Replacing calipers?

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Oct 25, 2013 | 08:18 PM

#21

Paul L

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 30,995

Likes: 99

From: Ontario

Rebuilt Delco or new Chinese calipers at NAPA or its equivalent stores in the USA will serve you well for ~$75.00 exchange. Don't fool about with the old ones; just exchange them for the core charge. They will serve you well for a long time. People like the bling of those aluminum conversions but what did Corvettes race with in the 1970s?

Oct 25, 2013 | 08:21 PM

#22

terry82

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2000

Posts: 6,664

Likes: 162

From: columbia city in

.the first time I got my calibers with ss sleaves they leaked after the first year .I had got them from a corvette shop .so I had to take them back to the shop pay for shipping [not cheap ]and would have had to wait 3 -5 days to get them back .instead I took them to advance auto ,lifetime warrenty no shipping charge instock half price .a couple years later I had one leak .called them up they said come get it .the purchase was on the computer no receipt needed.these calibers look exactly like what I took off if they don't work I get a new one .

Oct 25, 2013 | 09:05 PM

#23

kdf1986

Safety Car

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 4,652

Likes: 80

From: Lakeland Florida

I had a mushy pedal on my 75 when I bought it. I took calipers apart and found a lot of sludge in the bores, and I think it was probably blocking the passage between the two pistons.

This was easy to clean out, clean up the bores, and then replace with the O Ring and piston kit. It took a good weekend to do, but was relatively easy.

kdf

Oct 25, 2013 | 09:57 PM

#24

PeteZO6

Drifting

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 1,970

Likes: 45

From: Cameron Park CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68/70Vette

Don't know how "financial" you are, but consider replacing them with aluminum calipers. Stainless Steel Brake Corporation (SSBC) or Wilwoods. I have SSBC on my 68 and 70. I think Wilwoods cost less. They seem to be the most popular brand lately.

If you have an old Corvette also consider replacing all the brake lines, the one you have are probably rusted inside. The brake lines can replaced with the body on..at least for SB cars. SS brake lines with SS fittings are pretty much corrosion proof. An then....you can replace the MC with a new rebuilt (it never stops). Finally with an all new brake and dry brake system, you have an option for silicon brake fluid. I have it in my 68, works fine, very hard pedal.

I like the aluminum calipers because they are so much lighter.

I too like the lightness of the aluminum calipers. I have bought products from (SSBC) and am happy with their service and products. BUT - I wonder how rigid the aluminum calipers are. They seem to be copies of the cast iron calipers, and I can't help think the aluminum ones are weaker than the cast iron. If you get them hot and stand on them, will the softer aluminum deform. Rhetorical question really.

Pete

Oct 25, 2013 | 11:21 PM

#25

68/70Vette

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 40,404

Likes: 791

From: Redondo Beach, California

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteZO6

Pete

The SSBC aluminum caliper bodies are slightly larger than the OEM Delco cast iron calipers. I've only seen photos of the Wilwoods..they look about the same size or perhaps a little smaller.

As for aluminum being "weaker" than cast iron,.. in the recesses of my memory, I think I recall that aluminum starts to loose strength at about 600 degrees F...cast iron is much stronger at higher temps. However, if you look at all modern cars, even the cheap cars today have aluminum calipers, and of course the mega expensive cars have aluminum calipers.

Oct 26, 2013 | 08:18 AM

#26

lvmyvt76

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 2,753

Likes: 119

From: Springfield Missouri

Please don't go cheap here, what ever you do. Is your life or other people lives worth going cheap??? Also replace the rubber hoses, they are about 40 years old also, and they can cause trouble!

Oct 28, 2013 | 04:29 PM

#27

muskegonbrake

Supporting Vendor

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 576

Likes: 3

From: Muskegon MI

Personally, I'm going to agree with lvmyvt76, safety should be of top concern with brakes... Being a Corvette Parts Distributor (Muskegon Brake) who also services every make and model of vehicles from Packard to Aston Martin, to GM, Ford, and Dodge... We have seen the best and worst of a lot of parts. I will say that GM trusted Delco with their braking system hard parts for a reason. The old lip seal style calipers still work great and still can perform well enough for most people. Wilwoods are a great choice, they are lighter, and won't rust or corrode, but aren't necessary for a Daily Driver (but they sure look nice

) Regardless, I would suggest replacing your hoses also,as they can make your car act as terribly as your caliper can and new hoses are a little bit of cheap insurance. Good Luck with your choice, and if you ever have any questions about us or our products please feel free to PM me, call, or send me an e-mail and I'll be happy to help.