Hi guys,I'm trying to buy a set of J-56 calipers.I checked the judging manual,assembly manual and all the parts books I have.I can find no reference to J-56 calipers #'s. I've looked under heavy duty,brakes,calipers, front and rear suspension etc.Can't find it. Any information or guidance would be very much appreciated.I did find a reference to metallic and non metallic brake pads.Which is correct for J-56.Thanks, for any input.
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Re: J-56 caliper parts #'s
You'll find all the part numbers for J-56 LH/RH inner/outer caliper halves in Group 4.665 under "Housing, Wheel Brake Front Caliper, H.D. Brakes"; none of them mean much, as the part numbers never appeared on the parts. They are the same CASTING number as the standard caliper halves, just machined differently (center pin pedestal machined off, holes drilled for the dual pins). -
Re: J-56 caliper parts #'s
John,
Thanks a lot for you help, it's much appreciated.I must of spent a couple of hours last night looking for the numbers. LouComment
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easy to make
In the sixties and seventies, it was common to re-machine standard brake calipers into the J56 type. In fact, "vette brakes" used to do this conversion. In comparing the standard and J56 calipers, all you have to do is mill flat across the top to remove the boss for the single pad retainer pin, then drill two outboard holes for the cotter pins to hold the J56 pads. Vette brakes still sells the J56 type pads for about $100 per set (only the front calipers are machioned for the dual pins).
Good luck,
MarkComment
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Re: Yea but
If you want to be correct you need to start with a set of #545 castings...the (easy to find) #547 casting wasn`t used (according to Joe L.) until after the J-56 option was discontinued..Add in an expensive set of correct J-56 insulated pistons a set of $10 pins and your there...after you machine off the pin boss and drill some holes............HNComment
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Re: Yea but
You can't see the pistons when installed on the car with pads in place. Besides, real J56 calipers bring over $400 a set. You'ld be surprised what used caliper cores you can get on e-bay for a good price.Comment
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Re: Yea but
Howard------
If I said that, I mis-spoke. The "547" series calipers were used for original J-56 PRODUCTION installations. However, this only occurred for those J-56 installations from about 1973 to 1975. It's possible that 1972 installations used them, too, though. However, for the 1972-75 period, the only cars that got J-56 were ZR-1 (1972-only) and Z-07 (1973-75). A total of 256 cars.
Most of the SERVICE J-56 caliper halves for ALL 67+ Corvettes with J-56 and sold after ABOUT 1975 used the "547" series caliper castings. So, the vast majority of "547" J-56 calipers out there are likely SERVICE calipers. But, there were 512 original PRODUCTION calipers made, too (i.e. the 2 front calipers for about 256 cars; rear calipers are the same as standard as far as the machined castings go).In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: J-56 caliper parts #'s
Louis-----
As John mentioned, the caliper CASTINGS are the same for J-56 as non-J-56 for any given year. The machining of the caliper castings is the only difference. The pistons are different, though, as has also been described. At least, the pistons are different for L1967-1975 J-56 installations. 1966-E1967 J-56 used the same pistons as non-J-56. Both were of the insulated type during these years, but of a different design than the L67-75 insulated J-56 pistons.
1966 Corvettes with J-56 brakes used non-metallic, special organic material pads, front and rear, which were riveted to steel backing plates, front and rear. Front pad backing plates had the "curved" upper edge for reinforcement.
In 1967 the pads were changed. Although of the same general configuration as 1966, the 1967-75 pads were of a different non-metallic, organic material. Most importantly, the friction material was bonded to the pad backing plates rather than being riveted. Also, the front pad backing plate material was changed from steel to Inconel, which is an extremely strong, high temperature resistant alloy. These pads were made for Delco by Raybestos.
Although there are "reproductions" of the J-56 pads available today, the reproductions are all of steel backing plate material and riveted construction. Also, they use "rotor-eating" semi-metallic friction material.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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