C2 Original parts?

[Donald T.]

I have two questions that I could use some assistance with. How do you identify original brake calipers on a 65? I need to get mine rebuilt, and I don't want to bother with the ones I have if they are just replacements. Also, How does one distinguish original vs. repro knock off wheels? My knock offs were on the car when I purchased it, and I always assumed they were repros. I know my spinners and adapters are repros because they have locking pins, and I just assumed the wheels were as well. However, I just noticed a K-H stamp on the back of the wheel. I didn't think repros would have any refernce to Kelsey Hayes.

Thanks!

[Joe C.]

Re: C2 Original parts?

Don:

The front calipers are casting number 5465952 outboard, and 5465954 inboard. The rears are 5465905 outboard, and 5465902 inboard. They will also have a phenolic, "hockey puck" looking disc between the pads and pistons, which are not visible unless disassembled.

Joe

[Donald T.]

Re: C2 Original parts?

Thanks Joe. Appreciate the help. Based on your info looks like they are replacements. Any recommendations where I can exchange for restored originals?

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Original parts?

Don-----

The only supplier that I know of that claims to have the 65-66 calipers available is Vette Brakes. However, if one calls them about them, I understand that one is told that they are not available.

Many of the 1st design calipers have been converted by rebuilders to 2nd design by now. In this process the piston guides are machined out, the calipers sleeved, and 2nd design, non-guided, non-insulated pistons are installed. Of course, even if you could get a set of those you would have the correct caliper casting numbers if not the correct pistons. The insulated piston configuration is virtually indiscernable when the calipers are mounted on the car with the wheels on. For that matter, though, the caliper casting numbers are difficult to see, too, and I don't know if they are judged, or not.

Anyway, I think that it will be difficult to obtain a set of calipers with the correct casting numbers including a set that have been converted to 2nd design. As I say, over the years the first design umits have been converted and "dispersed" by rebuilders. There was rarely any attempt made to keep them together as a set, so the caliper halves with the 65-66 casting numbers are now found "here-and-there" in car sets mixed with other casting numbers.

A large rebuilder like Vette Brakes or Stainless Steel Brakes Corporation with a fairly large inventory of cores MIGHT be willing (for an extra service charge, of course) to go through them to find you a set of, at least, correct casting numbers. You would have to call them, though, to find out. If you do, let us all know what you find out.

[Eugene B.]

Re: C2 Original parts?

Don,
Last year, I had my original '65 calipers remanufactured by Lonestar Caliper Co. in Canton, TX.

At that time, they had original (1st. design) calipers available for purchase. You may find they pricy, but considering Joe's comments (below); you may not have a choice.

Call Lonestar (903) 829-8400 and ask for Ken.

Good luck,
Gene

[Patrick H.]

Re: C2 Original parts?

We had ours done by Vette Brakes for our 66, which still had most of the original castings. One of our calipers was not the original casting, and they did supply one for us (for a charge, of course). We also debated long and hard about which pistons to use, but the price ($$$) of first design pistons made the decision for us. We went with second design pistons of the O-ring variety.

Patrick

[Joe C.]

Re: C2 Original parts?

Don,

I have always had good luck with Van Steel. Talk to Art, the owner. He is always a pleasure to talk to, and free with advice and answers, too.
I have bought caliper rebuild kits from Lonestar. The parts are of excellent quality. The most important thing, though, is that I have never had any of my rebuilds leak.

Joe