Parking Brakes
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Lino Lakes Minnesota
Parking Brakes
I'm new to this forum and relatively new corvettes. I bought a 79 late last summer and enjoyed driving it the few months I had before winter set in here in MN. The previous owner (or one of the previous owner's) removed the parking brakes for obvious reason(s). Over the next few weeks I plan on doing some front suspension work and replacing the rear parking brakes. Can anyone advise or recommend stainless brakes over regular steel???
Thanks in advance.
Bob
Thanks in advance.
Bob
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 3,987
From: Connecticut, USA
Use SS hdwr kit and steel shoes, the SS shoes don't fit too good. If you want a parking brake that works- put a piece of 4x4 in the car,apply behind tire when parked. Works better then the stock system most times 
Gary
Gary
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
I have installed stainless hardware and recommend steel shoes also. When installed/adjusted properly the P-brakes work just fine. This article gives a few helpfull tips that make it easier to do.
http://www.rowleycorvette.com/corvette_repair.html
Good Luck....and PATIENCE
Eddie
http://www.rowleycorvette.com/corvette_repair.html
Good Luck....and PATIENCE
Eddie
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 298
Likes: 1
I agree with SS hardware and steel shoes, but I always put an extra coat of paint on the metal portion of the shoes. AND dont forget to put a good silicone grease or synthetic lube on the contact points where the shoes meet the backing plate.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by kens 80
I agree with SS hardware and steel shoes, but I always put an extra coat of paint on the metal portion of the shoes. AND dont forget to put a good silicone grease or synthetic lube on the contact points where the shoes meet the backing plate.
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Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,312
Likes: 70
From: Clearwater FL
Originally Posted by mandm1200
I did the same thing. When I was buying the kit, the vendor highly recommended that I use steel shoes with SS hardware. I'm not totally sure why but I took his word on it.
The SS Shoes are arched wrong. You have to sand down most of the shoe's surface just to make the rotor fit over it. You will not have any problems w/the steel shoes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by gtr1999
If you want a parking brake that works- put a piece of 4x4 in the car,apply behind tire when parked. Works better then the stock system most times
Gary
Gary
I agree.... if you don't need the parking brake for your state inspection then a 4x4 is a good idea.....
It is called "emergency brake" because it's supposed to stop the car in case your normal brakes fail..... well, I guess most of you agree that even if in perfect condition this parking brake will not stop the car if the brakes fail at 60 mph......
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Originally Posted by RedBad1979
It is called "emergency brake" because it's supposed to stop the car in case your normal brakes fail..... well, I guess most of you agree that even if in perfect condition this parking brake will not stop the car if the brakes fail at 60 mph......
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,408
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
Originally Posted by mandm1200
I did the same thing. When I was buying the kit, the vendor highly recommended that I use steel shoes with SS hardware. I'm not totally sure why but I took his word on it.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Lino Lakes Minnesota
Thanks. I intend to replace the rotors because the one's I removed are rusted and erroded. I'm not a fan of turning older rotors as experience as shown they only warp from the heat. So, new rotors, stainless actuators, regular steel shoes it is.
Two other questions:
1. Do you guys actually put rivets back in the rotors?? Can't see the need for it myself.
2. Regarding control arm bushings, any opinions on urethane over the rubber?
Thanks again, your experience and advise is much appreciated!
Two other questions:
1. Do you guys actually put rivets back in the rotors?? Can't see the need for it myself.
2. Regarding control arm bushings, any opinions on urethane over the rubber?
Thanks again, your experience and advise is much appreciated!
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 511
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix AZ
I found a C2 (same mechanicals) article on Parking brakes that was taked about quite a bit. Might help.
Good luck
http://65corvette.nonethewiser.net/t...ke_springs.pdf
Good luck
http://65corvette.nonethewiser.net/t...ke_springs.pdf
