Brake / Rotor Question on 1977
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Brake / Rotor Question on 1977
I'm replacing all calipers and pads and need help on the rotors. After reading some questions here I see now why the rotors just don't come off, they are riveted. The only thing wrong with them is a lot of rust. There are no grooves at all. Could I just clean them up ?
It's a 1977 L82 4-speed with 21,000 original miles and has been sitting in the garage since around 1987.
It's a 1977 L82 4-speed with 21,000 original miles and has been sitting in the garage since around 1987.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 2
From: Long Island New York
Although they appear to be fine except for surface rust from sitting they still should be checked for run out. My originals looked great also except for surface rust, however when I had them checked they were way out of spec. To remove the rotors from the hub the rivets need to be drilled out. If your replacing the calipers and pads why not just replace them and do it right. I would also replace the brake line hoses that go to the calipers as well. Be sure to drain the system completely and refill with new Dot 3 brake fluid. I like to gravity bleed the system to replace all the fluid until new fluid comes our of each bleeder. This method may take a little longer to do, but it works like a charm for me and I have never had a problem with a soft peddle and the car stops on a dime.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Those are low miles. Chances are they are okay. As above, have them checked for runout. If they are within spec, don't touch the rotors yet. Just clean them up, install new pads, maybe new calipers that have stainless steel sleeves, and some new rubber lines.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Another Question.....
I'm trying to keep as original as possible. Everything is still original except tires and battery.
If I drill out the rivets to have rotors checked out will this do anything to value or take off points if I show it ?
If I drill out the rivets to have rotors checked out will this do anything to value or take off points if I show it ?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
You're misunderstanding. Any good brake and suspension shop can check the runout with the rotors still on the car. ONLY drill them off IF you have excessive runout and even then, have then turn the stock rotors and reinstall them. Not sure about value.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I would say a high grit sand paper should work fine. They will eventually rust over again where the pads don't make contact. Another fun option is to paint the hats of the rotors so they look nicer.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
One last thing to note,, if you do turn the rotor, smark them as to the side and the stud hole, so they can be reinstalled exactly where they were, before removal. Exactly, to the stud hole, all rotors.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Or just take it to a shop with an on-car lathe. Even if the rotors are marked for reinstallation, if the the rotor hat or hub aren't exactly true, the machining operation can still introduce runout.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
What kind of chain shops have the on car machines? I called around some, the Chevy dealer has them, but wants a boatload of money to turn 4 rotors.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Checking rotor runout on the car is easier said then done.Look at the pad pins on each of the old calipers and see if where the pad rode was worn from the pad going back and forth.With your low milage and if you have no intentions of addressing the bearings I would clean up the rotors and install the calipers.Drive the car and if you find the pedal is getting soft after driving then go back and address the runout issue.If the pedal doesnt go soft then you should be good.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Maybe try the independents? I know Hunter sold a boatload of the on-car lathes when I worked there, so some shops have to have them.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
Well, I'll know tommorow,, the Car is at the dealer now, front bearings (mine- Timkins) and turn 4 rotors on the car, with the run out to be measured and recorded, all 4
Last edited by RunningMan373; Nov 29, 2007 at 11:51 PM.