Lone Star Caliper and MC SS sleeving

[Joseph E.]

Do any of the members have experience (good or bad) with Lone Star Caliper out of Texas and stainless steel sleeving a master cylinder?

I've acquired a good, but leaky, original '67 master cylinder core to have rebuilt and then installed in my L79. I spoke with Billy at White Post Restoration in Virginia and he seemed very nice during our first conversation. However, when I called him back to ask if the warranty for his work extends to the use of DOT 5 fluid he did a complete 180! He became very short tempered and insisted that only original type fluid be used and that his warranty would become void if anything else was used.
I also spoke with someone at Apple Hydraulics who told me that their work is not covered by warranty if DOT 5 fluid is used. Lone Star says that their work is covered by warranty for either original type or DOT 5 fluid. Stainless Steel Brakes out of Clarence, NY no longer sleeves master cylinders but they did my original in my '66 into which I installed DOT 5 fluid 20 years ago and haven't had any issues with it.
Any input or suggestions for other rebuilders would be most appreciated as always. Thanks.

Joe #45420

[Michael M.]

Re: Lone Star Caliper and MC SS sleeving

Lone Star stainless steeled my brakes and master cylinder about 12 years ago. I have been using Dot 5 ever since without one problem.

[Larry M.]

Re: Lone Star Caliper and MC SS sleeving

Based on what I know, I would trust Lone Star to do a good job. I have not heard of any complaints.

I would also call CSSB (Corvette Stainless Steel Brakes) in Florida. They also have a very good reputation for brake work and parts. Google the name for phone number and website.

Larry

[Steven S.]

Re: Lone Star Caliper and MC SS sleeving

I haven't used Lonestar for my m/c, but if I did it over again I believe I would have. I have a set of their calipers and I've talked with Ken a few times in person at Carlisle and he seems like a real good guy IMO. I just went through the dot 5 issue with Apple myself, and it seems the rebuilders are all leaning in that direction.

[Jeff P.]

Re: Lone Star Caliper and MC SS sleeving

I will have to check on this. I thought I recalled Lone Star Caliper paper work to have something that said Dot 5 will void the warranty. I had this done by them this past May. I do have a caliper that is leaking. I'll check the paperwork and get back. Jeff

[Tom A.]

Re: Lone Star Caliper and MC SS sleeving

I've been using Lone Star for years, never had an issue. Ken and his crew are great. I would highly recommend them. I'm a restorer so I use them regularly.

[Scott S.]

Re: Lone Star Caliper and MC SS sleeving

What is it about DOT 5 brake fluid that might be causing rebuilders to be concerned about problems down the road?

[John F.]

Re: Lone Star Caliper and MC SS sleeving

I think they are all trying to stay with what the manufacturer of the MC or GM recommended in the first place to cover their butts. Product liability lawsuits seem to pop up when something goes wrong. Down the road DOT-5 will be the accepted method and everyone will probably fall in line. JMHO

[Joe L.]

Re: Lone Star Caliper and MC SS sleeving

What is it about DOT 5 brake fluid that might be causing rebuilders to be concerned about problems down the road?

Scott------


I have no idea. First of all, the type of brake fluid used should be 100% irrelevant with respect to the sleeve used, be it brass or stainless steel. In general, the only warranty one gets from a master cylinder or caliper rebuilder is the warranty applicable to the SLEEVE. If the rest of the rebuild is warranted, at all, it's for a very limited time.

[Steven S.]

Re: Lone Star Caliper and MC SS sleeving

I was told that in the long, long term, the silicone fluid will cause the seals to get "jelly". Right or wrong, I don't know, but there have been several who have claimed using dot 5 for decades with no reported issues.

[Brian M.]

Re: Lone Star Caliper and MC SS sleeving

My 67 has a Brass sleeved M/C from White Post and 4 SS callipers from Lone Star in service for 8 years with DOT 4 with no problems.

[Terry M.]

Re: Lone Star Caliper and MC SS sleeving

Lone Star did my calipers a couple of decades ago. No issues and I use DOT 5. Master cylinder has not been sleeved.

I too can't imagine what DOT 3, 4, 5.1 or DOT 5 has to do with the warrantee. Go get the SAE papers on DOT 5. The military tested it extensively in the '60s. It does not turn the seals to jelly, but poor installation practice will lead to the formation of a jelly-like substance in the system. That substance seemed not to harm performance, but it is probably not something you want in your brake system. Flush all the old glycol based fluid and you are golden. If it works for tanks and HOGs it will work for your Corvette.

[Dick W.]

Re: Lone Star Caliper and MC SS sleeving

In the FWIW column, Kermit has had silicone in it for about 25 years with no problems. I am really surprised that one or more calipers have not started leaking. From my experience the seals will start seeping way before that no matter what fluid you use.

[Mike G.]

Re: Lone Star Caliper and MC SS sleeving

lonestar did all the brake stuff for my 70 and i am real happy with them. they were always nice to talk to no matter what the question. i recommend them.

[Mike T.]

Re: Lone Star Caliper and MC SS sleeving

Here's another positive comment about Lone Star. About 4 years ago I bought their new caliper castings with the original lip seals and they've been on my 66 Coupe, with DOT 4 fluid, since then and no problems.

I'm in the process of adding PB to my 65 Coupe and also replacing the calipers. I again bought new casting calipers from Lone Star, through Willcox, but this time decided I'd go the o-ring route versus lip seal. When I talked with the Lone Star people, I asked if I needed to let them know ahead of time that I was intending on using DOT 5 fluid figuring they might need to know that when assembling the calipers. Their answer was that I could use DOT 3, 4 or 5 because the assembly fluid they used was neutral and compatible with any of those categories of brake fluid.

So, they knew up front of my intention of using DOT 5 and apparently it's not an issue.