Hello, I have recently purchased a very good condition 1966 L72 that has been stored since 1983. That we can find, the only alterations are removal of the TI (used amp holes and harness clip present), 1970's Ansen wheels, and ancient hooker side pipes, she is all original. So my first task, getting the brakes operational. I can't tell by what I have seen in the manuals, but are the Calipers date coded? My heart tells me i would rather have the originals sleeved and rebuilt, but if they are all the same... Thanks for the advice.
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Re: Hello and C2 Brake Calipers
Mike------
The calipers may be date-coded but not in any meaningful way. IF what appears to be a date code actually is a date code, it's only a julian-style date code with no reference to year.
All 1965-82 calipers are functionally interchangeable. However, they are not all the same. If your 1966 calipers are original to the car (or exact replacements indistinguishable from originals), all caliper halves will have casting numbers beginning with 546. If they are 545 or 547, then they are not originals or original replacements. These are the full numbers:
front caliper castings (same casting numbers each side)------5465952, 5465954
rear caliper castings (same casting numbers each side)------5465902, 5465905
Understand, though, that while the caliper castings are the same for each side, the finish machining of the caliper halves is not the same. So, the caliper assemblies are specific for each wheel position.
Also, you need to check the caliper pistons. If original, the aluminum pistons will have a brown ceramic insulator attached to the front with a central screw. If you have the correct casting numbers but the pistons do not have the insulator, that means that the calipers have been converted to second design. In this case, while the castings, themselves, might be original to the car (or replacements that are the same as original), the current configuration is not original.
If the car has original calipers in all aspects of configuration, I would definitely have those rebuilt and returned. If they are original in all respects, the chances are huge that they will not have been previously sleeved. If so, I can virtually guarantee you that they will need to be sleeved now.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Hello and C2 Brake Calipers
At the very least all calipers should be disassembled and cleaned with new seals plus flush the lines. Should you have the phenolic insulators do not attempt to remove them my best guess if any of the pistons are original they will be corroded beyond use.Comment
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Re: Hello and C2 Brake Calipers
Your best bet is to send them to Lonestar Caliper and have them SS Sleeved. They have the correct pistons and will refinish your calipers. They carry a lifetime warranty.
Their number is 1 903 829-8400.
Tell them Jose sent you.
JRComment
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Re: Hello and C2 Brake Calipers
Thanks everyone! Joe L, they are indeed the 546 Variety! I will definitely have them rebuilt. Jose, I will give them a call. The only other place I could find specializing in vettes is Muskegon Brake (4 - 6 Week Turnaround).
MikeComment
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Re: Hello and C2 Brake Calipers
I sent mine to Muskegon, who sent them to Lone Star. They came back to me in the Lone Star boxes.
Suggest you cut out the middle man and go directly to Lone Star. Be sure to tell them Jose sent you.Comment
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Re: Hello and C2 Brake Calipers
I will check for sure. The car has been in storage since 1983, so I'm guessing they need everything. Thanks!Comment
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Re: Hello and C2 Brake Calipers
So, it appears that Lonestar is $177 a Caliper, and Muskegon is $89 a Caliper. I don't want to cheap out on this, but is Lonestar $350 better for a set of four? Thanks!Comment
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Re: Hello and C2 Brake Calipers
OK, lets see if I have this straight. Muskegon is cheaper than Lonestar AND Lonestar does Muskegon brakes for them. Something just does not add up.
Are you sure that you are asking them the same questions??? If Lonestar is that much higher they are doing something that you haven't asked Muskegon to do!!!!
JRComment
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Re: Hello and C2 Brake Calipers
Also, they offer to mechanically restore the Calipers without touching the outside surfaces as an option. In a "Survivor" car, would the original ugly rusty finish be preferable over a blast and repaint in an otherwise original undercar? Do judges care? Thanks.Comment
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Re: Hello and C2 Brake Calipers
Don't mean to question your statement, but I had a master cylinder sleeved by Muskegon, just sleeved and I did the rebuild. It was $80. $89 to completely rebuild a caliper seems very low.
By the way, I was very happy with their work and turn around. So, I'm not questioning their competence.Don Harris
Current: 67 convertible Marina Blue L79
Former: 60 Red/Red, 2x4, 245hp (Regional and National Top Flight 2013), 66 coupe Nassau Blue, L79 (Chapter and Regional Top Flight 2017)Comment
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Re: Hello and C2 Brake Calipers
So, when I asked for price he said:
"Lip seals are original style at $89.95 per caliper plus shipping to get back to you.* O-Ring seals are an upgrade that are designed to do a lot of sitting and those are priced $109.95 per caliper plus shipping back to you.* And those prices are painted or left in survivor condition."
Seems like a deal!Comment
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Re: Hello and C2 Brake Calipers
Mike------
You have 1st design calipers. I expect that the $177 price is for 1st design calipers, rebuilt as 1st design calipers. I expect the $89 price is for first design calipers rebuilt as second design calipers or just a price for 2nd design calipers. In other words, Lonestar knew you had 1st design calipers and assumed you wanted to keep them that way. Muskegon either didn't know you had 1st design calipers or figured it would be OK with you to convert them to 2nd design. 1st design calipers are more expensive to rebuild than 2nd design because there's extra effort required in the sleeving and the pistons are more expensive.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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