In assessing the brake calipers in my 69 for which I am beginning a restore I have determined the following. I have not checked the casting numbers for any of the inside halves but looking at the outside halves the only numbers that are correct are the left rear caliper. I know for certain the two front calipers were replaced and the right rear is not a correct number....looks to be something off an early 70s Chevy something or other. Car has been sitting 20 years and mechanic working with me on this suggests replacing all caliper seals. I would like to over time get the car as "correct" as possible. The pads on both rears are pretty well shot so those pads need replaced now. So do I keep the left rear caliper and replace its seals...cuz that caliper is original...and replace the right rear caliper with a new correct casting one? Or for symmetrical performance or other considerations scrap what may be the only original caliper and replace both rear calipers thereby skipping the seal replacement altogether in the process? Am planning to replace both rear rotors in any scenario.
When it comes time to do front brake work...its an easier decision as neither caliper is correct so just replace both with new correct ones.
I realize some of this may be "depends what your objectives and restoration philosophy are". Not new to cars by any stretch but this is my first resto which I may...years down the road...want to have judged....so value any and all perspectives on balancing originality vs performance vs correctness....vs...anything else!!
When it comes time to do front brake work...its an easier decision as neither caliper is correct so just replace both with new correct ones.
I realize some of this may be "depends what your objectives and restoration philosophy are". Not new to cars by any stretch but this is my first resto which I may...years down the road...want to have judged....so value any and all perspectives on balancing originality vs performance vs correctness....vs...anything else!!
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