1961-RPO 686 -sintered metallic brakes

[Tim S.]

My car-actually originally purchased by my grandfather in 1961-was equiped with the sintered metallic brake option. Some time during the nearly complete frame off, I acquired a set of the correct brake shoes for the car. (Fronts hardly used; rears appear to be NOS!). Since I plan on driving and enjoying the car rather than having it formally judged at this point, and since as I recall it, the metallic shoes didn't really work well unless hot, I am planning on installing a set of standard brake shoes, and saving the metallics for possible show or re-sale.. When I disassembled the brakes, I realized that the original anchor and hold down springs with the correct colors (yellow, pink, etc as described by Mike Ernst) still visible, and other original hardware pieces, had never been replaced.

Three questions: (1) Is there any problem using this 47 year old brake hardware, assuming I clean and repaint them? (2) Even if these larger diameter springs would be ok with standard shoes, would I be better off operationally with standard (repro) springs and hardware? (2) Chevy put out a "Metallic Brake Universal Spring Repair Kit (P/N/ 3767670 ?); does anyone know where I might be ble to get one?uestion is whether the OEM The anchor springs and hold down springs are a larger diameter but will fit with standard shoes and hardware.

Thanks.

[Ken A.]

Re: 1961-RPO 686 -sintered metallic brakes

I drove a 59 full chevy daily for 10 years with a GM metallic shoe kit installed and had no problem stopping cold or hot weather in a 4000 lb car. today I still drive the car and it still has the original shoes & spring kits you describe. The only maintainance ever done was to replace the wheel cylninders and switch to silicone brake fluid. It still stops perfect with no pull. I think these shoes were the best thing GM ever invented & they never wear out.

[Paul Y.]

Re: 1961-RPO 686 -sintered metallic brakes

I agree. I have put over 75K miles on my 63 and never had any problem whatsoever. The warming up of the brakes becomes as easy as shifting a four or five speed. It becomes reflex after a short time. You will love them. Paul

[Duke W.]

Re: 1961-RPO 686 -sintered metallic brakes

Agree with all the above. I think the "metallic brakes don't work when cold" argument is a bit overblown. In mild to hot weather the pedal effort might be a little higher for the first couple of stops from cold - a little more in really cold weather.

Considering the option price was less than $40 they were a steal, especially considering their longevity. However, when the shoes are worn out, so are the drums, but they will generally last for over 100K miles of normal road driving.

When really hot they are like power brakes - the opposite of "fade", and they never failed to haul down my SWC coming out of Turn 1 at Kent at 140 MPH to make the entry to Turn 2 at about 80 back in the sixties.

The 1963 Washburn Team notes have a lot of discussion about the Z06 brake package problems, and just before they switched the car from AP to CM, they had essentially replaced the Z-06 brake package with J-65, and they worked a lot better.

Duke

[Dick W.]

Re: 1961-RPO 686 -sintered metallic brakes

I remember my first set of Velvatouch (sp). Backed out of my driveway and ended up halfway up in neighbors from yard.