Rear brakes retainer 'u'-clips
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 65
From: Belgium
Rear brakes retainer 'u'-clips
Hey everyone
I’m working on my brakes for about a month now and it’s hell!
I will have to replace the rear retainer ‘u’ clips for the rear brake hoses. (rear hoses and lines also, but that won't be a problem)
They are so ‘rotten by rust’ they fell apart when I removed them.
I’m from Belgium, so won’t (can’t) buy from US corvette vendors because of the very high shipping and import costs. There one vendor in the Netherlands, but he asks €6/u-clip (excl. Shipping and TAX). This I find too much for such small parts.
Do u-clips from ‘Dorman’ (or maybe other cheaper brands) fit the corvette brake lines?
I don’t know what specifications/dimensions (of the retainer) are important for this part.
I’m working on my brakes for about a month now and it’s hell!
I will have to replace the rear retainer ‘u’ clips for the rear brake hoses. (rear hoses and lines also, but that won't be a problem)
They are so ‘rotten by rust’ they fell apart when I removed them.
I’m from Belgium, so won’t (can’t) buy from US corvette vendors because of the very high shipping and import costs. There one vendor in the Netherlands, but he asks €6/u-clip (excl. Shipping and TAX). This I find too much for such small parts.
Do u-clips from ‘Dorman’ (or maybe other cheaper brands) fit the corvette brake lines?
I don’t know what specifications/dimensions (of the retainer) are important for this part.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 992
Likes: 56
From: Baldwinsville, NY
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 65
From: Belgium
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 992
Likes: 56
From: Baldwinsville, NY
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Surely, there are similar type clips in Europe that could be modified to fit. Hardened steel U-clips or properly sized C-clips would to the job. There is not much stress on those clips...but they MUST be reliable, so hardened steel is a must.
Measure the opening required to slide over that groove diameter in the fitting, as well as the groove width. Take that info to some general fastener supplier and ask them what might be used for your application. It's worth a try, rather than be 'suckered' for $100 in shipping fees for a $3 group of parts.
Measure the opening required to slide over that groove diameter in the fitting, as well as the groove width. Take that info to some general fastener supplier and ask them what might be used for your application. It's worth a try, rather than be 'suckered' for $100 in shipping fees for a $3 group of parts.
Last edited by 7T1vette; May 29, 2020 at 11:53 AM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 1,181
From: CLEVELAND STUCK IN OHIO
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
For that application, in a pinch when I couldn't get parts on time, I have used annealed tie wire, or called bailing wire, and also used stainless steel safety wire, to hold the brake line and hose in place,,It can be done safely ,,, IMHO ZIP tie should work also,,,
Last edited by 60 SHARK; May 30, 2020 at 09:02 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 65
From: Belgium
I asked a local 'American car and truck garage' about the clips... They said: We don't have it in stock, but we can order (will take min. 2-3 weeks)...
I found these two options lately, but I'm not sure they'll fit:
$18 for a pack of 5 incl. shipping) reviews say they fit an '81 Transam. Will they fit a C3?
Chevrolet truck parts shop (Netherlands) 'brake hose clip 1941-1974 for flex brake hose. It fits Chevy trucks...
https://www.prinstruckshop.nl/a-4551...4/#description
I found these two options lately, but I'm not sure they'll fit:
$18 for a pack of 5 incl. shipping) reviews say they fit an '81 Transam. Will they fit a C3?
Chevrolet truck parts shop (Netherlands) 'brake hose clip 1941-1974 for flex brake hose. It fits Chevy trucks...
https://www.prinstruckshop.nl/a-4551...4/#description
Last edited by Novusuhu; May 31, 2020 at 02:29 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 1,181
From: CLEVELAND STUCK IN OHIO
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I think he said the old ones were beyond salvaging,, if a specific size is needed, just put your micrometer on the brake hose fixture that receives the clip, to get exact size,,,,
these two listings posted should do the trick
these two listings posted should do the trick
Last edited by 60 SHARK; May 31, 2020 at 02:50 PM.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,147
Likes: 4,258
From: US-PNW
Amazon listing by Inline Tube which makes a bunch of repro steel brake, trans, etc. lines:
Q&A at the bottom says gap is 1/2" ---- I just measured a couple off of my '72 and they're also 1/2" gap.
1955-87 GM Brake Hose Clips 4 piece set These clips are used on countless GM Cars in the 50's,60's, 70's & 80's to hold the flexible brake hose into the frame bracket. There are usually 2 at each front wheel and one for the rear drop hose. But in some cases 4 are used on a corvette. These are the factory correct black finish clips with the full length tab.(the ones with the short tab that does not run the full length of the clip is aftermarket or a cheap replacement as are the gold and silver clips) This is an exact Inline Tube reproduction, Correct Size, Shape & Finish.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 65
From: Belgium
I asked the 'Chevrolet truck parts shop (Netherlands)' to measure the inside width of the u-clips they have.
They ask €1,25/clip, which I find a reasonable price.
The shop will send me an email with the info.
I will send an extra reply, so other guys from around here can find such clips.
They ask €1,25/clip, which I find a reasonable price.
The shop will send me an email with the info.
I will send an extra reply, so other guys from around here can find such clips.