C3 (1969) Total Brake Replacement Recommendation

[Jim R.]

I need to do a complete 4-wheel caliper and rotor replacement in addition to replacing the parking brake with a stainless steel parts kit.

Who do you recommend I buy the parts (calipers, rotors, etc.) from?

Do I really need SS parking brake shoes with the SS mechanism?

What kind of pads should I buy? - normal driving, no racing.

What extras should I buy - like: anti-squeak brake insulators, SS retaining pins, speed bleeders, special tools?

All opinions appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim #33086

[Craig S.]

Re: C3 (1969) Total Brake Replacement Recommendati

Jim - a few questions come to mind before you proceed, you didn't mention the rear wheel bearings and trailing arms in your post. Chances are very good they need attention too if your rotors need replacement. Are they really that worn? Have you checked the thickness of the rotors with a vernier caliper? The minimum thickness is 1.250" with a 1.215" service limit and they rarely wear, I have some that require replacement on my 67 due to stupid previous owners or brake shops turning the rotors when the shouldn't need it. I have a 77000 mile 74 vette and the rotors still measure 1.245" today on all 4 rotors, the original thickness minus truing cuts. Anyway, if you don't have the correct tools to to the trailing arm work, I would send them out to Bairs in Linesville PA, or Van Steel in Florida. Both of these vendors do excellent work, my personal preference is Bairs after buying some parts, and speaking with the guys at the shows (If I recall his name was Kevin?) Anyway, very astute on the subject. They will rivet your rotors and turn as an assembly like GM did, so you won't have any air pumping when done. On the calipers, I have always had outstanding service from Vette Brakes, and their newer O-ring calipers are touted highly and I bought a set for my 67. I even did the NCRS route with correct casting numbers, and ID marks on the inside with black paint. They normally charge $10 per caliper more for this, plus the O-rings are $10 more per caliper than the lip seal pistons and seals. If you want to attack this yourself, go in with knowlege and the tools or you will create problems down the road, to do this work correctly is not trivial...

As far as the SS parts, the parking brake linings supposedly have incorrec arching to match the ID of the rotor to seat well. I can't verify this personally but have heard this. I have relined GM shoes going in my 67 when I assemble, you may be able to buy new shoes from GM as well, Joe Lucia may chime in. I think the SS parts for the actuator are fine, but personally, I would not use the non GM stuff unless you plan to drive this car in the winter (UGH)....best of luck with your rebuild....Craig

[Craig S.]

Re: C3 (1969) Correction to my post

I meant to say the nominal new thickness of the rotors is 1.250, the minimum thickness is 1.215"...Craig