63 Lemans Brakes
 

Anybody got an idea on how to go about getting brakes for these things? I feel like I'm beating my head against a wall. I'm wanting to do a complete brake job (drums,shoes,wheel cylinders, hardware etc.) ANY HELP would be greatly appreciated!!

Ames has the parts you need. You can download a catalog.

http://www.amesperf.com/index.html

Just went to the Ames web site and they DO NOT cary any brake components for the '61-'63 Tempest/Lemans

Hey Guy!!! Welcome to the PY boards!!!! Its there, go back to Ames, click on parts search, then select 61-63 catalog, then select 63 year then select trans,clutch,brake section then select subsection for the brake part needed. They have just about everything except for drums. I belive drums are still available from www.kanter.com Also while on the Ames site, request a hard copy of their new 61-63 Tempest catalog!!

When you have time, post up some pictures of your car!!!

I would replace all of the steel lines while your at it!!!

Depending on their condition. All of mine are factory stock with no rust. Of course, everything should be inspected for any condition issues.

FWIW, Last 63' we did eveything came from Kanter Auto.

Thanks Keith!! Since Ames is the only one who took the time and money to put together a catalog for the 61-3 Tempest, I prefer to use them. They continue to work with the Little Indians to build on this catalog to make it a one stop shop for all your early Tempest needs.
Gary

Some 63's (V-8's?) had "finned" front drums. If you are going to keep it "stock", these finned drums would be a slight improvement over regular drums. If you are not keeping it stock, go ahead and install front disc brakes using the "Scarebird" brackets. His system uses off-the-shelf late-model-car components available at most auto parts stores.

RE: 1963 Tempest rear wheel cylinders. Ames only lists rebuild kits. Kanter shows one but they are unique left & right, uh, right? anybody know if they fit? do they have a universal fit or something?

I think the fronts are unique left or right but I might be wrong.(I might be thinking of the outer tie rod ends!) I suggest that you take your old rears (and fronts) and send them to White Post and get them sleeved with bronze liners. They'll never rust!

I've seen ads in some rod books for another outfit that does the bronze liner deal for much less cost than White Post but I can't remember the name.

Hmm I like the sound of that... anybody have info?

As I recall, I was looking into this bronze sleeving about 6 months ago and White Post was asking about $80 each and the other guy was asking about $50 each. I might have seen the guy's ad in Hemmings. (White Post is in there too.)

I think this is the number for white post. 540-837-1140

I'm leaning toward stainless sleeves for wheel cylinders these days.

What are the pros & cons... stainless/bronze

I doubt that it makes a "rats asp" of a difference!

Call Mark and ask him why he sleeves in SS.

413-789-8665
800 528 5235

Found a place called apple hydraulics they have two prices 50/sleeve only 85/sleeve and rebuild. but also turned up a dissatisfied customer rant

There is a l+r rear wheel cylinder and i think the fronts are universle.
I have the fronts out of mine I'll check tonight to make sure.


GT.

For the rears, there is a RH and a LH side, they are different.

Has to do with the casting and the angle that the lines enter from.

Right. I wonder which side Kanter is selling!?

From the Kanter online catalog:
Item # 02030D Wheel Cylinder 1963 - 1963 Pontiac Tempest, LeMans, GTO Each - Rear only $75.

Peter is correct and I believe the fronts are slightly larger than the rears and they are also left and rights because of the angle of the lines. Got my sets NOS from eBay.

As for White Post restorations,former Little Indians president had them done by White Post and very happy with the quality.

I had my 57's MC done by White Post with good luck. Probably a lot of specialty shops around that do good work also! John

what is the bore size for the 62 front wheel cylinders ??

15/16

i was just looking at the autozone website and the only thing i found that is 15/16 was the back of a 61 Ventura ??

Is there a simple (re-fit) rebuild kit we can use for the 62 front cylinders ?

Have not bought them in a while but the kit numbers I have used are NAPA kit #250 And Raybestos WK322.