Topic: Calipers Rebuilding??
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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Lifetime MemberApache Junction, AZ - USA
Joined: 10/15/2006
Posts: 285
Vette(s): 1982,150K,Renegade CFI,Hooker Side Pipes,85 fuel pump,Bilsteins,HD suspension, Aluminum radiator, SharkBar/w 5-Point Restraints. 3:73 gears coming soon.
Need to rebuild my brake calipers and want to do it myself.
Do I need any special tools and what parts will I be replacing?
Thanks!Phill's Vette 2009-10-13 08:55:25
Do I need any special tools and what parts will I be replacing?
Thanks!
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I've rebuilt calipers a couple of times, and while it isn't that difficult the first time takes a little longer. Besides caliper rebuild kits you'll need a honing tool and lots of brake cleaner. But I'd recommend just popping for the stainless steel sleeved calipers and spend the time you save enjoying a drive in the fall weather.
Jim Olson 
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Oak Creek, WI - USA
Joined: 5/21/2008
Posts: 1965
Vette(s): 1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190 hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vettes Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!! Now own a 1998 C-5!
Yup. Stainless Steel is the way to go. Did mine in 2007. Still got great brakes to this day !!
Dan
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
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Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
I agree with the the crowd on this one. See what Larry at Corvette Specialties can hook you up with. 
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Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
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Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
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You can get a front and rear kit fairly inexpensively. I personally prefer the o-ring type. That will include the pistons, o-rings, boot/seals and caliper half o-rings. You can buy a deluxe kit that includes the springs also but those are easily cleaned and reused. If you have any luck at all when you split the caliper halves you may find that they are already sleeved from a previous change out, in that case a little work with some emery cloth should satisfy that cleanup. It's a good idea to upgrade to stainless brake lines at this time but if your existing lines are OK that will save you another can of worms. no special tools needed unless you change out the brake lines. flaring wrenches are a must. The boot seals will pop out easily with a screwdriver and can be reseated with the light touch of a mallet. it's also a good time to paint the calipers (paint about $40). aceinthehole 2009-10-14 09:12:20
Jimmy B.
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I just started mine on the '72 and opted for the O-ring conversion. ORdered sets from Bair's but haven't received 'em yet. I'm a little nervous about my purchase though. Check out the advice I got from a seasoned veteran on another forum on something to look out for when doing this conversion:
Quoted from another forum:
"One word of caution when converting your SS sleeved calipers to the O ring style. Before installing the O rings onto the new pistons install the piston into its bore and be certain it goes all the way down at least flush with the surface, these pistons are a bit longer and sit deeper into the bore, when any of the remanufacturers machined the bore larger to install the SS sleeve some bores are left with a "step" at the bottom of the bore. This step was not an issue ever with original pistons but is with the new style O ring pistons. Once seen the step can easily be removed with a dremel bit but again you need to be very cautious as if you hit the ID of the SS sleeve, you just ruined it. There are many variations of this depending on the rebuilders. I have seen many different heights of the step and some non-concentric sleeve to bore calipers which are harder to clean up . So save yourself a lot of grief and check yours first!"
Anyone else ever run into this on an O-ring conversion?
Lifetime MemberApache Junction, AZ - USA
Joined: 10/15/2006
Posts: 285
Vette(s): 1982,150K,Renegade CFI,Hooker Side Pipes,85 fuel pump,Bilsteins,HD suspension, Aluminum radiator, SharkBar/w 5-Point Restraints. 3:73 gears coming soon.
Thanks for the info and ideas!
I'll do some more research before I buy the parts.
I'll do some more research before I buy the parts.
I just converted to the o-ring pistons a few months ago, luckily I got the conversion kit from the same company that sleeved my calipers. The job was not very difficult, I had a seal remover and seal driver on hand (for removing and installing the dust boot easily). Converting to stainless braided hoses is also a good idea since you have the calipers off. I rebuilt the master cylinder also since the brake system had to be bled anyway (the kit was $40 or $50).
Rod Woodson
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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