Expert: Brad Sears - 4/11/2008

Question
QUESTION: My wife is inheriting a 1961 Corvette 283/Auto with a ruptured brake line.  I want to have it fixed by a Chevy dealer that handles old corvettes.  How complex is this going to be and how costly in your estimate (Chicago area)? This is a driver car in nice original condition with about 62K miles on it.  Needs a little clean up only.  Also, the neutral start switch was bypassed and I need to have a new one put in.  I expect this to be fairly low cost since the parts are under $30. My wife will drive it this summer in memory of her parents.  I'm a working stiff and can't afford a lot for repairs.

ANSWER: The cost of repairing the brakes is going to depend on where the break is and the condition of the rest of the system. If the entire hydraulic system needs to be replaced the cost will be high, but lets hope that it is one flex line or a connection. The cost to replace the neutral start switch should be between one and two hours.
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanx Brad.  I've been told the hydraulic system is sound, and it is more likely just a break in one of the lines (worn out).  As a result, I would probably opt to replace all the lines and hoses (they are probably original and 47 years old) but not the rest of the system (hydraulic cylinder, wheel cylinders, etc. unless they look bad).  I had brake lines put on a Ford pickup and that cost $1100 and nearly broke the bank.  Without a manual I don't know if the Corvette has one long brake line leading to the wheel hoses, or whether it is multiple sections with connectors.  I could probably do a section as I am handy and do much of my own work, but I'd need someone to purge the system for me.

Answer
If you have a good place to work, and can get the car up high enough safely to work under it you can probably replace the lines in sections. Most auto supply stores sell brake line in different length sections and the sell couplers. The line can be replaced in sections using those parts. It will work well but if you enter the car in a Corvette show the judges will catch it and gig your car. If you need to splice a line remember it needs to be double flared. Good luck.
Brad