A common problem for vehicles like Vettes that are driven infrequently is a
build up of moisture in the steel caliper bores which leads to pitting and
brake failure.
In the early 80s I had a 72 Vette and after driving about 5 hours through
the Canadian Rockies, the brakes failed at 70 mph. Fortunately, it was a 4
speed standard and between downshifting and the pitiful parking brake I
was
able to stop.
The solution is to replace your calipers with stainless steel ones.
arden25 wrote:
> I would image, given your problem that the caliper bores are worn-out
> beyond
> tolerance. 1970?, they're nearly 40 years old! Rebuilding brake
> components is false economy. Someone further into this thread referenced
> the U.S Army (Silicone Brake Fluid - BFS), The Army banned rebuilding of
> hydraulic brake components in 1979. Back in the day, with lower speeds,
> less autos on the highway, and not nearly the amount of aggressive
driving
> as seen today, it was a common practice to overhaul brake cylinders and
> the like. Not worth it anymore. Then there's those that say "I want keep
> my car original and authentic". Well, if you put more emphasis on
> aesthetics than you do
> safety,.... please get off the highway, as I have several
grand-children
> that have enough dangers to worry about in this crazy world without
having
> to worry about some nut with shade-tree brakes on their car.
>
> Think about it. If the seals did stay in the bore, and you got out on
the
> road, had to apply the brakes in an emergency, and THEN your seals
> popped-out, what would you do then?
>
> You wouldn't put rebuilt tires on your 'vette, so why the brakes?
--
Eugene Blanchard
Visit my website Hot Rod Kustoms at
http://www.cadvision.com/blanchas
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