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Posted: 6/28/10 5:21pm Message 1 of 19

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manget1

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Indianapolis, IN - USA

Joined: 9/3/2006

Posts: 2430

Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible

After just getting the car home from shop "B" on Friday night, the car is now in shop "A." I washed and waxed it Saturday and was on my way to a show tonight when the car started to pull VERY hard to the right. I had been having some trouble with the brakes and quickly figured out that the caliper was locking up. I was just over a mile from home, but decided as hot as it had gotten already that it was probably best to get it towed.

I called my primary shop and they had a truck there in about 20 minutes. I've owned the car for over four years and this was the first time I've ever had to have it towed.

Well, assuming it is the brakes, I have considered replacing the calipers with Stainless Steel ones for a while, but I'm not 100% sure that's the full problem. I was also losing some stiffness in the pedal, so I'm wondering if the master cylinder may also be going.

MAM has a full brake kit (minus master cylinder) for $840 (core charge of $200 included). Master Cylinder is another $90.

I trust the shop where the car is currently, so I believe they will tell me the true needs of the car currently, but I'm interested in the diagnosis of the crew here as well. I'm also interested in possible other options for the parts. If the car only needs one caliper, what are the thoughts on replacing just the one? I have the money put aside for the full set, so I'm thinking that's the way to go.

I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!

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Posted: 6/28/10 5:57pm Message 2 of 19

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yostusota

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York, PA - USA

Joined: 5/18/2010

Posts: 1518

Vette(s): 1969 daytona conv. all original 350 350 380 4 sp w/air..and hard top

Sad to hear you're having trouble..mine was towed Thursday..It's a tough call on the brakes..I guess the saying goes if it ain't broke don't fix it..I try not to fit into that to well,,as I was looking to replace all that I am now before the tow..I guess if you haven't done the stainless cups in the calipers yet I wouldn't even try to rebuild them//unless they are not pitted or corroded..it's worth a look-a rebuild kit from Advance is only 10-12 bucks so if it can be done it is worth it..going all out on the brakes is a awesome thing to do..and if you haven't done them yet I would do all 4..chances are if you only fix one another will leak one the way home.

Rich

My first parade at Carlisle 2010

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Posted: 6/28/10 6:33pm Message 3 of 19

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ebo

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Holland Patent, NY - USA

Joined: 6/3/2008

Posts: 4422

Vette(s): #1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker

Well, since ya still got all that bonus $$$$. Do all four in SS and new hoses. Flush out the brake fluid and put the silicone fluid in.

It would be ashame to get all that new glass work done and not be able to stop. WOAH TONTO WOAH!!!! Wink

Good Luck bud.

ebo

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ebo

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Posted: 6/28/10 8:08pm Message 4 of 19

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Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Joined: 11/8/2003

Posts: 20225

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

See, Marshall...that's what happens when ya decide to "modify" a low mile original...it's payin ya back!!!

See how bad it is first, then make a decision on what all to replace. The hoses would be the #1 deal for me...these calipers don't really have a reputation for the pistons locking up in them. If you go for a caliper change/repair, definitely do all of them at the same time.

Let us know what they say!

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

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Posted: 6/29/10 3:52am Message 5 of 19

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manget1

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Indianapolis, IN - USA

Joined: 9/3/2006

Posts: 2430

Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible

Truth be told, the car didn't receive any modifications - and the shop I had looked forward to working with to potentially do them disappointed me so much that I will (hopefully) never return to them.

One of the things I had asked them about was the brakes. The owner told me "he checked them and they were fine." Not sure if he would have been able to diagnose the problem I'm now having just by looking, but looking back, at the time he told me that, I don't think they had even touched the car.

The one thing they did do was to repair the nose and spray it, so now that that is done, any modifications, if they happen, will be delayed for some time.

I'll keep everyone informed on the issue with the brakes.

I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!

��

target=_blank>Click for another pic!�� And yet another!

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Posted: 6/29/10 5:13am Message 6 of 19

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crossfire1982

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Cramerton, NC - USA

Joined: 8/22/2006

Posts: 1094

Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion

Whew... I felt better after reading your post, from the title I thought we were going to have to scrape together bail money for you.

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Posted: 6/29/10 6:01am Message 7 of 19

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turbo78vair

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Franklin, IN - USA

Joined: 5/3/2008

Posts: 117

Vette(s): 1978 pace car replica

Marshall, wish you the best in getting your troubles diagnosed and repaired. Our '78 PC is headed off on a U-haul later this morning to a local gentleman who will check out what's amiss in the rear end. Something squeaking! Could be u-joints, could be bearings, dont' know yet. Really don't know anything about the history on the car. With 165k on it, several things have likely been worked on, but I really don't know.

Take care - don't polish too hard on that new nose work.

GaryC - Franklin, IN

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Posted: 6/29/10 10:18am Message 8 of 19

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Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Joined: 11/8/2003

Posts: 20225

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

[QUOTE=manget1]the car didn't receive any modifications[/QUOTE]

Yeah...but you were thinkin aboot it!!!

Hope they can figure it out without too much pain!

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link

(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

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Posted: 6/29/10 1:31pm Message 9 of 19

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turbo78vair

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Franklin, IN - USA

Joined: 5/3/2008

Posts: 117

Vette(s): 1978 pace car replica

Marshall, update on our '78 - left outside u joint is shot. They will proceed to replace all joints. After half shafts are out, can better tell condition of the trailing arms.

Frame looks great - good news.

Take care - good luck with brake work.
Gary

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Posted: 6/29/10 5:20pm Message 10 of 19

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lukesvette

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HOWELL, NJ - USA

Joined: 5/18/2004

Posts: 6812

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.

Check out the kits from Vette Brakes. I got a great deal from them.

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