Brake system rebuild - '72 parked 8 years, Fluid, lines, MC, calipers - what do I attempt myself Options

[skaufmann]

My '72 that was passed to me through family has been parked for 8+ years. I'm going to assume everything in the brake systems needs attention. While I'm not necessarily being cheap, I am trying to contain costs.

Questions I have:

1 - Should I and how do I flush the brake fluid? What product should I should I use and how much should I expect to need?

2 - I've read breaking loose the bolts to replace soft lines can result in ruined hardlines. What's the best method (product and/or procedure) to avoid damage?

3 - Should I assume the Master Cylinder needs to be rebuilt? Is there a way to test other than seeing if it works after everything else is taken care of? If it's bad can it reasonably be rebuilt or does it require a professional?

4 - Calipers: I know these need to be rebuilt. I'm contemplating trying to rebuild myself. I'm also contemplating sending them off to be done professionally. Any advise on which way I should go would be helpful.


Thanks ahead of time all you crazy teeners. Because everyone likes pictures, here it is just before being rescued. Also see signature for link to gallery.

[914Mels]

Flushing the brakes only requires a lot of fresh brake fluid. When you bleed the brakes don't push the pedal all the way to the floor boards, you may ruin the rubber cups in the master cylinder running them over areas that might be corroded where they normally didn't travel. Push the pedal about 3/4 down and stop at that point. I would consider swaping the front calipers for BMW units, your year is a direct bolt on, see the article at Pelican parts. Cheap and easy to find. If your car is a So. Cal. original, you probably won't have trouble with the brake lines. Swapping out the rubber hoses would be a good idea, if your going for the BMW calipers, you need to change the front hard lines anyway. The master cylinders don't come cheap, I'd hope for the best and leave it alone till you have no choice but repairing it. Also if your calipers have a top and bottom bleeder, only bleed from the tops, the lower bleeder will leave your system full of air. Mike