Caliper re-build Question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 696
Likes: 193
From: USA
Caliper re-build Question
69 vette, I'm rebuilding all 4 calipers. The pistons have the rubber "lip seal" instead of the "O" ring seal. I'm buying a rebuild kit from Wilcox and want to get the "O" ring kit. Will the "O" ring kit fit my old pistons? Or do I need new pistons? Confused...Thanks!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
The o-ring pistons are different than the original lip seal pistons, so the answer to your question is yes, you'll need new pistons too. Make sure your calipers are sleeved- the O-rings require them.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 696
Likes: 193
From: USA
Thanks again!
last question I promise....maybe.
are my calipers sleeved?
well I can tell you this they look like they are sleeved and they are bright any shinny like stainless. I'd assume from the amount of rust and gunk I found inside them that if they weren't sleeved they'd be rusted? Thanks
last question I promise....maybe.
are my calipers sleeved?
well I can tell you this they look like they are sleeved and they are bright any shinny like stainless. I'd assume from the amount of rust and gunk I found inside them that if they weren't sleeved they'd be rusted? Thanks
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 44
From: Calgary Alberta
I'm doing this same job this winter on both of my cars, and the overwhelming consensus seems to be that if you're going to go to the trouble of rebuilding, you should be doing it with o-rings. Lip seals can leak over one winter, etc. Let us know how you make out.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
No. All C3s used lip seals. There were two designs.
Possibly, but the first design seals were more notorious for allowing moisture to creep past them. The second design seal (78 and later, IIRC) keep moisture out longer.
Possibly, but the first design seals were more notorious for allowing moisture to creep past them. The second design seal (78 and later, IIRC) keep moisture out longer.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 696
Likes: 193
From: USA
Now i'm at a crossroads... Looks like to totally rebuild all 4 and upgrade to "o" ring seals its gonna cost me about 300.00. The crossroads is I can get rebuilt calipers from advance auto for 260.00. The problem is they can't seem to tell me if they have lip seals or "o" rings...guess i'll do it my self.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
My guess is that over the counter rebuilt calipers will have lip seals. No shame in that. There are thousands of C3s running lip seal calipers, including my two.
O-ring seals have their advantages, but lips seals work fine for lots of folks.
O-ring seals have their advantages, but lips seals work fine for lots of folks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 581
From: West Monroe Louisiana
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
[QUOTE=CAMS69;1584741639
well I can tell you this they look like they are sleeved and they are bright any shinny like stainless. I'd assume from the amount of rust and gunk I found inside them that if they weren't sleeved they'd be rusted? Thanks[/QUOTE]
I would bet that they have been sleeved in the past.
I upgraded to o-rings on my 73 last month and got my complete
conversion kit from VBP for $140.34 including shipping with a discount
they offered for forum members. This is the kit I got.
http://www.vbandp.com/auto-parts.htm...nversion%20kit
If you contact them, ask about a forum discount.
Donnie
well I can tell you this they look like they are sleeved and they are bright any shinny like stainless. I'd assume from the amount of rust and gunk I found inside them that if they weren't sleeved they'd be rusted? Thanks[/QUOTE]
I would bet that they have been sleeved in the past.
I upgraded to o-rings on my 73 last month and got my complete
conversion kit from VBP for $140.34 including shipping with a discount
they offered for forum members. This is the kit I got.
http://www.vbandp.com/auto-parts.htm...nversion%20kit
If you contact them, ask about a forum discount.
Donnie
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
Now i'm at a crossroads... Looks like to totally rebuild all 4 and upgrade to "o" ring seals its gonna cost me about 300.00. The crossroads is I can get rebuilt calipers from advance auto for 260.00. The problem is they can't seem to tell me if they have lip seals or "o" rings...guess i'll do it my self.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 186
Likes: 2
From: Moncks Corner SC
I would bet that they have been sleeved in the past.
I upgraded to o-rings on my 73 last month and got my complete
conversion kit from VBP for $140.34 including shipping with a discount
they offered for forum members. This is the kit I got.
http://www.vbandp.com/auto-parts.htm...nversion%20kit
If you contact them, ask about a forum discount.
Donnie
I upgraded to o-rings on my 73 last month and got my complete
conversion kit from VBP for $140.34 including shipping with a discount
they offered for forum members. This is the kit I got.
http://www.vbandp.com/auto-parts.htm...nversion%20kit
If you contact them, ask about a forum discount.
Donnie
Very good deal....Bob
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 15
I paid $32.00 per caliper for o-ring seals with pistons. Here is how I did mine. mike...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-calipers.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-calipers.html