Rebuilding calipers

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Jun 28, 2006 | 02:13 PM

Lucky68

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From: MA

Rebuilding calipers

Hello,

just wondering, does anyone have any info on machining the old style calipers and installing stainless sleeves themselves (i'm thinking of doing it). where i work there is a full machine shop with presses etc. just wondering if there are any dimensions out there.

Also, are the pistons for the lip seal the same style or would i have to get new pistons for orings?

what oring type should i use? Aflas? Viton?

Thanks

Jun 28, 2006 | 02:29 PM

CA-Legal-Vette

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From: Scottsdale Arizona

I know that there was a company that was doing this as a service. I think that it was Muskeegan Brakes, but I could be wrong. I know that it was considerably more expensive than the cost of replacing the calipers with aftermarket ones. Presumably, the only reason that you'd want to do this is to keep the car original.

The sleeves would be the same ID as they are now. Otherwise, the lip seals (stock) wouldn't fit.

Don't know what the o-ring material is.

Jun 28, 2006 | 02:36 PM

bobs77vet

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From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod

white post restorations in VA also does them, but its cheaper to buy them already done

Jun 28, 2006 | 02:46 PM

SIXFOOTER

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Boca Raton Florida

The o-ring pistons are diffetent than lip seal, but the same diameter.

Jun 28, 2006 | 03:08 PM

marley

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From: Winnipeg MB

contact Muskeegon Brakes, in Michigan I think. They rebuilt my originals with stainless sleeves, etc. for only 10 dollars more each caliper than off the shelf rebuilts. but that was 10 years ago. They did it quick and cheap then. worth a contact.

Jun 28, 2006 | 04:54 PM

Van Steel

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From: Clearwater FL

I don't think you can get the SS sleeves seperately or with a kit. 2 main companies rebuild calipers for just about everyone. You may think they are getting rebuilt by a certain company but they are more than likely sending them out.

Jun 28, 2006 | 08:43 PM

Lucky68

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From: MA

well i have the machines at work to do it myself (lathes, presses and the materials). I was hoping that the engineering was out there (the dimensions of the sleeves). I guess now I will have to figure it out, and if i screw up I will have to buy new and not get a core refund.

Thanks

Jun 28, 2006 | 09:56 PM

birdsmith

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2006

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From: Japan

The sleeved calipers that I have seen appear to have a wall thickness of about .030"-.040". I'm not sure what the nominal bore diameter is though. Also, I suspect that SSB, Muskegon, et al probably install those sleeves with some interference, probably by shrinking the sleeve in liquid nitrogen (and maybe heating the caliper as well) in order to install it. There is almost certainly more to the process than simply boring the caliper and just dropping a sleeve in there. I have AutoZone rebuilds on my '70- they're about $60 each and they've worked fine, so unlees you're just obsessed with learning how to sleeve your own calipers methinks the rebuilts are the way to go.