1956 Sebring Corvette Brakes

[Tom W.]

Since the development of brakes for Sebring in 1956 involved several drum prototypes and even a Halibrand spot disc trial, when was RPO 684 officially offered for the SR cars and production units going forward?
There is reference to Oldsmobile backing plates being used with finned drums on the Sebring cars. Does anyone know what Oldsmobile that backing plate came from. I bought two 1955 Holiday 88 plates attempting to re-create the brake package. Those plates were no deeper than the stock Corvette and the mounting holes are not symetrical to the spindle.
Were the Oldsmobiole units that were used a direct bolt on, or was modification other than the cooling cut outs necessary? Werte the heavy duty spindles configured differently than stock? Thanks

[John N.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette Brakes

Since the development of brakes for Sebring in 1956 involved several drum prototypes and even a Halibrand spot disc trial, when was RPO 684 officially offered for the SR cars and production units going forward?
There is reference to Oldsmobile backing plates being used with finned drums on the Sebring cars. Does anyone know what Oldsmobile that backing plate came from. I bought two 1955 Holiday 88 plates attempting to re-create the brake package. Those plates were no deeper than the stock Corvette and the mounting holes are not symetrical to the spindle.
Were the Oldsmobiole units that were used a direct bolt on, or was modification other than the cooling cut outs necessary? Werte the heavy duty spindles configured differently than stock? Thanks

Tom
The first known production RPO 684 car was 57 3963, the Bob Rosenthal- Bark Henry car, produced approximately 5-14-57 and raced at Cumberland that weekend. The 56 cars used option SR2F front and rear suspension w/3.70 to 1 rear axle (limited slip) contained the heavy duty brakes (finned drums, vented backing plates, cerametalic 2 1/2"- 1 3/4" shoes. Ken Kayser may be the best reference on the backing plates. The 56 SR spindles were different (shorter in length, larger roller bearings) but this had no change for backing plate. The 57's were to have SR options but thy went to the RPO 684 in the fall of 56. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Regardt

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette Brakes

looks like that dif was a modified halibrand quick change with out a spool because when they turned the drums they went in opposite directions

[Tom W.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette Brakes

Thanks John,
I searched the membership roster to contact Ken Kayser and his name is not on file. How can I find him?
Tom

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette Brakes

Ken can be reached at www.kayserspecialty@aol.com or 810 238-8795

[John N.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette Brakes

looks like that dif was a modified halibrand quick change with out a spool because when they turned the drums they went in opposite directions

Clem
The dif in the 56 SRs were a Lyeth Engineering cone type limited slip somewhat like a Dana positraction addition to a Chevrolet third member. Rich Lyeth was probably a prototype inventer type in the Detroit area. His Hy Tork positration was used in various race cars of that era. He raced a Ferrari with a Chevrolet motor in SCCA.
Regards

[Clem Z.]

Re: 1956 Sebring Corvette Brakes

Clem
The dif in the 56 SRs were a Lyeth Engineering cone type limited slip somewhat like a Dana positraction addition to a Chevrolet third member. Rich Lyeth was probably a prototype inventer type in the Detroit area. His Hy Tork positration was used in various race cars of that era. He raced a Ferrari with a Chevrolet motor in SCCA.
Regards

interesting as i watched the video you could see the drums turning in oposite directions like a open dif would do.