Better to restore calipers or buy new?

[Steve G.]

I am restoring my '70. Car sat since '85, so the brakes are probably siezed up. Is there any way to check to see if calipers or rotors are original? Are they date coded or have other distinguishing features? Even if they are original, is it worth sleeving / restoring the original calipers? If so, I'll go that route. If not, I'll probably just trade in the cores. Steve

[Ken R.]

Re: Better to restore calipers or buy new?

I would redo your originals as they are checked on bowtie judging. They are coded. There are several firms advertising in Driveline that do rework. I wouldn't take a chance that they won't leak or begin leaking very soon after you start using them after sitting that long. Tell the repair firm you want your original back, not exchanged.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Better to restore calipers or buy new?

First, be sure that the casting numbers are correct. The correct numbers are in the Archives here.

Second, it is the belief of a few of us that the calipers were date coded when assembled. I've seen NOS caliper halves without the codes, but complete calipers with them, thus my conclusion.

Below is a photo of the machined area on the top of one of my calipers. It shows a 3 digit code that I think is 136. Unfortunately the picture was taken after I painted it. However, I've seen calipers from a 1970 that are stamped "063". Interestingly it "appears" to be the same font and size used to stamp the date codes on a master cylinder.

I do not think that date codes were cast into the calipers, as by now we would have figured that one out.

If your casting numbers are correct then you "may" have the original castings. If you find any stamped numbers like below, please let us know.

Patrick

[Bill C.]

Re: Better to restore calipers or buy new?

Steve,

Original GM rotors have stampings on the side, some have discard tolerance casted into the face/hub of the rotor. Usually the rotors are rivited to the hubs too.

Original calipers will have a date code stamped into a machined surface on the back/rear of the caliper, next to the bleeder screw(I think).

It may not be a bad idea to get a complete new set (GM/Delco Licensed) from one of the Vette vendors. I am pretty sure they are stainless sleeved plus they are NEW (My opinoin).

I believe you can get a whole set (4) for something like $350 dollars or so.
It is very difficult to judge the date stamp on the back, and from the times I have followed the chasis judge, they never have.

Bowtie/Bloomington Gold, I am guessing is a whole different story.

I have 4 new GM calipers (delco/morraine) on my car, and it flight judged just fine. I think I grabbed them from Corvette Central, have had NO issues at with them. I don't think I even had to send my old ones back as a core, these were just purchased outright.

Just some ideas ===

[Steve G.]

Re: Better to restore calipers or buy new?

I checked the front calipers - they all have the correct casting numbers. I haven't checked the rears yet. Where would I look for that three digit code stamp?

They have surface rust on them that I'd like to remove. Can these be sand blasted without causing damage? Steve

[Steven B.]

Re: Better to restore calipers or buy new?

I am restoring my '70. Car sat since '85, so the brakes are probably siezed up. Is there any way to check to see if calipers or rotors are original? Are they date coded or have other distinguishing features? Even if they are original, is it worth sleeving / restoring the original calipers? If so, I'll go that route. If not, I'll probably just trade in the cores. Steve

Steve, to repeat a phrase often used "It is only original once." I prefer to keep all of the original parts I can. I had my '77 calipers ss'd over 20 years ago because I wanted to keep the originals. IF yours are original "I" would rebuild with stainless steel sleeves. I have to do my '78's and I am going to rebuild.

Steve

[Patrick H.]

Re: Better to restore calipers or buy new?

Where would I look for that three digit code stamp?
Steve

Steve,

Look at my picture above.
Top machined surface.

Patrick

[Edward J.]

Re: Better to restore calipers or buy new?

Steve, if your heading to Carlisle, just bring them with you, even if there not date coded correctly, if the casting numbers are correct thats all they judge, chances are slim that there all orig. there are venders there that you can drop them off and have them mailed back to you.( make sure of the casting no. I beleive that 72 early and late 72 may have a casting no. change)

[Steve G.]

Re: Better to restore calipers or buy new?

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I will try to get these rebuilt. The rotors look to be in pretty good shape, though they are rusty. I may check with brake restoration shops if they can restore the rotors as well. Steve

[Steve M.]

Re: Better to restore calipers or buy new?

I purchased a set of 1967 calipers that have not been sleeved. After bead blasting there were the following numbers: 5452270 had a 87 and a 74 on the other;5452281 had 17 and a ?? (present but unledgible). The stamping and font was similar to the numbers on the brake master cylinder. Makes no sense but someone might be interested.

[Mark D.]

Re: Better to restore calipers or buy new?

Second, it is the belief of a few of us that the calipers were date coded when assembled. I've seen NOS caliper halves without the codes, but complete calipers with them, thus my conclusion.

Please excuse the cat hairs in the PICS. This caliper is from a 1970 Corvette.