I figured out what is causing it. I re-adjusted the shoes and set out for a test drive. I didn't even make it past my lane and I had the hard pedal. I shifted to reverse-pedal was fine. Back into 1st gear and stopped-all ok. Went for a drive and stopped a few times-still ok. Got onto the main street and shifted to 2nd and thought I'd try the brakes- hard as a rock. I shifted into neutral in preparation to gear down to first to help slow the car when I happened to try the brakes-they worked great! hmmm.. back into gear- hard pedal. Put in neutral- brakes are fine... Looks like somehow the shift linkage is binding with the brake pedal! Drove home and put the car on my ramps. I was sure I'd be able to see where the linkage was hitting the pedal linkage but there isn't anything obvious. I put the car into each gear and crawled under to look for any contact- None! grr!! I snapped a photo to show how the linkage is attached to the trans:

It's as clear as I can get with my crap camera. Am I correct that the springs should be on the master cylinder side of the shift linkage as shown? If I were to put the springs on the side where the cotter pins go, it would bring the linkage a touch farther away from the brake pedal rod, but I fear the linkage will bind. Any suggestions (other than converting to floor shift)? BTW this is a stock setup.

 

Are they manual brakes? They look like it.

 

Yep, manual
Todd

 

Found the problem and I feel like a dumb ass- the bolt that mounts the brake pedal to the master cylinder was in the wrong way and was hitting the shift linkage. Flipped it around and all is good.
Todd

 

see dont you feel better? now help me with my brake madness! see post.

 

Todd: Saw your story over on Chevy Talk, glad you got it sorted and very cool pics of your father in law helping out!

 

Thanks,
I finally was able to "safely" take the car to work yesterday. There was a small brake fluid leak that was easier to fix on a hoist at work. It's been a while since I've had an old car to drive. With no side view mirrors, three on the tree, and manual brakes, you have to be sharp! It was a blast!
Todd