Brake calipers

[gpb]

I need to replace a pair of leaking brake calipers on a 1969 convertible. My question is should I have these rebuilt or just replace with Delco remans? A friend of mine said if they are the original calipers have them rebuilt. How do you tell if they are the originals? Thanks in advance for any advice.
gb

 

[blacksharkL82]

Depends on you use.
If the vette, sits most of the time, get the rebuilt ones with the newer type rubbers.
If you use it most of the time, rebuild them with the oem rubbers.
I'm sure, others here will tell you more.
The designers knew what they were doing, if the vette was used often, and not a garage queen.

 

[Nut]

I'd go with stainless steel sleeved rebuilds with the pistons fitted for "O" ring seals and NOT the lip seals. You'll have trouble free braking from then on.

Good luck........... nut

 

[bradfordsvettes]

trywww.fixvetteparts.com I have used them several times with good results o-ring rebuild kits and reman calipers w/ the same technology and reasonable Steve

 

[oceangal]

I got this set on ebay from this seller - very nice to work with

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Corvette-Brake-Caliper-Package-4-Wheel_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34215QQitemZ7992681475

 

[chuckhinva]

good discussion on C3 brakes at www.fastcorvette.com. Got a set of rebuilts for my '81 from them as was very happy.

 

[emf1367]

GPB,

If you want to keep the car original and are interested in NCRS judging then I would have the original calipers rebuilt. There are casting numbers and date codes on both sides of all four calipers. You will need all of these numbers to determine if they are original or at least meet original equipment specifications.

Once you have all the numbers you can check the NCRS judging manuals to determine if they meet OEM date and casting codes.

I've heard from some that calipers weren't date coded but most of my research shows that they were. If you don't care about judging standards then I wouldn't bother checking the numbers. Just go to any of the CAC sponsors and they will fix you up with a good set of calipers that will last a long time.

Good luck!

 

[JohnZ]

good discussion on C3 brakes at www.fastcorvette.com. Got a set of rebuilts for my '81 from them as was very happy.

I'd choose a different vendor - lots of horror stories out there in the last year about that one :eyerole .

 

[curtis]

My expereince was that the old calipers were not rebuildable. They were rusted so bad in the bores too far gone to hone. Even sleeving didn't work. Buy the rebuilt or new and let someone else worry about the PITA stuff. Upgrade to the new brake fluid that doesn't attract moisture like the old DOT 3 . good luck

 

[Mr. Chuck]

I have replaced all brake calipers over time: Put two complete caliper assy's from Mid-America on rear 44K miles ago, have replace pads, but other wise calipers are holding their own. Replaced front calipers with limited life time warranty units from Auto Zone some 6K miles ago; did have leak on right front within first 342 miles; replaced under warranty without any issue from A Z. All calipers have stainless steel inserts. I replaced my originals since they were worn out, rust damaged walls of pistons beyond point of being re-built. Stainless is the only way to go, much greater life than OEM calipers.

 

[Tritium007]

I bought four calipers fro my '81 from Vette Brakes and Parts a couple of months ago. SS sleeves with o-ring piston seals. No problems and no leaks. Good fit and look correct, but I didn't check for any casting numbers. They were great to work with and allowed me to send in my calipers for inspection when I bought the new set, then they shipped thenew ones when they knew the old ones could be rebuilt. I saved the core charge thay way. From order to install, 7 days. I figure I would rather they have my brakes for a week than my money for a month. I am very satisfied. Keep in mind that if your old calipers are too far gone to sleeve/hone and rebuild, you will not get your core charge back. It is also good to check with the company's policy on acceptible cores. Some won't take them if you've disassembled or parts are missing. Just good things to check on.

Mike

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

GPB,

If you want to keep the car original and are interested in NCRS judging then I would have the original calipers rebuilt. There are casting numbers and date codes on both sides of all four calipers. You will need all of these numbers to determine if they are original or at least meet original equipment specifications.

Once you have all the numbers you can check the NCRS judging manuals to determine if they meet OEM date and casting codes.

Just an FYI, but NCRS does not judge brake calipers during Flight Judging- the car is sitting on the ground with the wheels/hubcaps in place making it virtually impossible to see the calipers in detail.

Mike

 

[The73vetteman]

I bought replacement calipers from VB&P almost two years ago and have been very pleased with them. Frankly, if your existing calipers have a lot of corrosion I don't think it's worth the effort to try to hone them. Just go with the SS sleeved and 'O' ring seals.
John