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Several years ago I purchased a number of NOS Z06 components. One interesting item was a complete brake hardware set. Most Z06 enthusiasts contend that Z06 brake components were purchased individually over the counter and NOT available from Chevrolet as a set. As illustrated, Chevrolet part numbers 5462252 & 2253 contain the complete set of components. However, I can't find any reference to these part numbers in my reference material or archive.
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Re: Z06 Brake Hardware Set???????????
Franz-----
Well, this is a kind of strange situation. GM #5462252 and GM #5462253 are, respectively, the left side and right side SHOE UNIT for 1957-62 Corvettes with HD brakes. I do not know exactly what parts these kits originally contained but the catalog says "includes automatic adjusting parts". Even though the description says "shoe unit" that does not necessarily mean that the shoes were actually included.
The catalog also says that these kits are to be used with brake conversion unit GM #3823053. GM #3823053 was a brake conversion unit applicable to 1957-62 Corvettes. It consisted of the drums, fans, and self-adjusting brake kits. Presumably, the 5462252 and 5462253 kits were for the rest of what was needed for the conversion or they were a part of the 3823053 kit that was available seperately. This would imply that they did contain the shoes, but the boxes you have pictured don't look large enough.
The GM #3823053 conversion kit was a group 5.000 item and was released ABOUT September, 1962. Apparently, GM could not decide exactly what parts group that the 5462252 and 5462253 belonged in. They are variously reported as being part of groups 5.000, 5.018, and 5.103.
The GM #3823053 was discontinued from SERVICE in May, 1968 and the GM #5462252 and 5462253 were both discontinued from SERVICE in May, 1969.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Z06 Brake Hardware Set???????????
Hi Joe: One of the boxes was sealed and never opened until this year. I have no satisfactory explanation as to Chevrolet's thinking when these items were available over the counter.
I have two hypothesis:
1. Chevrolet was developing a forward adjusting braking system for solid axle cars in the 62 time frame that was never released.
2. Chevrolet engineering had intended to release a complete service package, similar to part#3823053 as you have pointed out. However, it was only available for a very short period of time.
The part numbers that appear on the boxes are clearly for a sold axle application. However, the components themselves are, without question, 63 Z06 or 64 J-56. The box dimensions are: 9"lgth x 3" wide x 2" high obviously to small to contain brake linings.
Component example: the levers are part numbers 5462740/2741 and exhibit the correct blue and green identification code. The springs are all the correct wire diameters, contain the correct number of coils and ground according to drawing specifications. The balance of the hardware is identical to components on my Z06.
I'm baffled!!!!!!!!!!!
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Re: Z06 Brake Hardware Set???????????
Franz--
Enjoyed meeting and talking with you at Carlisle last year.
My 62 Gulf racer was equipped by GM with forward-adjusting brakes already in January of 62 at Sebring. Maybe this sheds a bit of light on the parts--who knows?.
Mike ErnstComment
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Re: Z06 Brake Hardware Set???????????
Chevrolet engineering was experimenting with a number of new ideas for the 63 model year. To prove these innovations engineering built a number of test mules. Obviously, styling wasn't a consideration when conducting brake and suspension testing. There's an interesting article in "Sports Car Graphic" issue November 1962 regarding Corvette heavy duty testing that occurred in January 62 at Daytona. Is it a 63 or 62 you be the judge. My suspicions are that engineering was working on a service brake package. However, I'm not sure for which model year 62 or 63???????
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Re: Z06 Brake Hardware Set???????????
Franz-----
I agree, it's a "wierd" situation. However, with parts like these, I've learned that all sorts of such situations can exist. "Special" parts like these seem to create "confusion" on the part of GMSPO with respect to cataloging.
In any event, in no edition of the P&A Catalog can I find these parts cataloged for a Z-06 (usually identified in the catalogs as "1963 with sp/perf."), whether in parts group 5.000 or any other. It could be that they are mis-identified as being applicable to the 1957-62 application. If so, that mis-identification was never corrected throughout the period that they were shown in the P&A Catalogs. However, sometimes such mistakes DO carry over. This would be especially true for parts like these that would have had VERY LOW demand at the time. In other words, the number of folks affected by the mis-identification would have been so small that GMSPO might not have paid much attention to it.
The GM #5462252 and 5462253 are Delco-Moraine part numbers. So, apparently, the parts were released by them rather than Chevrolet. The GM #3823053 is a Chevrolet part number. However, since it's a kit, that would be the normal way of it. However, it likely contains at least some parts that were Delco-Moraine manufactured.
One other interesting thing: the GM #3823053 kit first appears in the P&A Catalog dated October 1, 1962. However, the 5462252 and 5462253 don't appear that early. They don't show up until sometime in 1966. And, as I mentioned previously, they are gone by May, 1969. It is possible, though, that the 5462252 and 5462253 existed well before 1966 and just didn't make it into the catalogs. That DOES happen. In fact, when I get around to it I'm going to post some information regarding just this sort of "happening" for another part that is REALLY mind-boggling.
I've also e-mailed some things to you.
In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Z06 Brake Hardware Set???????????
Franz,
--------I have never seen or heard of the prototype thats pictured. Have you??? That is one odd-ball Corvette. Would love to know more about that thing as Im sure it has a tale to tell.........Bill SComment
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