Re: calipers

[patmor@utu.fi (Patrick Joel Morton)]

At 20:04 10.9.1997, stans4@ix.netcom.com wrote:

 * I've done this once on my early '71 SB.  These have the same brakes
 * as your '70.  I rebuilt them because a caliper piston was sticking, after
 * a couple of months, it started sticking again.

This is the usual result.  When it is time to rebuild the calipers, it is
probably be cheaper and wiser in the end to buy new calipers.  You also get
a new set of pads at the same time

 * I ended up getting new
 * calipers, cost was about $40@ a year or so back.  "Varga" was the
 * Brazilian brand.  Seem to have held up so far.

The Varga Type III replacement calipers are good.  RMMW stocks them (they
are also used for Type I as well - 1500, 1302S, 1303S and some KG) and they
sell for about $70.00 per caliper.  It is an easy install as well.  The
only problem that I had was with the shape of the caliper and using
non-stock wheels.  My EMPI Sprint Stars rubbed on the caliper itself, but a
little grinding and it was just fine.  I don't know what other wheels may
cause a problem like this.

 * The rebuild kit was
 * $20 a side, more because I had to get pads, the new ones came with
 * pads.

Probably a waste of 40 bones.  I have made the same mistake.

 * My vote is plunk down the bucks and get all
 * new ones, should still be available.  Lots less hassle, too.  The Vargas
 * were ambidextrous, two bleeders and two inlets, didn't matter which
 * end was up.  Like that idea.

So true.

Theo wrote:

 * >Is it going to be a major undertaking for me to rebuild my front calipers?
 * >Is this a job that the "average Joe" should attempt?

It is a greasy, smelly job, but relatively easy if you have good calipers.
Some you can't fix and then you have wasted your own time and money.

Just my 0,02FIM worth.

Patrick