New Car...First projects
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 689
Likes: 0
From: MI
New Car...First projects
First I have to fix the headlights. They light up, but won't open. I can probably find it, and the guy I bought it from gave me lots of parts, new and old, plus a haynes shop manual. But if you guys had anything off the top of your head, i would appreciate it.
The real thing I need some suggestions on is this: The brakes are super mushy. I have seen posts saying similar things. What should I replace, What should I have fixed elsewhere? I saved some money to get the car roadworthy, and that is really all it needs for right now.
The real thing I need some suggestions on is this: The brakes are super mushy. I have seen posts saying similar things. What should I replace, What should I have fixed elsewhere? I saved some money to get the car roadworthy, and that is really all it needs for right now.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 0
From: Rotterdam
Re: New Car...First projects (Double_0_7)
Since it's a 82,you are going to be a regular at this site too:
http://www.crossfire.webhop.net/
Everything Crossfire and more!
:cool:
http://www.crossfire.webhop.net/
Everything Crossfire and more!
:cool:
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 689
Likes: 0
From: MI
Re: New Car...First projects (Pete Z)
actually he took off the crossfire and sold it. He put on a carb. I will probably go back to it one day, but for now, I need to worry about the big stuff for safety like the brakes. I think I have the headlights figured out, or at least enough to get started, but the brakes I haven't a clue.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From: honolulu HI
Re: New Car...First projects (Double_0_7)
the calipers on these vettes need the iron pistons replaced with stainless steel ones..the easiest way is to get pre-made new ones and u will get a credit back for ur old calipers..i replaced mine and its pretty straight forward..musken brakes,disk brakes are us,mid-america,ecklers,ect. any of these places have core exchange programs for u..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 951
Likes: 0
Re: New Car...First projects (Pete Z)
I would start with the simple fix and bleed them first. Before bleeding check the master cylinder and if the fluid dirty, suck it out first before adding new fresh fluid. :chevy
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Godfrey Illinois
Re: New Car...First projects (Double_0_7)
Greetings,
I just went through the same thing on my new 74 project...After replacing vaccum lines and rebuilding the actuatators not only did the headlights work but the brakes improved dramatically! While I agree the brake upgrade is a great idea as well (I did that before the headlights and didn't notice any difference...but now there's a big difference!), if money is a concern, I'd start with the headlights and save up for new calipers.
Good luck!
I just went through the same thing on my new 74 project...After replacing vaccum lines and rebuilding the actuatators not only did the headlights work but the brakes improved dramatically! While I agree the brake upgrade is a great idea as well (I did that before the headlights and didn't notice any difference...but now there's a big difference!), if money is a concern, I'd start with the headlights and save up for new calipers.
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 689
Likes: 0
From: MI
Re: New Car...First projects (Jason628)
Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Coincidentally, the vacuum thing is what I thought the headlight problem was anyway. When I first posted I hadn't even checked it out. I started reading through the haynes manual i have, and saw that the headlights are vacuum controlled. When I took my friend for a ride around the block, i tried the lamps during the day, and noticed that they start opening and then close again. It reminded me of my hydraulic jack when the valve isn't completely closed, so i thought of the vacuum. I had no idea that the brake problem might be related. The guy i bought it from said that he bled the lines and checked the easy stuff, but still could not find the problem. Maybe that was why. I'm going to try your suggestions tonight or tomorrow. I'll post an update when I get done.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,493
Likes: 6
From: Bloomington MN
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: New Car...First projects (Double_0_7)
Well, there is a very large vacuum line going right to the brake booster. A real good investment for a first time C3 owner is a Sears Craftsman vacuum guage. :D
Half the car runs on vacuum! :crazy:
AC
Half the car runs on vacuum! :crazy:
AC
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 5
From: Lake Villa IL
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: New Car...First projects (Double_0_7)
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 726
Likes: 0
From: Petaluma CA
Re: New Car...First projects (Double_0_7)
Might want to check for leaks around master cylinder and wheels. Also to test rotors for runout. Brake check and upgrade is always a good first step. There is a test strip available to test quality of brake fluid, I think. Stevo