C3-1970 Brakes bleeding and pedal pin clip

[Jim K.]

Just finished replacing 4 calipers, 2 rotors, most of the lines and the master cylinder. Two questions:
1) How do I get the clip back on the brake pedal pin that holds on the clevis to the master cylinder rod? I got it off and THEN found out I really didn't need to take it off, but cant seem to get at it again. Any tips?
2) vacuum blead the system following the directions with the kit. Also, manually bench blead the MC. But still have a very soft pedal. I plan on doing the old fasioned pump and release tomorrow (spent 12 hours on it today and I'm tired). Might I have missed something???
Thanks!!!
Jim

[John H.]

Re: C3-1970 Brakes bleeding and pedal pin clip

Jim -

If you look closely at the retainer, it has a keyhole-shaped hole in the long side that goes against the side of the pedal arm; push the clip on the end of the pin holding the clip on its edges (while holding the other end of the pin), then push harder on the clip to overcome the pressure of the barb on the outboard side, and pull it down toward the floor. The narrower end of the keyhole fits in the circumferential groove in the pin, and when the clip is moved down far enough fully engage the groove, the barb on the outboard side will snap over the end of the pin so the clip can't fall off.

Sounds more complicated than it really is - I used to install them at 65 per hour at Willow Run

[Stephen B.]

Re: C3-1970 Brakes bleeding and pedal pin clip

Bleed, bleed, and finally bleed has been my trick to getting brakes bled well. I go through 2 to 3 quarts of brake fluid for a 1.1 quart system. Press slowly all the way to the floor then release.

[Jim K.]

Re: C3-1970 Brakes bleeding and pedal pin clip

Thanks John and Steve! John, when you put them on, was all that "stuff" in the way, or was it wide open? I can't get at the darned thing!!!
I'll bleed till I bleed!!!
Jim

[Jim K.]

Re: C3-1970 Brakes bleeding and pedal pin clip

Got the clip on, ended up wedging it open slightly with a coupe of small sheet metal screws and wedged a small peice of wood to hold the pin still.
The brakes are blead about 10 times over and a quart and a half of juice. I vacuum bled, pump blead and combined the two. tightened up a few minor weeps in some of the joints. now have about a half a pedal mostly front, but the backs are feeling a little firm.
Off to the Red Sox game, I hope they do better than I did...
Jim

[John H.]

Re: C3-1970 Brakes bleeding and pedal pin clip

Jim -

After using all the "tried and true" bleeding methods over the years (gravity, pump-and-hold, Mityvac vacuum, Phoenix Injector, etc.) on stubborn Corvette calipers, I've found the Motive Products power bleeder to be THE ultimate solution. Ten minutes, one person, one trip around the car, and you're done, and you don't have to keep an eye on the master cylinder. Best sixty bucks I ever spent on a tool.

[Jim K.]

Re: C3-1970 Brakes bleeding and pedal pin clip

Hi John:
Thanks for that tip, it's on the christmas list now.
I finally got a good firm pedal, I think the trouble was due to a coulpe of small leaks, adn when I used the vacuum pump, I was drawing in air. Just road tested it and She stops very well now, nice firm high pedal. Tome to give her a bath, get an inspection sticker and load up for Carlisle!!!
Thanls to all for the help!!!
Jim

[Jeremy D.]

Re: C3-1970 Brakes bleeding and pedal pin clip

I just put new calipers on my '70, and it took me 3 trips around the car and my own mother(who was in town for the weekend and swore she'd never get in an old Corvette again after what my Dad put her through in the '60's!)sat in my car for 2 hours and graciously worked the brake pedal. It was another mother/son bonding experience.....LOL I had her actually looking at C6's, now she says she wants a Chrysler Sebring Convertible w/ automatic. Depressing, to say the least!! But the car will put you through the windshield now, even with manual brakes!

[Jim K.]

Re: C3-1970 Brakes bleeding and pedal pin clip

I wish it was only 3 times around, no kidding it was close to 20. BIG difference between the old brakes and the way the refreshed brakes work; non-power, they feel like reverse thrusters compared to the 61