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So, I bought a 1981 as a project car for 2500. It runs amazingly but there are several issues. One which baffles me because I know nothing of restoration--all the components for the E-brake are missing. Its going to be $1200 for parts and labor to get them but why would someone take out the drums, lines, cables, everything?
because they are a b**ch to put back together. I did mine the first one...after reading and watching everything I could on how to do it...still a PIA, moved to other side... done in no time... i had a feeling of superiority for a brief second until I started the next project....
So, I bought a 1981 as a project car for 2500. It runs amazingly but there are several issues. One which baffles me because I know nothing of restoration--all the components for the E-brake are missing. Its going to be $1200 for parts and labor to get them but why would someone take out the drums, lines, cables, everything?
Ahhh Grasshopper. You just met the legendary "Bubba".
Bubba works on all these cars before we own them - and he does REALLY strange things. In your case the E-brake was probably sticking - so good old Bubba removed it of course.
The drums are part of the rear disk. You outta be able to replace all the other stuff out of Vette catalog for under $500 - with stainless parts even!!
Why would he:
1. Cut an original fan shroud in half to remove it
2. Drill holes in the fender to mount an MSD ignition
3. Loop the water pump bypass hose back to the intake
4. Throw away the A.I.R. pump system
5. Cut the tunnel to put in a Hurst shifter
6. Mount electric fans on the radiator
2. Drill holes in the fender to mount an MSD ignition
3. Loop the water pump bypass hose back to the intake
Oh crap. I'm not Bubba, am I?
In my defense, I didn't drill any NEW holes for my MSD box...I used two that were already there and made brackets to fit. I used Grade 8 bolts, if that counts for anything...
And I only looped my water pump into itself because I don't feel like dealing with (or paying for) my leaking heater core right now. Just got off a major project and I want to ENJOY my car for a while...
In my defense, I didn't drill any NEW holes for my MSD box...I used two that were already there and made brackets to fit. I used Grade 8 bolts, if that counts for anything...
And I only looped my water pump into itself because I don't feel like dealing with (or paying for) my leaking heater core right now. Just got off a major project and I want to ENJOY my car for a while...
No, you're not Bubba.
Perhaps a former pupil that's a bit smarter than Bubba.
I used the three holes that held the ws washer fluid jug in place to mount the MSD box. I can't afford grade 8 so I had to settle for grade 5. Which BTW is about the grade the Bubba who did the underdash wiring graduated from.
For whatever reason Bubba had removed and "lost" the interior pieces. I had to get a new e brake cover, shifter cover, and console with guages. luckily I managed to lift all of them from a junk yard for 100.00 Luckily the nonworking horn and wipers were just easy fixes from Bubbas wiring mistakes
Its going to be $1200 for parts and labor to get them but why would someone take out the drums, lines, cables, everything?
$1,200???? Assuming that the e-brake handle is still in the console, and you have nothing beyond the handle assembly, your looking at less than $250 in parts. It sure sounds steep to me. You may want to shop around some more!
By the way, if someone is telling you that you need "drums", RUN! The parking brake's drum, is the inside of the rear rotor. If they're trying to sell you drums, then they either know nothing about Corvettes, or are ripping you off.
I still have the handle and cables attached to it.....heck the brake light even comes on when you engage the handle.......but all e-brake hardware behind those rear wheels is HISTORY. Sorry guys "bubba" as charged........
By the way, if someone is telling you that you need "drums", RUN! The parking brake's drum, is the inside of the rear rotor. If they're trying to sell you drums, then they either know nothing about Corvettes, or are ripping you off.
I have all the new parts but they won't be going in immediately. Savannah is pool table flat, the car is an automatic which includes the nifty park pawl to keep it from rolling away, there's no mandatory vehicle inspection here, and I can spend the time wasted setting up the park brakes... zeroing the rotor runout and installing/bleeding the rest of the system. Or finishing up the underhood prep for the engine drop. Or cleaning the driveshaft and installing the new u-joints, or finishing up the carpet install, or resealing the transmission before it goes back in or, or, or.......
Why would he:
1. Cut an original fan shroud in half to remove it
2. Drill holes in the fender to mount an MSD ignition
3. Loop the water pump bypass hose back to the intake
4. Throw away the A.I.R. pump system
5. Cut the tunnel to put in a Hurst shifter
6. Mount electric fans on the radiator
Ad nauseum..........................
Because he is Bubba
Hi, my name is Mewn... And I am a Bubba.
I tossed my fan shroud in a dumpster in 1992.
I drilled holes in my firewall to mount my 6AL.
I blocked off my waterpump bypass.
I threw away my A.I.R. pump system.
I cut a hole in my tunnel, and welded another plate on to center a Hurst shifter in my console.
And yes... UGH... I mounted 4500 CFM electric fans to my radiator.
So, I bought a 1981 as a project car for 2500. It runs amazingly but there are several issues. One which baffles me because I know nothing of restoration--all the components for the E-brake are missing. Its going to be $1200 for parts and labor to get them but why would someone take out the drums, lines, cables, everything?
So now you understand why you only paid $2500. This is the FIRST lesson in owning a Corvette. Later, after spending more money and wondering if the work will ever be done will come lesson TWO: It's never done.
We have all been poor in our younger years. We all had to learn the right way to do things as we aged. We all did something Bubba for the reasons above. I feel soo blessed to own a Bubba virgin. My whole car is just like new expect for her years on the road. I have owned Bubba cars that had been buggered up. Sometimes it takes years to find all the things Bubber did.
if you are new to corvettes ,I ould just drive the car ,and enjoy it ,and not put all that money into ole brake system!!!
I would love to and did for awhile but unfortunatly I'm stationed in Hawaii and they have a manditory safety check where the E-brake has to work. Otherwise I never use it. If I didnt have to worry about that my interior would already be finished. Should be getting out of the shop in the next couple days though then time to cruise.