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Topic: master cylinder rebuild - how to get original retention clip out

in Forum: C3 Driveline Components

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master cylinder rebuild - how to get original retention clip out (1/6)
1/5/16 10:04pm

vince vette
Former Member
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Vette(s):
1980 L82 White with doeskin interior

Joined: 1/5/2016
Posts: 72

OK, likely a dumb question but that's part for a first time. Pulled the master cylinder and went to pull the retention clip to remove the pistons but hit a snag (tried to load a photo but I seem incapable of doing that also). The clip is minimalist to say the least - just a plain clip with no tabs like a normal retention clip has. So you can squeeze in the ends to pull the tab out. I tried grabbing it with needle nose pliers but there's to little to grip. Is there some simple but non-obvious method. Or do you cut it out somehow? I know it's the original clip because I bought the car new (now it needs to be restored - so that dates me).

Also, as long as I'm here, any recommendation for a set of brake lines that will actually match the originals. Got a set from Dr. Rebuild 5 or 6 years ago and every piece thus far has needed to be rebent to actually line up. The master cylinder to proportioning valve must have been for an earlier model since as received their preferred path was through the cruise control transducer. Anyway, all the rebends are tough to do on stainless and taking hours of extra work with rather poor results. I've decided to forego stainless at this point but would still like to get as a close a fit out of the box as possible. I looked at Lonestar at their tent in Carlisle and the pieces matched the few originals I brought with me. I should have bought them there since they only sell wholesale except at shows.

Well thanks for any help - link to a photo of the way the car looked new and hopefully will again

http://www.C3VR.com/member_uploads/frost-hill-road-with-vette-adjusted2016152199r.jpg

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As it once looked and hopefully will again

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Re: master cylinder rebuild - how to get original retention clip out (2/6)
1/6/16 11:31am

Adams' Apple

Lifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20207

For the clip, you'll need a sharp pointed scribe/awl/pick. You'll need to dig down behind the clip, and pry it out. Watch yer fingers!! You'll most likely poke at least one extra hole in at least one finger in the process. LOL

Some of the round clips had a small indent on one end that allowed easier access to pop the clip out, but not all.

As far as the brake lines, Lone Star is really funny about selling to the public. I tried several years ago to get a distributor deal set up so I could buy/sell their products, but they insisted that I have a Tax number, even tho the business I was at did not require one by the state. We simply paid taxes on parts as we bought them....still do.
Anyway, I have no other suggestion as to where to get the brake lines, other than thru a regular Corvette parts supplier like one of our sponsoring members here. Chances are the lines will come from Lone Star anyway. Thumbs Up

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Joel Adams
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Re: master cylinder rebuild - how to get original retention clip out (3/6)
1/6/16 9:14pm

vince vette
Former Member
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Vette(s):
1980 L82 White with doeskin interior

Joined: 1/5/2016
Posts: 72

OK - used a nut pick and the snap ring is out - probably gone forever as the last I heard it was bouncing somewhere behind the basement bench. That's the good news. Bad news is the bore is pitted. Cheapest option seems to be replacement and as this car isn't expected to be a show winner, I'm open to recommendations. I notice at Rockauto there are reasonable options from $30 to $40, no core charge. The $40 option is AC Delco. Thoughts on this route.

Also, I especially like your '74 vette. That model is special to me - the first vette I ever drove. My cousin owned it. He was so hot on going out with some girl one night he begged me take his night bussing tables and said he could pick me up. I agreed if I could drive the vette back to the restaurant. He agreed. I should note that I was 16 years old and still driving under a permit not license. Not a problem as long as I was with an adult. The problem, my cousin was only 6 weeks older than me. The year was 1975. The obvious question, how was it that my 16 year old busboy cousin owned practically new corvette. His father owned the restaurant. Anyway, we made it safely to the restaurant. I made $14 for my 4 hour shift. And I guess my cousin made time. Many other good times in that car. My own hot date when I was 17 cruising through Letchworth Park in NY (winds along the Genesee River gorge, 3 waterfalls, beautiful - so was the girl). And then a few years later delivering it to him when he was living in Vegas - yep, all expense paid cross country road trip, NY to Vegas in a Vette at age 21. Those were the days.

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As it once looked and hopefully will again

Re: master cylinder rebuild - how to get original retention clip out (4/6)
1/7/16 6:44am

johnu
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Scottsdale, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Corvette Two-Tone Claret color, 4 spd, C7 Vert

Joined: 5/23/2007
Posts: 616

I'd go the AC Delco. I needed one fast and settled for the "replacement" the local parts guy had on the shelf. It works but the casting and finishing is poor.

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Only 32 years together

Re: master cylinder rebuild - how to get original retention clip out (5/6)
1/7/16 10:56am

Adams' Apple

You can get them from your local parts places fairly reasonably priced($30 at Autozone here). Just be SURE to match the piston center depth where the booster pushrod fits into the piston.....there are two different pistons.The shallow piston where a deep piston goes will not bolt up properly, and the deep piston/short rod combo will give you NO pedal at all. Same master was used from '77-'82, iirc. Thumbs Up

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Re: master cylinder rebuild - how to get original retention clip out (6/6)
1/7/16 6:58pm

vince vette
Former Member
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Vette(s):
1980 L82 White with doeskin interior

Joined: 1/5/2016
Posts: 72

Johnu and Adams Apple, thanks both for the guidance - especially on the piston difference. New will be the choice. Now to decide on replacement for the already new brake lines with the useless fit.

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As it once looked and hopefully will again

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