[NoVa-Corvairs] Brakes on my Corvair

[A.L. CRAMP]

Hey Ron,
Did you Spyder Sit along time?  What year is it?   If it is 62 The wheel cylinders are,specific to the Spyder Option.  All Corvairs Differ each year some.

So   I would not REPLACE the Wheel Cylinders but rebuild them.  One of our Members, Fred Marx, did this on his 63 Spyder.  You can do this on the Car.  They need to be honed put and new rubber parts and Spring (all comes in the kit).  This is,usually all it needs for the cylinders.  If history is unknown I would also do the Brake hoses especially if they have small cracks.  They can shrink from the inside and restric the fluid coming back to master.  You could start with just the back set of brakes , especially if you are not changing to Silicone fluid.  Should flush all the old fluid out of the system.   If you just want to get going. You could rebuild the two back cylinders. Flush the system while cylinders are open to get all old stuff out..  put fresh fluid in.  Bleed all around.

The thing you need to do whith any Antique Car that has not had brake service is to use the best pentrating oil on the bleeder screw ( I like Aero- kroil)
And GENTLY massage the valve slowely to break it free.  Saves the valve , the Cylinder , and having to drill out and replace the bleeder screw.  Usually why shops replace them because they break the screw.

You can also use a little heat and wax etc if you are rebuilding.
If your shoes look good you can sometimes clean up with brake clean.  If you have a very original 62 you may have factory metalic shoes

So look if you feel safer.   Hone out/ rebuild all four cylinders.  Change all four brake hoses.  Flush all old crud out of the lines.   Rebuild or replace master cylinder. ( again if low milage original might rebuild)  The master cylinder in the Spyder era is common to other  GM and thus availible new , may not look exactly the same but would be fine and the right bore.  Unless you have an original 62 option with Metali  Brakes and then you would have a slightly bigger bore.
If your shoes and hardware look okay you  could reuse.  They are already seated in to the drums.   But if pretty worn you can have the drums turned ( at least match them is size per axel) and do the best shoes
  Lots of debate on that

So where are you located?  What year is the Spyder?  We all are Hobbiests but many very competant and might be able to help you out.  You might want to make the next two meetings and watch some  Corvair Work.  One the end of this Month at Fairfax Station.  Anyway.  This is a great group of guys and we usually are willing to wrench on members car if they are willing to host a meeting.

Oh.  The other reason to you rebuold the wheel cylinders is that is usually l they need and they are Corvair Specific.  While lots of Corvair Stuff out there we are,a smaller Marque than some and nice to fix or rebuide vs replace as sometimes the current ztuff not better

Even though you say you are not a Mechanic we have to make you enough of one to carry a spare fanbelt abd know how to change on the road. You can not drive to car with out it.  No cooling fan. No cooling.  You need to stop.

And I would try to do the brakes if you are the least bit handy. Maybe with some help from some of the guys on this list.  Definitly stuff you can do with some help.  But good to know what to look for.  A full brake job is a great thing to start with.  Not too complecated.  Just be carefull and take your time.  You are not a shop , you are not production, not what you have to live on.  But your Corvair!  They do not make new ones.  And it is a Tubo Spyder!  So learn, read, enjoy.  Know the differences and quirks.
Know why they were loved when knew and still loved today.
If you know all of this already.  Well. I am just backing up your opinion.  Use this group.  Let the know location as someone may be close.
Happy Corvairing! -- Lee Cramp

________________________________
From: Novacc-list <novacc-list-bounces at corvair.org> on behalf of Ron Kolakowski via Novacc-list <novacc-list at corvair.org>
Sent: Wednesday, February 6, 2019 6:14:38 PM
To: nvcorvairs at corvair.org
Cc: Ron Kolakowski
Subject: [NoVa-Corvairs] Brakes on my Corvair



Hi,

When I put my Spyder on the lift for an underside inspection and pictures, I
noticed several drops of fluid on the floor and some wetness on the left rear
wheel--usually an indication of a leaking wheel cylinder. I had a friend removed the wheel and drum
and confirmed that the wheel cylinder is leaking (see attached pictures).

I have been told that when one component on a brake system has failed, the others are at
risk as well.  That's why my friend does not recommend just replaceing a single component but rather replace all
wheel cylinders, the master cylinder, the soft lines and any brake shoes that have absorbed
brake fluid.  I am not a mechanic!

Can the club recommend anyone who might do this work and about what it might cost?

Thank You in Advance
Ron Kolakowski
703-595-7030
_______________________________________________
Novacc-list mailing list
Novacc-list at corvair.org
http://www.vv.corvair.org/mailman/listinfo/novacc-list
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://www.vv.corvair.org/pipermail/novacc-list/attachments/20190207/e331f166/attachment-0001.html>