Best calipers for 77
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 343
From: Glastonbury CT
Best calipers for 77
I guess bleeding every year must be mandatory for viewing of master cylinders fluid color means nothing! Just had rear left caliper leaking. The inside was like a red mud i rebuilt this my self and many more like it 30 years back. The bore was scored and i really do not know why? All four bores. Can i hone out or croicus cloth and get by? I have had sleeved pistons and once out of warranty you eat it! So what is a life time set up for i am not getting any younger.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,135
Likes: 4,244
From: US-PNW
I guess bleeding every year must be mandatory for viewing of master cylinders fluid color means nothing! Just had rear left caliper leaking. The inside was like a red mud i rebuilt this my self and many more like it 30 years back. The bore was scored and i really do not know why? All four bores. Can i hone out or croicus cloth and get by? I have had sleeved pistons and once out of warranty you eat it! So what is a life time set up for i am not getting any younger.
This caliper design, while very good, has some weak spots. Whatever environmental moisture that gets by the outer piston to housing seal just sits in that 1/2" space between the outer seal and the piston to wall seal. It can eventually work its way behind the piston seal and contaminate the fluid. I believe we don't tend to drive our cars to the degree where the brakes truly get hot enough to assist in driving out this trapped moisture.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 269
From: S.E. MI
St. Jude Donor '15
I use AutoZone calipers. They have a lifetime warranty and they always have them in stock so I can be back on the road quickly if one goes bad.
I just had 1 caliper that started leaking. It was about 15 years old and had around 35,000 miles on it.
I just had 1 caliper that started leaking. It was about 15 years old and had around 35,000 miles on it.
Last edited by bruiser; Apr 23, 2022 at 02:54 PM. Reason: added more info
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
Don't know if they're the best or not, but another vote here for the local Autozone.
In all the years I've used their calipers on my previous and current C3's I've had only 1 leak.
No 2 way shipping, no waiting. I know a lot of guys wont be bothered with them, but no complaints here on their rebuilt Delco calipers.
In all the years I've used their calipers on my previous and current C3's I've had only 1 leak.
No 2 way shipping, no waiting. I know a lot of guys wont be bothered with them, but no complaints here on their rebuilt Delco calipers.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 279
From: New York
I think its been said:
1) get stainless steel sleeves. Since Vette Brakes closed, anyone still do it?
2) change brake fluid annually.
Does the car sit a lot? Sitting and short rides also contribute to the issue.
Not to hijack this thread, but are there any places that will install stainless steel sleeves in your calipers? I have the calipers that take L shaped pads, So I would want a swap for store calipers.
1) get stainless steel sleeves. Since Vette Brakes closed, anyone still do it?
2) change brake fluid annually.
Does the car sit a lot? Sitting and short rides also contribute to the issue.
Not to hijack this thread, but are there any places that will install stainless steel sleeves in your calipers? I have the calipers that take L shaped pads, So I would want a swap for store calipers.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 44,671
Likes: 1,830
From: Huntsville AL
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1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,135
Likes: 4,244
From: US-PNW
If you call, Lonestar sells direct to consumer but the cost higher than if you go through a regular vendor. If you aren't wanting to go Autozone route, all the Corvette parts vendors have calipers.
Corvette Stainless Steel Brakes
Lonestar Caliper Co
Corvette Stainless Steel Brakes
Lonestar Caliper Co
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 51
Likes: 13
From: Farmington Connecticut
I did the Autozone lip contact caliper thing for a long time strictly because of the warranty. Used that warranty every spring like clock work. Sometimes twice in a season. I'm lucky to drive my car 500 miles a year so it sits a lot. Went with the Lonestar O-ring calipers and haven't touched them since. Must be 6 or 7 years no leaks.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,717
Likes: 551
From: Seattle Washington
You can buy from most any of the Vendors and they will be from Lonestar. With most States wanting to rid themselves of those Poluting Brake Shops Texas is one of the few States left that can still do them. Or a Forign Country.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,947
Likes: 4,506
From: Virginia
I bought my set of Lonestar-rebuilt Delco Moraines through Zip.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,717
Likes: 551
From: Seattle Washington
Muskegon Brake is where I got my Lonestars. For a small up charge they will give you the correct part numbers for your restoration, and will except any Core as long as it is a Delco Moraine.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 343
From: Glastonbury CT
Thanks just ordered a brand new from Rock Auto by cardone.Will load it up and check if i do not like i will give Mskegon a call thanks Gale Banks,Bikespace,Eric2Vettes67,;72
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 343
From: Glastonbury CT
Rock auto calipers are soft threads were brake lines attach. Could not stop leaking so i am on a return path to them today. Also ordered new caliper line from others! As we all know you have to take what on the shelf and it is not much,and quality is not there.