just getting started
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
just getting started
Alright so last year, my grandpa decided his 71 stingray would be a good graduation present. The car had sat in his garage since I was 6 so you can just imagine the shape its in. The body is amazing except for one little ding. The mechanical stuff is where I'm running into issues. Today I spent 4 hours on what I thought was the solution to my brakes problem. I replaced the master cylinder and re did the brake lines then bled them but still no brakes. My pap offered his thoughts which was that the calipers are frozen but I have no idea what I'm doing with this car yet so all help and input is appreciated.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
have you taken the calipers off and checked to see if you can move the pistons back and forth? If you can move them, and have replaced the lines, and MC, you may check the seals on the pistons themselves. I ran into this same problem, changed lines, MC twice and still could not get the brakes to bleed properly. I even used a pressure bleeder. Turned out the seals around the caliper pistons were cracked, would not let fluid out, but would let air in, and made it impossible to bleed the brakes. 4 caliper rebuild kits later and I was back in business, this was 5 years ago and all is still well. Let us know what you find.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Yeah, sorry to say, but you are going to be replacing those calipers...or rebuilding them. I had to replace all four of mine, after the car I got sat in a garage for 8 years or so. Do yourself a favor...even if the problem seems to be just one caliper, replace them all. Otherwise, you'll likely be chasing break problems for a bout a year or so. Like I did.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Oh, and WELCOME!!!! I hope you don't have a girlfriend, because these vettes can get jealous easily. They don't like it when you spend money on others, and they HATE it when you spend time with others, as well.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Stratford Ontario
Welcome your at the right place. Make sure you get yourself some manu als. Such as the AIM, shop manual, and anything else you can find as you can never have too much info. In a way your a lucky guy to have a grandfather to pass down such a car. Enjoy.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,389
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi yg18
A new, old, 71 Corvette... NICE!!!!
If you're going to be doing some work on your car may I suggest you spring for 2 books that will be a big help to you.
First, the 71 GM CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL, this book was used by the techs at the dealerships.
Second, the 71 GM ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION MANUAL, this set of drawings was used on the production line in St. Louis where your car was made.
The first is about $35 and the second about $25.
They're well worth the money. Many of the larger vendors with ads on this Forum sell both books.
How about some pictures? It's always fun to see what people are working on!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
A new, old, 71 Corvette... NICE!!!!
If you're going to be doing some work on your car may I suggest you spring for 2 books that will be a big help to you.
First, the 71 GM CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL, this book was used by the techs at the dealerships.
Second, the 71 GM ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION MANUAL, this set of drawings was used on the production line in St. Louis where your car was made.
The first is about $35 and the second about $25.
They're well worth the money. Many of the larger vendors with ads on this Forum sell both books.
How about some pictures? It's always fun to see what people are working on!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
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From: Hartselle AL
St. Jude Donor '09
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Yes Sir; Better buy them from someone who sells Lone Star as a re builder. I bought a set from a local, for my 1980, which were guaranteed for life. I've changed five calipers so far. On my 82 I bought Lone Star rebuilt. two years & they are still holding, No Leaks. Have a great one. Gene
