Need Calipers/Brake System Replacement
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
Need Calipers/Brake System Replacement
I'm the original owner of my 1980, with appoximately 47,000 miles on it. Remarkably, virtually the entire brake system on the car is original including pads, calipers, lines, etc. However, it is now in need of replacement, and my feeling was that I want to do a full replacement. Maybe overkill, but I don't want a weak link in the brake system.
My priority is the best function and greatest reliability. Are there vendors or brands that would be recommended or on the other side of the coin ones to be avoided. I have done some searching here, and elsewhere this afternoon. Any help would be greatly appreciated. BTW, I would not be doing the work. It would be done by a trusted shop that has serviced many of my vehicles, including my 1980 for many years.
My priority is the best function and greatest reliability. Are there vendors or brands that would be recommended or on the other side of the coin ones to be avoided. I have done some searching here, and elsewhere this afternoon. Any help would be greatly appreciated. BTW, I would not be doing the work. It would be done by a trusted shop that has serviced many of my vehicles, including my 1980 for many years.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Drummonds TN
Had brake problems with my 78 for over a year. Soft pedal returns after a few days after a good brake bleeding etc. I replaced the soft hoses hoping I would replace one with a pinhole but to no avail. To make a long story short...I shop with Ecklers Corvette most of the time and they suggested that I replace the calipers, which was my next step. I do not drive my vette that much and do not drive it hard. They suggested a brake rebuild kit #56660. All four calipers, all soft hoses, the two short metal rear lines, all the hardware so I will not have to use the old bolts, plus brake pads.....all at a very good price. Give them a call...800.327.4868. I think they are fairly knowledgeable so just tell them what you want to do. But if you are not getting into the Master Cylinder etc this may work for you.
Bob
Bob
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
The next time I go through my brakes I'm going to go with the O ring calipers. They seem to be less likely to leak and don't cause the problems you get if you have a little rotor runout.
Duane
Duane
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Go with Vette brakes. Their prices are some of the best and they have a kit that replaces everything that reduces the price down. I have installed a dozen or so of their kits and brake packages with great results. I currently have a forum members car in my garage going through the same thing you are going through. I am replacing everything and it will all come from Vette Brakes. I currently run their O ring calipers and have had them on for years with not an issue at all.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Stratford Ontario
When I did my frame off. I replaced calipers (o-ring style) stainless steel brake line (pre bent) praportioning valve and master cylinder. Its only my second season but the brakes work better than any vehichle I have ever had.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
Thanks for all the input. I've looked at the Vette Brake package and it seems to give you a lot for the money. I definitely was figuring on going with the O ring style calipers.
My car has always been garage kept, and much of the time it has been in a climate controlled garage. I'm amazed that I've got 31 years of very good service out of the original system. Never replaced a pad, never turned a rotor, and on every inspection each year it has been remarkable that they still look so good. But this time the left rear seal had given out. With the common leaking problems with these calipers, I count myself lucky that I didn't have that issue sooner.
So I guess this old dog has earned a little TLC.
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My car has always been garage kept, and much of the time it has been in a climate controlled garage. I'm amazed that I've got 31 years of very good service out of the original system. Never replaced a pad, never turned a rotor, and on every inspection each year it has been remarkable that they still look so good. But this time the left rear seal had given out. With the common leaking problems with these calipers, I count myself lucky that I didn't have that issue sooner.
So I guess this old dog has earned a little TLC.
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
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