1969 Corvette brake problem

[Dave R.]

I have a 1969 Corvette that, after eight years of trying, I finally found someone who was able to get the car running properly. Of course I am excited to drive it now but, have noticed that the brake pedal goes to the floor and the brake light goes on occasionally. A mechanic who previously worked on the car suggested that the left caliper needed to be replaced as the car pulls to the left when the brakes are applied.

Questions I have are;

1. Do you think I need to replace / rebuild the master cylinder?
2. Is it wise to replace just one caliper? Should I have the caliper rebuilt or is it better to just replace it?
3. Can this service be easily done by an inexperienced owner or should I take it to a shop?
4. If I do take it to a shop does it have to be a Corvette specialist or can any competent shop perform this work?

[Paul O.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

Dave

If the car pulls left when braking it is a sign that the right side is the problem as it is not providing brake friction. Hence the car pulls left.

1. If it is is the original master cylinder and it can be rebuilt and or re-sleeved yes do it. Or replace with a correct vintage master cylinder.

2. If the calipers have already been stainless steel sleeved then you can rebuild them if not replace all with sleeved calipers. No you would need to do both for safety and balance of braking.

3. If you have never done a caliper replacement or rebuild then no a Corvette of this vintage is not an easy starting car. If you have a friend or a chapter member that has done one before then use their help.

4. I would look for an Corvette experienced shop to do this work.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

Dave,

Corvette being worked on eight years????
Brakes are something that can get you or your family member injured or killed.
Please find a Corvette Shop in your area, visit them, ask for references and then follow their advise on your brakes.
Some one needs to be up close and inspect your Corvette first hand!

JR

[Terry B.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

Hi Dave,

I had the same problem with my '68 except it seemed that 3 of the 4 calipers had been leaking. Brakes are something you do not mess around with. They need to be dependable 100% of the time. As Joe and Paul have said, find a Corvette shop or a NCRS (Chapter) member in your area who can help you. You might consider replacing all 4 calipers at this time or you might be back shortly with the same problem. While you are at it, test the Master Cylinder too. I replaced my 4 calipers this past fall using Corvette Stainless Steel Brakes Co. http://www.cssbinc.com/ and was happy with the results. Good luck.

Terry

[Edward J.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

Dave, Since the car has been sitting for years, I would rebuild the brake hydraulic system( calipers, master cylinder), Brakes parts on a Corvette are not bad to replace, but the trick is knowing how the properly bleed the system. Also look at the caliper pressure hoses. If there is one thing you do want working it is the brakes,

[Dave R.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

Dave,

Corvette being worked on eight years????
Brakes are something that can get you or your family member injured or killed.
Please find a Corvette Shop in your area, visit them, ask for references and then follow their advise on your brakes.
Some one needs to be up close and inspect your Corvette first hand!

JR

The Corvette hasn't been worked on continuously for eight years; I have had the car to three Corvette "specialists" over the course of eight years in hopes that one of them could get the car to run as I knew an L46 should and none of them could. I finally had a member of Yenko.net offer to look the car over for me and he was able to get it to run perfect.

If anyone knows of a NCRS member local to me who would be willing help I am all ears; I have already had the car to a noted Corvette shop in Vineland and another in Mt. Holly so I will not take the car to either of those shops again.

[Jerry B.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

I would also suggest replacing all the brake lines that are 44 years. Is there a preference o ring or original style?

[Dave R.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

I would also suggest replacing all the brake lines that are 44 years. Is there a preference o ring or original style?

I thought you had to lift the body to change out the brake lines; I can't afford that right now.

[Thomas H.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

I thought you had to lift the body to change out the brake lines; I can't afford that right now.

I would think he was referring to the rubber brake hoses that connect the steel brake lines to the calipers. These hoses get weak over time and can "balloon" when the brakes are applied reducing the braking effectiveness.

If your brake system has never been overhauled that you know of, now is the time to rebuild / replace the master cylinder (keep the original if you decide to replace) and replace or send the calipers out to be sleeved and O-ringed.

Bleeding the brakes on a C3 can be a pain, but there is lots of info out there in cyberspace on how to do it easily and effectively.

Tom

[Jeff P.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

Dave, Contact "MasterWorks" (248) 583-0590 ask for Werner Meier. Warner is the BrakeMaster and will direct you to what is required to overhaul the System.

[Dave R.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

Dave, Contact "MasterWorks" (248) 583-0590 ask for Werner Meier. Warner is the BrakeMaster and will direct you to what is required to overhaul the System.

Where are they located?

[Jeff P.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

Dave, He's located in the MotorCity, Michigan. You can ship anywhere in the World nowadays.

[Dave R.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

So I found a brake kit at Corvette Central that contains new calipers (no core required), new pads, new lines and silicone fluid. Is it worth the money to buy the kit that doesn't require a core just so I can keep the ones that are on the car? I don't even know if they are original and, if they are, does it really matter?
The kit is approximately $700.00 but I could get one that required usable core exchange for a fair bit less.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

So I found a brake kit at Corvette Central that contains new calipers (no core required), new pads, new lines and silicone fluid. Is it worth the money to buy the kit that doesn't require a core just so I can keep the ones that are on the car? I don't even know if they are original and, if they are, does it really matter?
The kit is approximately $700.00 but I could get one that required usable core exchange for a fair bit less.

Dave,
See post #2.

3. If you have never done a caliper replacement or rebuild then no a Corvette of this vintage is not an easy starting car. If you have a friend or a chapter member that has done one before then use their help.

From your earlier posts I take it you live in Florida. Join that chapter (see contacts page) and seek the advice of members there who are interested in C3s to find out if you have original calipers on your car.

I don't even know if they are original and, if they are, does it really matter?

The answer is YES it matters. To determine if they are original you need help to find the caliper casting numbers. The original C3 casting numbers have been posted on this board multiple times, but if you have never looked for casting numbers brake calipers are not the easiest place to look. Seek the help of someone who can see your car.

[Dave R.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

Terry,

I have not done a caliper replacement on anything, let alone a Corvette, so I would need to find a reputable shop that could handle that work for me. Problem there is I have been disappointed with every so called "Corvette" shop in my area.

I live in New Jersey so I'd have to join a local chapter here and follow your advice.

Thanks