Rebuild calipers
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
OK, I'll back off from my position.
But keep in mind, the originator of the thread was wondering about rebuilding his calipers and had not done it before. Everyone said no problem, take em apart, clean and paint them and use a rebuild kit.
No one addressed the importance of the bores being perfectly smooth until I brought it up.
NOW every poster is addressing the importance of honeing if necessary.
I would just hate to see someone go to the trouble of cleaning, painting, and bleeding to end up with a new leak anyway because they thought 'clean' was good enough.
Personally, I will still send MY ORIGINAL calipers out to be sleeved when the need arises. Some that I have already sent out had pretty bad bores, not just pitted but ridged. That's one problem with low mile original cars and lack of use. The SS sleeves just give me a little piece of mind.
At least this led to some dialog addressing the importance of CLEAN bores.
But keep in mind, the originator of the thread was wondering about rebuilding his calipers and had not done it before. Everyone said no problem, take em apart, clean and paint them and use a rebuild kit.
No one addressed the importance of the bores being perfectly smooth until I brought it up.
NOW every poster is addressing the importance of honeing if necessary.
I would just hate to see someone go to the trouble of cleaning, painting, and bleeding to end up with a new leak anyway because they thought 'clean' was good enough.
Personally, I will still send MY ORIGINAL calipers out to be sleeved when the need arises. Some that I have already sent out had pretty bad bores, not just pitted but ridged. That's one problem with low mile original cars and lack of use. The SS sleeves just give me a little piece of mind.
At least this led to some dialog addressing the importance of CLEAN bores.
But whatever...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
Everyone does make good points, but 
with Tank too. I think anyone can rebuild caliphers if they have any mechcanical abilitys at all, and pay attention to what they are doing. Most people would be amazed to find out how simple it is to do. The only thing I am confused about now, is what color to powder coat the caliphers! 
But that is another brainstorming session.
Have a great day,
Ray/aka/Pa
with Tank too. I think anyone can rebuild caliphers if they have any mechcanical abilitys at all, and pay attention to what they are doing. Most people would be amazed to find out how simple it is to do. The only thing I am confused about now, is what color to powder coat the caliphers! But that is another brainstorming session.Have a great day,
Ray/aka/Pa
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: St. Peters MO
Last weekend I tore down the calipers on my 81 with 47K miles that had never had anything done. OEM pads and unfortunately OEM brake fluid. I'd ordered the DIY rebuild kit at $139 from http://www.fixvetteparts.com/. Calipers are pitted too bad to rebuild, so I will now trade up to thier Master Kit, REBUILT ORIGINAL, (1967-1982, manual or power, which includes 4 calipers rebuilt w/SS sleeves, O-Ring Pistons, pads, hoses, master cylinder, bolts and rear SS tubes at $559.00 - $160 core charge + $399 total. I think this is a real bargin!
I've asked Frank if he'll rebuild my core's and don't have response yet, but either way I think it's a good way to go to bring system back to reliable status.
I've asked Frank if he'll rebuild my core's and don't have response yet, but either way I think it's a good way to go to bring system back to reliable status.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 27
From: Eastern North Carolina
I have to agree with just about everyone here. Unless the car has been out of commision for awhile, there a good chance that the calipers already have a SS bore. I have had both standard and o-ring seals. I did not think the o-rings were worth the extra money, plus if I need a new set of regular seals I can buy them cheap at any parts store. Just my 2 cents. Good Luck with your decision.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Last weekend I tore down the calipers on my 81 with 47K miles that had never had anything done. OEM pads and unfortunately OEM brake fluid. I'd ordered the DIY rebuild kit at $139 from http://www.fixvetteparts.com/. Calipers are pitted too bad to rebuild, so I will now trade up to thier Master Kit, REBUILT ORIGINAL, (1967-1982, manual or power, which includes 4 calipers rebuilt w/SS sleeves, O-Ring Pistons, pads, hoses, master cylinder, bolts and rear SS tubes at $559.00 - $160 core charge + $399 total. I think this is a real bargin!
I've asked Frank if he'll rebuild my core's and don't have response yet, but either way I think it's a good way to go to bring system back to reliable status.
I've asked Frank if he'll rebuild my core's and don't have response yet, but either way I think it's a good way to go to bring system back to reliable status.
Dont throw your money away...
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Dont buy internet, go to your local parts store. AZ has the best prices and as already quoted a lifetime warranty. The cores are only 25 each at AZ and freight will eat you up. AZ will take your exchange and you can be back on the road in a couple of hours start to finish. Those buck sixty calipers are 100.00 too much and not any better than AZ`s...AND I personally HATE AZ....
Dont throw your money away...
Dont throw your money away...
I knew this at least ten years ago, it amazes me how some people complain about the expense of trying to keep these cars reliable but go and spend un-necessarly large sums of money for the same parts that can be obtained locally for less, well, peace anyway and have a happy and safe New Year,,, Moosie
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
My Opinion Only
Save the money and buy the wife a Diamond set of ear rings....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Nope, The kit only fits your original GM caliper and pistons. Nothing will be available for aftermarket brands. BTW all calipers, OE or the tricked out brands will form rust inside over time killing whatever seal is in it. Just consider this, those trick calipers are warranty free. U buy them U eat them. If they 'all' will eventually fail and stop the same, why buy a guarantee free caliper for big bucks when your no better off. And the 60 buck calipers are at least a whatever lifetime guarantee.
Save the money and buy the wife a Diamond set of ear rings....
Save the money and buy the wife a Diamond set of ear rings....
5 years and counting using Precision Engineering SS 'O' ring calipers. Absolutely no problems.
