What to do about old brakes...

[lateapex911]

Well, I am getting my car back on the road again after a long hibernation, and it needs brakes of course.

The most straight forward approach, rebuild the calipers, replace the rotors, and get good pads and be done with it.

I have the boring old pot metal setup typical of most early 70s cars. Mine is a '73 E. I note the in the pelican cat, "S" calipers are going for 3K or so for the set...ummm, pass!

So...If I am replacing all the rotors anyway, what simple easy bolt on options do I have? Are there better calipers and discs that will fit with minor mods.? I track the car occasionally, just for fun, but race my race car....o no need for super killer brakes.

I have tried researching the threads here, but often the talk gets into much larger sets than I think is appropriate for me. I'm sure I missed the right thread, so any info pointing me there, or filling me in would be greatly appreciated.

And just to throw a wrench in the works, I am running 7" wheels, although I am considering some rear flares over the winter....

Thanks in advance for all opinions and ideas!

[jpnovak]

If you have the stock T brakes they will be mounted to a 3" spaced front strut. There is really not much you can do. I assume the only upgrade would be to use the late Carrera rear calipers all the way around. This would give you the wider rotors for more thermal capacity. Add some ducts and you will be set. The downside is the smaller pistons so the pedal feel may be different.

I run the stock T brakes on my targa. They are more than adequate for the fefw track days I run in it each year. Cool air is good. Proper braking is key. Of course, make sure that the system is operating in optimal conditions first.

[Por_sha911]

I'm sorry that I can't answer your question but don't forget to do a complete brake fluid flush (not just a bleed). Old fluid hold moisture and hurts brake performance.

[Randy Webb]

I'm not sure what the E had. Measure the bolt spacing to see what options are available. Check out Bill Verburg's site - he is more into the later cars but I think the brake page is comprehensive.

Duct some air in there - that's the cheapest thing to do.

If they really are 3" you can replace the struts ($$!) or live with it. Or maybe that 15" wheel clearance upgrade kit will fit your struts?

Otherwise, you will need to find somebody that wrekced his Carrera but w/o damaging the front. My tendency is to strip all the good parts off Carreras and put them on my '73 (F &R suspension, brakes, engine -- that's about it for the good parts).