i 'm in the process of bringing back an 82 from a 30 yr sleep. getting ready to get into the brakes and was wondering which product / vendor recommended
for caliper replacement - i would prefer sticking with GM rebuilt ones, but dont have the time to send mine out for sleeving. Also cautious of knockoffs that leak
and never ending replacement issues.

Appreciate the thoughts and direction - will need calipers, flex lines and new master as well.

thanks in advance for the advise.

 

Are you able to rebuild them yourself or do you need to buy a complete set of rebuilt "sleeved" Calipers? I was able to buy the parts to convert my Caliper's Pistons to the "O-ring" style versus the original "lip" style. The parts are readily available at several suppliers. If you split the halves of the calipers yourself you can really clean the bores up and get them into great shape. There is not too much to overhauling a caliper yourself.

Sometimes it is easier to just buy a complete set of Rebuilt Calipers and put them on if rebuilding them yourself seems like a daunting task. I would likely take them apart and rebuild them myself as I have done this before. Here is what I normally do:

1. I removed the calipers and then split them by removing the hardware that clamps them together.
2. Then soak the parts in some warm de-greaser to clean the parts up.
3. Clean the bores of the pistons with a small hone driven by a drill made for brake systems.
4. Soak and clean the parts again.
5. Measure the bores for the correct diameter.
6. Install new O-ring style Pistons in the bores of the calipers.
7. Reassemble the calipers on a CLEAN surface to not get any junk in them.
8. Re-install the Calipers, brake pads and hardware.
9. Before bleeding the system be sure to put a small bowl or basin under the master cylinder and some towels nearby in case of any spills.
10. Start bleeding at the right rear wheel and while tapping the parts, pump the fluid up to the master cylinder leaving a small amount of brake fluid on the bottom of the master cylinder. Then bleed the remaining wheels while tapping gently on the Calipers and any Brass blocks in the system. (The brass blocks HOLD air inside of them).

Classic Tube sells the SS Braided Brake Hoses that are DOT approved and available in different colors. They sell really nice sets of new brake and fuel lines for our Corvettes. I have a set of their brake lines on my 1988 C4. I also have the set of their fuel lines as the ones on my C4 rusted shut internally (thanks to ethanol). Classic Tube make some really nice parts that fit very nicely on older Corvettes.

There are Forum members who should chime in soon can tell you who makes the better/best rebuilt calipers. Since virtually every C3 Corvette has had it's calipers Sleeved to last longer. Flushing the brakes is crucial to have a good long lasting brake system. I wish you the very best in getting your brake system working at 100%!

If you do go the route of buying a set of rebuilt calipers be sure to buy them from a quality US re-builder! Then be sure to use a good quality brake fluid and you should be ready for anything with your great new brakes.

 

Take a look a these guys. I've bought from them some time ago and was quite happy with there products:


https://www.topflightautomotive.com/...kes/van-steel/

 

Enio45,

I would highly recommend ordering a 55 gal drum of DOT3.

Seriously, you may want to try and find a Motive Pressure Brake Bleeder Tank.
Sometimes you can find a used one on Ebay that just needs a new hose or handpump and thorough rinsing with denatured alcohol.

Be leery of any calipers that are not Delco.
NAPA sells rebuilt calipers.
And sells rebuilt masters.

As far as rotors, those old units are almost lifetime. They have lots of meat on them and can either be lightly machined or even sanded clean.
Brake hoses are cheaper if you buy as a 4 pc set. Insist on American made.

Take a look at Muskegon Brake in Michigan for brake parts.
And take a look at my brakes photo album by clicking on my avatar, then search for albums.

 

Lonestar calipers are another good option, be sure to opt for the O-Ring ones too.

 

I bought my reman Delco Loraine calipers from Corvette America - extremely pleased. They pre-paid to ship the cores back

 

Thanks guys, i ordered a set from Lonestar including a master cylinder.

Lets see how this all goes - keep u posted!!

 

Just curious, how fast do you go through a 55 gallon drum of brake fluid?