[mess1153]

So if you have seen some of my other posts, I am working my way through my 70' GTO fixing all the things I can. The next thing on my list is the brakes. The car has been sitting for a long time and drives and stops good, but not good enough to where I feel safe at high speeds. Just looking at the front discs it's obvious they need to be replaced.

So my question is, this is an all original survivor with 38K miles on it. Everything is in good shape, it's just a little rusty. Should I make all attempts possible to keep the original rotors and calipers? I feel like I can just take the rotors to get cut and slap some pads on the front and call it a day. My fear is that it is just old and I might be better off replacing them. I am trying to keep it as original as possible. I also don't want to throw money at trying to save them if I ultimately have to replace them. Thoughts?

[67drake]

You say it's "obvious" the rotors need replacing. If that's true,you can't worry about keeping the originals. Replace them if needed,of coarse.
I would also replace/rebuild the master cylinder,wheel cylinders,and calipers too. Also inspect/replace the rubber front brake lines. All these rubber parts can and will dry rot over a period of time.

[Chris65LeMans]

Why is it obvious that the rotors need replacing? Can you post a pic?

[mess1153]

I think I might need to rephrase that, It is obvious that the brakes need to be done, I am uncertain on the rotors and calipers. Attached is the best picture that I have at the moment. I can tell you that around the edges of the rotors is pretty rusty.

[abefromen]

Take them to a Napa or other good parts store that turns rotors and drums and they will mic them to determine if there is enough meat left to cut them. The rusty edges mean nothing.

Get rebuild kits for the calipers (rebuild how-to's on Youtube) new front rubber hoses and your golden. Those rubber hoses collapse internally when they get old and cause all sorts of braking issues.

[storminnorman]

what is the intent of the car? is it a driver, are you wanting a points car? as a driver i would remove the rotors and rubber hoses, preserve and pack them long term storage. for 38K the rotors shouldn't be depleted, but driving it would wear them depending upon the style of disk pads. aftermarket rotors are expendables with fresh hoses to feel secure. you replace calipers and wheel cylinders or can refresh and rebuild the calipers and rear cylinders and not hurt the form or function. note, soak the bleeders well prior to attempting to loosen.

[Scarebird]

Originally Posted by abefromen

Take them to a Napa or other good parts store that turns rotors and drums and they will mic them to determine if there is enough meat left to cut them. The rusty edges mean nothing.

Get rebuild kits for the calipers (rebuild how-to's on Youtube) new front rubber hoses and your golden. Those rubber hoses collapse internally when they get old and cause all sorts of braking issues.

X2

OEM rotors are the best.

[abefromen]

Originally Posted by storminnorman

soak the bleeders well prior to attempting to loosen.

And if they don't crack open with minimal effort don't force them! If you snap off the bleeder you'll end up having to drill 'em out. Not fun and extra work. Use a little heat.....MAP gas or even regular propane should do it.

[mess1153]

For me, the intent of the car is to drive it. The car has sat it's entire life and although it is a great survivor I don't feel that the car was enjoyed by anyone that owned it, including my father. I don't plan to go crazy and put a ton of miles on it but I do plan to enjoy it. I just want it to be safe and as original as it can be.

I found a place close to my house that said they can pull it apart and let me know all it needs and they will only charge me $40 for that. Might be worth it so I know what I am getting myself into. Although I know I can do it on my own, brakes are pretty darn important and I don't want to screw that up!