1969 Corvette brake problem

[Terry M.]

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

I thought the town names you posted were in Florida, but regardless ... The Central New Jersey Chapter is pretty active. Join up, attend a few meetings and find out which repair shop is good with C3s in your area of the state.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

Dave,
I would call Ken McCormick at Lonestar Caliper co. 903-829-8400, his company rebuilds alot of calipers for the Corvette parts vendors, they can rebuild your original calipers and your master cylinder and supply you with brake hoses and fluid. Very nice fellow and very reasonable.
Richard

[Paul J.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

Dave, I didn't see in any of the other posts that you replaced the flexible rubber lines. GM rubber lines are infamous for collapsing (not ballooning). This is a cheap fix and should be tried before you rebuild the calipers. The calipers are difficult to rebuild, and I would not have them sleeved unless it is necessary. The master cylinder is an easy rebuild, but as before, if it is pitted it may need to be sleeved.

Paul

[Dave R.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

Paul are the lines something that I could look at and tell whether or not they're collapsing or is that something that only occurs under braking? I would really welcome any recommendations for reputable Corvette shops, or mechanics, who are local to me so I can get the brakes properly repaired. I have had the car to two "specialists" that are fairly local and was not impressed so I really need to find a shop that knows their stuff.

The warmer weather is fast approaching and I really want to be able to safely enjoy the car.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

Paul are the lines something that I could look at and tell whether or not they're collapsing or is that something that only occurs under braking? I would really welcome any recommendations for reputable Corvette shops, or mechanics, who are local to me so I can get the brakes properly repaired. I have had the car to two "specialists" that are fairly local and was not impressed so I really need to find a shop that knows their stuff.

The warmer weather is fast approaching and I really want to be able to safely enjoy the car.

Dave-----

Collapsing rubber brake lines cannot be externally discerned. The failure is entirely internal. The solution is to just routinely replace the lines when the calipers are serviced.

I will tell you this much: 1969 Corvettes are an absolute BITCH to bleed properly. I don't know why as the system is not all that much different from any 67-82. It's one of the few jobs on my 1969 that I actually FEAR.

[Dave R.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

All the more reason why I definitely want to find a good shop to handle this for me; I am open to recommendations.

[Chris H.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

I can vouch for Lone Star. The did all 4 of my 69's originals last year. Very reasonable, good customer service.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

All the more reason why I definitely want to find a good shop to handle this for me; I am open to recommendations.

I'd still join the local NCRS Chapter, as mentioned above, and see what recommendations you get.

[Dave R.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

This may seem like a stupid question but, how do I go about joining a local chapter?
Where is Lone Star located?

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

This may seem like a stupid question but, how do I go about joining a local chapter?

Scroll up to contacts:

https://www.ncrs.org/contact.php

http://www.cnjncrs.org/

Where is Lone Star located?

I'll give you 3 guesses, and the first two don't count.

It's as obvious as you think it should be.
If in doubt....

http://www.lonestarcaliper.com/

FYI, any of the major Corvette brake places (Lonestar, Vette Brakes, SSBC, etc) can get you rebuilt calipers or new calipers.
Lonestar happens to be the one who went through the trouble of reproducing the brake calipers. Other vendors buy the new calipers from Lonestar and resell them.
Buy them from whatever company gives you the best price.

I hope that helps.

[Paul O.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

Dave

I see you are from NJ but do not know if your Northerner or central or southern. Here is the central NJ chapter site. http://www.cnjncrs.org/ Hope this helps. There are many great members in this chapter and really can help you along with your project. Contact one of the chapter officers they can lead you in the correct direction.

[Rob M.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

This may seem like a stupid question but, how do I go about joining a local chapter?

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/register/dues_chapters.php

[Dave R.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

Dave

I see you are from NJ but do not know if your Northerner or central or southern. Here is the central NJ chapter site. http://www.cnjncrs.org/ Hope this helps. There are many great members in this chapter and really can help you along with your project. Contact one of the chapter officers they can lead you in the correct direction.

Paul, I guess I am in limbo as I live in Little Egg Harbor, NJ. Not exactly Central Jersey but, not real South either.

[Paul O.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

Paul, I guess I am in limbo as I live in Little Egg Harbor, NJ. Not exactly Central Jersey but, not real South either.

Dave

I would still contact the chapter. Maybe you can't make all the activities but there is a lot of resources and help that you may need and use. These members are all over the state of NJ they do fun thing have meeting and Tech sessions etc. Its a win-win new friends information and help.

[David P.]

Re: 1969 Corvette brake problem

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?

Dave, as you can tell by the volume of advice this is a common issue with any old car, and obviously a critical one. I just went through this with my 1970 454 and it was pretty painless. I had to change the horrid-looking brake fluid and rebuild my master cylinder: honing the bore took care of the minor surface imperfections. 3 of 4 calipers are original and doing fine. Also had to replace the flex hoses at the wheels. Lines were fine.

My only recommendation to add/reinforce is to keep any parts you take off the car and save them. Regardless whether your current goals for the car are to pursue Flight judging or not, saving the parts will preserve options to return the car to originality for you or a future owner later on. That's if you decide to go with reproduction/replacement parts now, ie the cheaper route.

Remember to look at the parking brake while you're at it!