Need an inspection!

[61 Silver]

The rear brakes on the 1963 operate or are set up different from other brake system that I have worked on. This was the first year for self adjusting brakes. The AIM and 1963 shop manual are lacking information on the the installation instruction for the emergency brake system. With this many parts in such a small area I thought it would be a good idea to have an inspection prior to that dab of inspector's paint.

So have fun inspecting the rear brakes!

Thanks for any help!

Ray

 

[IH2LOSE]

I wish I could help but its been so long ince i have touched drum brakes

 

[Vette66AirCoupe]

They look right to me. The biggest mistake most guys make is putting the lower spring on backwards. Make sure the coiled end of the spring is not interfereing with the adjusting wheel or the self adjusters won't work. Yours is installed correctly in the photo. Check your others, it's easy to make this mistake if you're not being careful.

 

[61 Silver]

They look right to me. The biggest mistake most guys make is putting the lower spring on backwards. Make sure the coiled end of the spring is not interfereing with the adjusting wheel or the self adjusters won't work. Yours is installed correctly in the photo. Check your others, it's easy to make this mistake if you're not being careful.

Hi!

The shop manual was very informative on the self adjusting portion of the brake system. The area of most concern was the emergency brake system. After a year of restoration, cleaning and sand blasting of parts, it seemed that some of the brake parts made their way into the same bags. It took a little time but I think I have everything where it belongs.

Thanks for the help!

Ray

 

[studiog]

Hi Ray,
Sorry I can't help with the SWC brake question. How is progress coming on the car otherwise. I'm looking forward to your next update. Good luck and enjoy!
Gary

 

[61 Silver]

Hi Ray,
Sorry I can't help with the SWC brake question. How is progress coming on the car otherwise. I'm looking forward to your next update. Good luck and enjoy!
Gary

Hi! Gary

I have been quite busy trying to complete the restoration prior to the first good driving day in the spring, so I haven't taken the time to update the progress on the 63. I hope to post some pictures soon. I think you know this feeling very well! Sorry!

I have all the suspension including the breaking system completed except for the finial torque of all bolts and bleeding the brakes. I want to wait and get as much weight on the chassis as possible prior to torque the bolts.

The wire harnesses (inspected & re-wrapped), break and clutch assembly are installed. I stripped the vinyl off the late 63 dash last night and I hope to install the new vinyl this week end. This will allow me to install the dash and gauge cluster and I can charge the electrical system and have the oil pressure gauge ready for firing the engine for the first time. I am really looking forward to feeling the difference of power between the 61 270HP, the 65 250HP and the 340HP 63.

I still have to buff out and touch up a few spots on the body, but over all came out quite well. Then I can install the balance of the chrome, stainless and glass.

I have not touched the interior at this point except for the dash and cleaning, but I do have the Al Knoch interior ready to install. This will be one of the last areas that I will restore.

Gary, has your daughter made her decision on what school she will be attending next year. If she happens to head this way, I have an extra Corvette for you and your wife to test-drive. I have a feeling you would feel right at home in the 61 silver 270HP.

Thanks for your post!

Ray

 

[studiog]

Hi! Gary

I have been quite busy trying to complete the restoration prior to the first good driving day in the spring, so I haven't taken the time to update the progress on the 63. I hope to post some pictures soon. I think you know this feeling very well! Sorry!

I have all the suspension including the breaking system completed except for the finial torque of all bolts and bleeding the brakes. I want to wait and get as much weight on the chassis as possible prior to torque the bolts.

The wire harnesses (inspected & re-wrapped), break and clutch assembly are installed. I stripped the vinyl off the late 63 dash last night and I hope to install the new vinyl this week end. This will allow me to install the dash and gauge cluster and I can charge the electrical system and have the oil pressure gauge ready for firing the engine for the first time. I am really looking forward to feeling the difference of power between the 61 270HP, the 65 250HP and the 340HP 63.

I still have to buff out and touch up a few spots on the body, but over all came out quite well. Then I can install the balance of the chrome, stainless and glass.

I have not touched the interior at this point except for the dash and cleaning, but I do have the Al Knoch interior ready to install. This will be one of the last areas that I will restore.

Gary, has your daughter made her decision on what school she will be attending next year. If she happens to head this way, I have an extra Corvette for you and your wife to test-drive. I have a feeling you would feel right at home in the 61 silver 270HP.

Thanks for your post!

Ray

Hi Ray,
I am amazed at the progress you are making. You are really focused on this project. I know what you mean about torquing the suspension parts. It took a few weeks and a couple of drives till the 61 settled to her final road height.

Glad the paint came out well for you. What system did you decide to use? I think you said you had someone shoot it for you?

I'm assuming your tranny is in, 4 speed Muncie M20?

My daughter is still waiting to hear from a few schools including Geneseo. She was accepted to Quinnepiac and Russell Sage (both having rolling admissions) but the other schools do not so could be a little while yet.

If I'm ever in the area you could take me for a ride in the 61 but I would be too nervous driving someone elses car. Very nice of you to offer.

Keep the momentum going Ray, but also take the time to re-charge your batteries once in a while.

Regards,
Gary

 

[61 Silver]

1963 SWC Restoration Up-date

Hi! Gary,

I have attached the pictures that I promised.

Progress has been slow, but every thing seems to be coming together now.

Most of the rear components have been installed. I still have some paint buffing and touch up to complete. The bumpers will not be installed until this has been completed.

I hope to fire The engine after I install the gauge cluster.

New dash cover and pads have been installed. The clock has been taken apart, cleaned oiled and assembled. The clock now works fine.

The gauge cluster has been repainted, I still need to paint the silver gauge bezels prior to assembly.

 

[BarryK]

Ray, I was going to comment how beautiful your car is looking already but I can't right now, i need to run and get some paper towels to wipe the drool off the keyboard.