'67 J56 calipers

[Robert K.]

Re: '67 J56 calipers

Joe,

Nicely said - I agree! It's all in the pads.....By the way, they are out there......

Take care,

[Wayne M.]

Re: '67 J56 calipers

.... I agree! It's all in the pads.....By the way, they are out there......

Word has it that there's some guy in California with a stash .

[William F.]

Re: '67 J56 calipers

Joe,
If I modify regular calipers to J56 configuration, do I have to find J56 type pads(from where?) or not? Regular pads with their 1 hole for 1 pin wouldn't work, would they?Please clarify and let me know my options.
Thanks

[John H.]

Re: '67 J56 calipers

J56 pads (street or race-only) are available from Duntov Motor Co., http://www.duntovmotors.com/brakes.php

[William F.]

Re: '67 J56 calipers

Thanks, John
William Ford

[Joe L.]

Re: '67 J56 calipers

Joe,
If I modify regular calipers to J56 configuration, do I have to find J56 type pads(from where?) or not? Regular pads with their 1 hole for 1 pin wouldn't work, would they?Please clarify and let me know my options.
Thanks

William-----


Standard, single pin pads can be used if one goes to the modification pictured above by Dan. I would not do this but it could be done. All one needs to do is drill the holes on either end of the backing plates. The best plan is to use J-56-configured pads with a street compound from a source like John mentions.

[William F.]

Re: '67 J56 calipers

Thanks for suggestions and contacts. I also talked to Vette Brakes in Tampa/St. Pete, FL. They can modify my calipers. They also sell pads manufactured by Hawk that they say will work with the 2 pin calipers. Anyone know/have had dealings with/ about Vette Brakes or the "Hawk" brand of pads?
Thanks again

[Dan P.]

Re: '67 J56 calipers

I bought what I believe are Hawk J56 pads to replace the home-drilled standard pads shown on the ZR1 above (bought them about 5 years ago). I chose the semi-competition (harder) pads thinking that I may autocross, but I'm paying the price in squeaky brakes in city stop and go driving. If you plan on in-town motoring, go with a softer pad formula to reduce the noise.

[Joe L.]

Re: '67 J56 calipers

I bought what I believe are Hawk J56 pads to replace the home-drilled standard pads shown on the ZR1 above (bought them about 5 years ago). I chose the semi-competition (harder) pads thinking that I may autocross, but I'm paying the price in squeaky brakes in city stop and go driving. If you plan on in-town motoring, go with a softer pad formula to reduce the noise.

Dan------


I would never, ever use any sort of racing pad for street applications, including those suitable for mild racing applications like autocross. Sometimes racing stuff is fine for the street but brake pads are not an example of such a case.

[Dan P.]

Re: '67 J56 calipers

Agree - I purchased these on recommendation of the manufacturer. To be more accurate, the pads were formulated for "performance" driving, not necessarily racing. Regardless, I believe the formula was harder than their standard pad material, hence the light squeal.

[Michael H.]

Re: '67 J56 calipers

I've driven quite a few 65 and later Corvettes with GM J56 brakes/lining on the street and in competition. I never really noticed much of a problem with cold brakes being ineffective.

[Robert K.]

Re: '67 J56 calipers

I guarantee you - there is a difference. I couldn't agree with J. Lucia more. Stay away from these pads (J56 - metallic) for street use as they will get you in trouble. However, that being said, they are an extremely good pad for use in the correct application!

[Wayne M.]

Re: '67 J56 calipers

.....I would never, ever use any sort of racing pad for street applications, including those suitable for mild racing applications like autocross. Sometimes racing stuff is fine for the street but brake pads are not an example of such a case.

Even so, in 1967, for J56, all you needed was a big block and J50 power brakes. A Canadian dealer ordered #15346 with L36, M35, J56, plus just about every other option that you could possibly get (except air... see Canada ). So I can't imagine that GM would have allowed objectionable brake squealing on such a car.

[Michael H.]

Re: '67 J56 calipers

I guarantee you - there is a difference. I couldn't agree with J. Lucia more. Stay away from these pads (J56 - metallic) for street use as they will get you in trouble. However, that being said, they are an extremely good pad for use in the correct application!

Robert,

It sounds like you've had some experience with J56? Was that on the street?

[Joe L.]

Re: '67 J56 calipers

Even so, in 1967, for J56, all you needed was a big block and J50 power brakes. A Canadian dealer ordered #15346 with L36, M35, J56, plus just about every other option that you could possibly get (except air... see Canada ). So I can't imagine that GM would have allowed objectionable brake squealing on such a car.

Wayne-----


I expect that GM "learned their lesson" during 1967. After 1967 the only way to get J-56 was with L-88, ZL-1, ZR-1, ZR-2, and the 1973-75 Z-07 package. All of these were intended for racing applications and there was only a total of 499 ever built over the 1968-75 period.