67 Brake Calipers

[Craig Trask]

Can someone tell me if it is acceptable to NCRS or Bloomington to change the original brakes calipers to newer factory correct Delco Calipers? Do the numbers on the old housings tie to a date code or to the car?


I recently purchased the Red/red 390hp Roadster featured on the cover of the current Corvette Black Book. The car was NCRS Top Flight and Bloomington gold as recently as 96/97. I would like to push the car through again but the calipers are leaking and I don't want to lower my score by replacing them with incorrect calipers.


I appreciate the help.


Craig

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 Brake Calipers

Craig-----


I'm not sure that I completely understand your question, but I'll try to answer it several ways.


First, let me offer this. There are several different iterations of calipers that were used over the 1965-82 production period. Each iteration had its own casting numbers. Also, these calipers usually had a date code. There were at least 3 iterations that occurred for different year model "ranges". I could not tell you at the moment what the correct casting numbers are for 1967, but I believe that you can find this information in the archives from previous posts. As I recall, Sal Carbone posted information earlier in this regard. I do not know if casting numbers and dates are "judged", though. I'll leave that to others to advise.


If you are asking if you could replace your calipers with NEW GM/Delco units, it's really a moot question. The GM calipers were never available in SERVICE as complete assemblies. The caliper halves were available in SERVICE and a complete caliper could be constructed using SERVICE pistons, seals, boot, springs, and other parts. However, all of the GM/Delco caliper halves have been discontinued from SERVICE, so, if this is your question, it's moot.


If your calipers are leaking and your question is can you EXCHANGE them for rebuilt calipers without suffering a point loss, that would be hard to answer. First, the calipers that are on your car now might not be original. If so, you would lose nothing by exchanging them. On the other hand, if they are original(or at least of original casting numbers and dates), you'd be well advised to keep them. If they are of the original, unsleeved configuration(doubtful), you could send them out to have sleeved and returned. That way you'd keep the "original" calipers. If the calipers have been previously sleeved(which is likely), you probably only require new seals and/or pistons. Stainless steel calipers, IF of high quality manufacture, will last indefinitely. Unfortunately, seals and pistons don't. It is quite common for previously sleeved and rebuilt calipers to leak after the seals and/or pistons wear and age.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 67 Brake Calipers

Craig,


Joe is correct in that caliper casting numbers and dates are not judged on the field. They just are not visible, even getting under the car and looking. The COLOR of the caliper is judged, and I believe that your Judging Guide will tell you flat black.


If you check your current calipers, you will likely find that they are not the original ones that came in 67. Most likely they were rebuilt when the car was restored, if not before. If so, a very helpful thing is to find the identifying stamp of the rebuilder on the caliper. Most rebuilders leave some type of identifier for warranty purposes.


Again, Joe is correct in that the seals often go bad, more often in a car like yours that hasn't seen road time. Using these brakes is actually helpful to the life of the seals! Kits are available from suppliers such as Vette Brakes to put new seals into your caliper. This is cheaper than exchanging for newly rebuilt units, but of course you do the work yourself.


One thing I have done is to switch to Vette Brakes' O-ring seals and pistons. These are not supposed to fail if the car sits for prolonged periods of time. While my 71 only sits for the 5 months of winter, I decided not to take a chance.


Hope this helps,


Patrick Hulst

[Robert Wilson]

Re: 67 Brake Calipers

I would go to the 1967 Corvette Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide for the correct numbers. I believe you will find each wheel and inner and outer to have different casting numbers for your year. They may have even changed in mid year. If yours are orginal and sleeved I would rebuild and if orginal but not sleeved send them off and get them sleeved and rebuilt. Tell them you want them to NCRS standards and they will correctly paint and stamp their code on the inside where not seen. If not correct suggest calling Vette Brakes and tell them the casting numbers you're looking for and they may be able to put a set together for you. Gary Gonzalez is a good point of contact at Vette Brakes on any technical questions.

[Tom B.]

Re: 3rd Edition?

Robert,


Hopefully the 3rd Edition of the 67 TM is to what you are referring. I have the 2nd edition and could never find the brake caliper number information in it. If it's now in the 3rd Edition then that would certainly be an improvement. TBarr #24014