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NEW vs Remanufactured brake calipers

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Discussion starter · #21 ·
BamaNomad said:
Pops? Don't you have an old pair of calipers that you can rebuild??
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Ya know Gary...I've been fighting it...However, after watching a "how to" video, I think I should be able to handle the job.

Sounds like a viable alternative...Reasonably sure I have a spare set that came off my '57...I can have my daughter order rebuild kits tomorrow.

 
Discussion starter · #24 ·
SLIM said:
You showed 2 different calipers a good one and an ugly black one. Where did you get those and why not get more of the good ones?
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The "ugly black one" is a NAPA remanufactured caliper.

The "good one" is out of a complete zero offset kit that I got from Mike Garcia...I am going to use the "good ones" on the car that I'm working on...However, I would like to replace them with calipers of equal quality for future use....He said: "I have a supplier in the US, they come complete so I don't have access to individual parts"

On a side note I'd like to throw out another plug for Mike's Zero Offset Front Disc Brake Kit...IMHO, it is the best bang for the buck on the market....Quality parts and excellent service for a reasonable price.
 
Discussion starter · #27 ·
SLIM said:
So buy more from him
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Wish I could SLIM....He said: "I have a supplier in the US, they come complete so I don't have access to individual parts"
 
Discussion starter · #29 ·
SLIM said:
So what was the question to that reply? Did you ask him to buy calipers?
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This is what I asked Mike:
​
Mike...I have this kit and am very happy with it, BTW....I'm curious about the calipers...They look new (not remanufactured)...If so, where did you get them? Are they made in the US or China? Also, I noticed that the banjo washers are nice thick 1/16 th ones....Where do you buy those?​
​
I have a supplier in the US, they come complete so I don't have access to individual parts



I ASS-U-MED that to mean that he did not sell the calipers separately.
 
#30 ·
I know he's not going to reveal his source of calipers so that sounds like he's telling you they're USA not sure what the individual components means, maybe when people ask to buy pads he won't sell that because the calipers come loaded and he's not going to strip a caliper just to sell some small parts
But you didn't ask him to buy some from what I read
 
Discussion starter · #31 ·
SLIM said:
I know he's not going to reveal his source of calipers so that sounds like he's telling you they're USA not sure what the individual components means, maybe when people ask to buy pads he won't sell that because the calipers come loaded and he's not going to strip a caliper just to sell some small parts
But you didn't ask him to buy some from what I read
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I will ask him directly...But I hate to test anyone's patience by wasting their time.
 
#33 · (Edited)
The ones you pictured last were the earlier 'multiple piston' calipers.. ('Chevys and Camaros thru '68 and Corvettes thru '82? used the 4-piston calipers which had the O-ring in the piston, and had to seal against the walls of the cylinder (which usually corroded and required an expensive rebuild and sleeving with either stainless steel or brass). Rebuilt 4-piston calipers generally are in the $200-250 range nowadays with SS sleeves.

Whereas the calipers you are using are single piston calipers which have the sealing Oring in the cylinder and pistons which do not corrode, so replacing the O-ring (and dust shield) is basically all that is required for the rebuild (other than cleaning/painting/etc). Here are photos of the Calipers from my '69 Z28 (before) and (after the $8 rebuild)...
343058

343059

If you rebuild them yourself, you can assemble them with the brake fluid that you plan to run in them! The single piston calipers were a large improvement in the GM caliper design, as inner cylinder corrosion didn't prevent them from working, and rebuild is very easy - no honing, sleeving, etc required!
 
Discussion starter · #34 ·
BamaNomad said:
The ones you pictured last were the earlier 'multiple piston' calipers..
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Gary...I just grabbed that video (and pic) off the net for demonstration purposes.

Appreciate your help :)
 
#35 ·
Pops @ Tri-5.com said:
Gary...I just grabbed that video (and pic) off the net for demonstration purposes.
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Yes, but it doesn't demonstrate the process for the single piston caliper, as explained.

Which brings up another fact - the seal on a single piston GM caliper will far outlive a whole bunch of brake pads and other brake parts - they rarely need to be rebuilt, especially on our classic cars that aren't driven much.
 
Discussion starter · #36 ·
There are plenty of videos on the net, covering the procedures...Single piston, double piston...The procedures are basically the same...Apply compressed air to get the piston out, then replace the sealing O ring and dust shield...Clean things up as you go...Put the thing back together and you're on your way.

With Gary's expert advise and the videos a caliper rebuild should be a piece of cake
 
#38 ·
Pops @ Tri-5.com said:
There are plenty of videos on the net, covering the procedures...Single piston, double piston...The procedures are basically the same...Apply compressed air to get the piston out, then replace the sealing O ring and dust shield...Clean things up as you go...Put the thing back together and you're on your way.

With Gary's expert advise and the videos a caliper rebuild should be a piece of cake
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Pops: Please don't refer to my advise as 'expert' (I prefer experienced!).. :) I know a little about a lot of things, and a lot about a few things (that I engineered for 40+ years), and I do have some experience rebuilding both multiple piston Corvette brake calipers and the late sixties/early 70s' single piston GM calipers, and that was what my recommendations were about here. Rebuilding the later single piston calipers ARE a piece of cake, but the multiple piston calipers NOT SO much! :)

Besides, I learned long ago the real definition of 'expert'... you have to break the word down!
'ex' means a has been... and 'spurt' is a drip under pressure! :)
 
Discussion starter · #39 ·
BamaNomad said:
Besides, I learned long ago the real definition of 'expert'... you have to break the word down!
'ex' means a has been... and 'spurt' is a drip under pressure! :)
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We must have went to the same schools Gary :)
 
#40 ·
Whatever you do, when using compressed air to remove the piston….do not put your hand over the end of the caliper….you will break your fingers! I had a friend do that in college after warning him not to…yup…3 broken fingers. Just flip the old pad and let it rip. Rebuilding calipers is easier than brushing your teeth…go for it. I use an ultrasonic parts cleaner to clean calipers and carbs and whatever else I can fit in it.
 
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Pops @ Tri-5.com
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