61 Corvette - Weak Brakes

[TWB]

There is no reason why a properly operational brake system on that car should be inadequate. Same size drums and shoes were on much heavier GM cars. New wheel cylinders are available and you may want to replace them with the hoses. Be sure drums and shoes aren’t glazed.

[juliosz]

I guess all four wheel cylinders could be stuck but I believe you indicated the car stops straight but lacks stopping power, correct? If that’s the case, maybe master cyl is the problem?

[scuncio]

Thanks, guys, appreciate the good ideas so far. I'm suspecting it's the master, but will bleed it tonight and see if there's any improvement. It never stopped well after the brake refresh years ago. I used DOT 3 and a LOT of it so I'm confident all the old fluid would have been pushed out.

[Too Many Projects]

Originally Posted by scuncio

Thanks, guys, appreciate the good ideas so far. I'm suspecting it's the master, but will bleed it tonight and see if there's any improvement. It never stopped well after the brake refresh years ago. I used DOT 3 and a LOT of it so I'm confident all the old fluid would have been pushed out.

Dot 3 is good, not stopping well after the refresh isn't. As Julio said, the no pull situation could point to the master.