C-3 caliper date codes

[Michael C.]

What is the treatment of date codes on brake calipers? The 75-77 judging manual says they exist but doesn't call out deductions for date codes that don't match. My calipers are in need of rebuild... What do NCRS restorers do when they need their calipers refurbished: exchange or have the original calipers rebuilt? Are date codes judged? Should I even be worried about this? Thanks for your commments.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C-3 caliper date codes

If they are original to your car, I usually have them rebuilt and returned to me. It's just one more thing to try and keep "correct," and since it's relatively easy to do so, I make the effort.

I have always sent mine to Vette Brakes in FL. I have them done with O-ring pistons, and have them painted black as per original. I have yet to be disappointed.

The date codes are not judged. Most people can't see under the car to judge them, so it's one of those areas we let slide.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: C-3 caliper date codes

Mike-----

I agree with Patrick regarding having known originals rebuilt rather than exchanged. It's always the best thing to do. However, it does result in more "down-time" than exchanges and, usually, there is an extra charge for the service. If neither of the aforementioned considerations are a problem for you, then having yours rebuilt is the best thing to do.

Notwithstanding the above, the "date codes" on calipers are somewhat meaningless since no year was included. Assuming that the numbers which look like a date code are, in fcat, a date code, all they could represent is the julian date of SOME year. Considering the "6 month rule", this means that approximately 1/2 of the calipers out there OF A GIVEN CASTING NUMBER number would be "correct" for any car which used that casting number.

There are 3 different sets of casting numbers, though. 1965-66 (and, possibly, early 1967) used casting numbers beginning with "546"; 1967 to about 1972 used casting numbers beginning with "545"; about 1973 through 1982 used casting numbers beginning with "547".

[Paul B.]

Re: C-3 caliper date codes

Mike, I judge chassis mainly and we don't look for date codes. Most of them are either to hard to see or most times not even legible. I look for the paint to be about a semi-flat black, not glossy black or silver which some rebuilders are using. Also, the bleeders were not stainless, AND ALL the machined surfaces had NO PAINT on them as the caliper was painted before machining. So, when I see calipers done right as just mentioned, I make no deduction. Very few Corvettes even have their original calipers. What people lucky enough to have a car with the originals will do, is have "THEIR" calipers rebuilt and returned to them.