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Rebuilding caliper for 1981

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Old Jun 11, 2008 | 10:56 AM
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Default Rebuilding caliper for 1981

Is there an easy way to determine if a caliper has a Stainless steel sleeve? I have previously replaced all 4 calipers on my 1981, and they don't have many miles on them. One of the calipers is leaking from one of the pistons and needs to be rebuild or replaced. I figured if it is SS I would rebuild it if not I would replace it with a SS one. Also who sells a good rebuild kit or SS caliper?
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Old Jun 11, 2008 | 11:26 AM
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VB&P sells rebuild cits for the leaking calipers that are already sleeved. If they are not sleeved, just get a set of calipers from Autozone. They are sleeved, come with a lifetime warranty, and only cost $69.99 with a core.
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Old Jun 11, 2008 | 12:04 PM
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Take a dust cap off and remove the piston. You will be able to tell by looking in the cylinder if it has a sleeve or not. If you cannot tell email me at edward@duntovmotors.com and I will send you a picture of a sleeved caliper and an original caliper.
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Old Jun 11, 2008 | 12:08 PM
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Any auto parts store can get you a rebuild kit if they don't have one in stock.
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Old Jun 13, 2008 | 01:06 PM
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Is it a fairly straight-forward job to install such a kit?
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Old Jun 13, 2008 | 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Bally
Is it a fairly straight-forward job to install such a kit?
If you're using the o-ring kit, it is very easy. If you are using the lip seal type, it is fairly easy but you do need to be careful.

To the original question, there is not an easy, external way to tell if you have stainless sleaved calipers. If you remove them and look inside, it's very easy to tell.
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Old Jun 13, 2008 | 02:46 PM
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I thought I recall reading that GM used the sleaved calipers on teh C-3s starting in a certain year (thought was late 70s or 80??) - is that correct. Of course still doesn't confirm yours is sleaved but thought worth mentioning/asking.
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Old Jun 14, 2008 | 06:38 AM
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Originally Posted by WillEE
I thought I recall reading that GM used the sleaved calipers on teh C-3s starting in a certain year (thought was late 70s or 80??) - is that correct. Of course still doesn't confirm yours is sleaved but thought worth mentioning/asking.
No SS sleeved calipers on C3's from the factory.
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