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Can the 65-66 style calipers w/insulators be rebuilt with later model standard pistons?
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Re: C2: 65-66 style calipers
Dan - yes, the rebuilders do it all the time, no reason not to. I had VB rebuild m 67 calipers with the 0-ring style. I think what they do, is machine off the boss in the bottom of the cylinder (as I recall, that is the only difference in the caliper). So they may not be rebuildable by yourself easily in that sense....Craig -
Re: C2: 65-66 style calipers
BTW, I realize 67 is a different style machine as far as the internal construction, my point was I used the O-ring pistons and seals and you can too on your 66. I plan to do the same with my 66 when I get to it...CraigComment
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Re: C2: 65-66 style calipers
Dan and Craig-----
Yes, I agree. Caliper rebuilders ROUTINELY convert the first design calipers with cast-in piston guides to the second design without piston guides. They simply machine out the guides. In fact, that's one of the reasons that first design calipers are getting to be so rare in their original configuration. The vast majority of them have already been converted. Once converted to second design, they cannot be converted back to first design. It's a "one way street".In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: C2: 65-66 style calipers
Joe - is there any reason to leave the original design inside (if I really do have them on my 66 when I get to it) or just have VB rebuild the calipers with the O-ring style. Seems like none of that is visible anyway, it there any inherent design reason the old style is better or worse? I realize they had insulators, but is that really a big deal? Thx!....CraigComment
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Re: C2: 65-66 style calipers
Craig-----
Personally, I feel that the 1st design calipers are better than the 2nd design. I think that GM converted to the 2nd design for cost reasons. They likely felt that the increased cost was not justified by any benefits that a Corvette owner was likely to perceive in operation of the car's braking system. I believe that they were absolutely correct. The benefits of the 1st design are absolutely not going to be noticed by the VAST, VAST majority of Corvette drivers.
Installed in the car, it is virtually impossible to detect the conversion of 1st design to 2nd design.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: C2: 65-66 style calipers
Thx Joe, so if my calipers really are still intact when I pull them, can I get all the pistons and seals to keep them the 1st design? If not, I will obviously just go the 2nd design route...CraigComment
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Re: C2: 65-66 style calipers
Craig-----
Seals/boots are the same as second design, so that's no problem. The only source that I have been told has the pistons is Vette Brakes. But, I've heard different things. They're in their catalog, but I've been told that they say that they don't have them if you call. I think they cost about $29/each (you need 16, of course, for the whole car).
Also, I've been told that they had the insulators and I've been told that they just have the pistons-----you have to use your old insulators (if you have them). Call and find out. Then, let us all know.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: C2: 65-66 style calipers
Thx Joe, and will do. It sounds more than a bit costly to keep it 1st design, I am not sure my calipers are the originals yet on my 66, they look like they are but who knows what I will find when I really pull them apart. The prior owner had a record of a local corvette club member (his business is corvette repair -not NCRS level) working on one caliper, not replaced but honed etc. This gives me a little hope they may be original as the car has been in "restoration" since about 1971. I will find out when I pull the calipers, I kept your post on casting numbers in my file, but I will try to find out about the pistons and insulators next week. Thx!...CraigComment
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