C1 & C2 Corvettes General C1 Corvette & C2 Corvette Discussion, Technical Info, Performance Upgrades, Project Builds, Restorations

Replace or Re-build?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 12:27 PM
  #1  
warrenmj's Avatar
warrenmj
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/3k-4k.gif" border="0">
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 2,218
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default Replace or Re-build?

I have a slow sinking brake pedal on my '66 L79. I checked for leaks at all 4 calipers, all the brake lines and the master cylinder and didn't find any. The master cylinder is also not low, but the symptoms tell me the problem is with the master cylinder. My options are to either re-build my original one or just buy a new one from one of the vendors. Looking for opinions as to which way to go and also recommendations for which vendor to use for A) re-build kit or B) new master cylinder.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 12:30 PM
  #2  
62Jeff's Avatar
62Jeff
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
Default

I'd tear the master cylinder down and see if there is any pitting in the cylinder bore.

If there is no pitting, put a rebuild kit in it and install.

If there is pitting, then unless you are very pressed for time, I'd send the master cylinder to WhitePost restorations and them sleeve it and rebuild it.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 12:32 PM
  #3  
magicv8's Avatar
magicv8
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,246
Likes: 21
From: Going too fast over the hill. Iowa
Default

IMO unless you intend to have it judged, bag the original and install a new/rebuilt replacement.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 12:32 PM
  #4  
Scott Marzahl's Avatar
Scott Marzahl
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,349
Likes: 419
From: Seattle Area WA
Default

If it is original the bore could be pitted. I had Apple Hydraulics re sleeve the bore on my original '67 master cylinder. They will also rebuild it for you.

LoneStar Caliper has high quality rebuild kits and replacement units.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 02:37 PM
  #5  
warrenmj's Avatar
warrenmj
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/3k-4k.gif" border="0">
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 2,218
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

My car is strictly a driver. NOM (I have original block which is cracked), Tremec 5 speed trans, Steeroids rack and pinion steering, Grant 14" steering wheel, composite rear spring, Torque Thrust wheels, etc. With this in mind, I'm inclined to bag the original and buy a new one, although I would keep the original alongside everything else I've removed.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 02:47 PM
  #6  
Bluestripe67's Avatar
Bluestripe67
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
Active Streak: 60 Days
Active Streak: 90 Days
Active Streak: 120 Days
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,340
Likes: 2,716
From: Close to DC
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Default

I bagged my orig '67 MC. Dennis
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 02:48 PM
  #7  
warrenmj's Avatar
warrenmj
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/3k-4k.gif" border="0">
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 2,218
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

Originally Posted by Scott Marzahl
If it is original the bore could be pitted. I had Apple Hydraulics re sleeve the bore on my original '67 master cylinder. They will also rebuild it for you.

LoneStar Caliper has high quality rebuild kits and replacement units.
I went to Lonestar's web site and created an account to see the prices. They want $250 AND my original (or a $150 core charge) for a re-manufactured stainless sleeved replacement. Probably will not go this route unless I see other vendors with similar prices.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 02:49 PM
  #8  
warrenmj's Avatar
warrenmj
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/3k-4k.gif" border="0">
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 2,218
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

Originally Posted by Bluestripe67
I bagged my orig '67 MC. Dennis
Dennis, what vendor did you go with for a replacement?
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 02:51 PM
  #9  
JohnZ's Avatar
JohnZ
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,925
From: Washington Michigan
Default

Originally Posted by warrenmj
I went to Lonestar's web site and created an account to see the prices. They want $250 AND my original (or a $150 core charge) for a re-manufactured stainless sleeved replacement. Probably will not go this route unless I see other vendors with similar prices.
White Post will sleeve it and rebuild it and turn it around in 3 days or less - Apple Hydraulics probably will too; you'll never have to touch it again.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 03:05 PM
  #10  
Bluestripe67's Avatar
Bluestripe67
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
Active Streak: 60 Days
Active Streak: 90 Days
Active Streak: 120 Days
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,340
Likes: 2,716
From: Close to DC
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
Default

Originally Posted by warrenmj
Dennis, what vendor did you go with for a replacement?
It's been at least 15 years ago. I'm sure it was my local Delco jobber since I had an account there. Wagner may also have a replacement. Dennis
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 03:06 PM
  #11  
warrenmj's Avatar
warrenmj
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/3k-4k.gif" border="0">
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 2,218
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

Thanks John, just sent an e-mail to White Post.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 04:30 PM
  #12  
62Jeff's Avatar
62Jeff
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Liked
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,576
Likes: 118
From: Conroe Texas
Default

Originally Posted by warrenmj
Thanks John, just sent an e-mail to White Post.
Was my answer not satisfactory?
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 05:04 PM
  #13  
warrenmj's Avatar
warrenmj
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/3k-4k.gif" border="0">
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 2,218
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

Originally Posted by 62Jeff
Was my answer not satisfactory?
My apologies Jeff. Missed your recommendation of White Post. Good to have multiple recommendations though.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 05:05 PM
  #14  
Scott Marzahl's Avatar
Scott Marzahl
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,349
Likes: 419
From: Seattle Area WA
Default

A new Bendix or Wagner runs between $55-$80.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2013 | 09:37 PM
  #15  
1974purchase's Avatar
1974purchase
Racer
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 488
Likes: 2
From: Downers Grove Illinois
Default

i would give them a thorough bleeding first. I just finished getting the emergency brake unstuck in the driver side rear rotor. When bleeding, I was surprised how much air there was in each line (especially the front).
Reply
Old May 9, 2021 | 03:00 PM
  #16  
Sayfoo's Avatar
Sayfoo
Safety Car
Veteran: Army
20 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,221
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
Default

Not all kits are the same.
Some have more parts than others, which would effect the price.
Also, as said above, if you have any pits that can't be got out with just a sleight honing, don't do it.
Reply
Old May 9, 2021 | 03:06 PM
  #17  
hzz's Avatar
hzz
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
Default

If he hasn't fixed in almost 8 years he's got bigger problems than brakes
Reply
Old May 9, 2021 | 05:41 PM
  #18  
warrenmj's Avatar
warrenmj
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks<br><img src="/forums/images/ranks/3k-4k.gif" border="0">
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 2,218
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Default

Bad on me for not posting my resolution. I bought a new Bendix and installed it shortly after starting this post. No problems since.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Replace or Re-build?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:07 AM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE