1979 Trans-Am Restoration - South Africa (Reboot)

[roadking77]

I know nothing about brakes, only that I know my guy had a couple of problems when he put them on my 77. Did you bench blead the master cylinder? This was the first question Inline tube had when I called them about trouble. Turned out the master cylinder they sent me was bad although it was a brand new part. He threw that one away and bought a new one at NAPA. That one was also bad out of the box. The third 'new' master cylinder be bought was good. My brakes have been working great for the last 5 years.

[scarebird]

I wonder if the hold-off portion of the combination valve is corroded?

Soft usually indicates air still in the system.

[tajoe]

I went back to page one, to see what you've done to the brakes. i see tons of body work photos, a few motor jobs, interior shots and mods, but nothing on the brakes. Pg 1 shows the body on a dolley, with no drivetrain, the next photo has it all together, sitting on jackstands, back tires off, and the rear in, with some hi-po looking silver axle flanges. Then after, the car is sitting on it's tires. Think you mentioned something about new brake and fuel lines.

From the extent of the O/H, it appears there's nothing original, and all aftermarket equipment? Can't even tell if there's drums, or discs in the rear. Not sure if you posted at some time, what was done to the system. I "did" see your video of you driving it, sans frt sheetmetal.  Guess there were no boys in blue, when you went for that jaunt.   

[DeVilliers]

Rear discs?

Drums

[Wallington]

When the rears eventually lock-up, check if the park brake is tight as well. Incorrect arrangement of the self-adjusters can affect things. The self-adjusters themselves are for LH and RH side, just like the rest of the assembly. I'd check those, if faulty or on wrong side then would allow the assembly to continue to get tighter and not release. The assemblies are gold-cad plated for RHR and silver-zinc for LHR.

When I rebuilt mine about a year ago after finding some brake fluid stains, that one of the rear cylinders was leaking. On closer inspection it had pushed out the end, and pinched the rubber seal. The seals on each end were the wrong size for the cylinder, and the cylinders were meant to be the next size up for what I had purchased at the time. So I had 15/16" on one wheel, and the other had 7/8" and the larger matching seals jammed in. You could see the travel marks to show that side had never been operating correctly. Good job for brand new parts and mechanic at the time.

Another trap is even when following diagrams and photos is when a spring can still foul the sprocket teeth even though installed the same as shown. This was one that had me stuck for a while wondering why I couldn't get it to adjust freely. Sometimes you have to take a look at a whole new angle and forget that you just reassembled it 5 times using several photos showing it's exactly as you did it. Fresh paint makes it easy to see where things rub and shouldn't be too.

[DeVilliers]

Morning,

I don't believe it to be an assembly issue. And the e-brake is still very much useless.

When bleeding the brakes, nice clean fluid comes out, no bubbles. Pedal is fine and then it sits. Leave the car for a day or so, pedal soft again.
Just to clarify.
Once the brakes are bled all wheels turn freely. Then, without the car moving at all, if you step on the brakes a few times, the rear wheels will lock up.

[Wallington]

The combination valve is still centred correctly?

[DeVilliers]

The combination valve is still centred correctly?

Yes, and held in place with that little screw in tool.

[DeVilliers]

A thought just popped up regarding the brakes. Dot 3 vs Dot 4.
I my parts I struggle to find dot 3, so I'm using dot 4. The parts guy told me it won't be a problem, but perhaps this is the problem in the old car?

[aussieta]

dot 4 is what everybody uses now
can you still get dot 3

[aussieta]

how do the rears unlock
do you need to crack the bleeder
or wait a little while
or turn the star wheel
if cracking the bleeder frees things up then most likely the pushrod on the brake booster is out too far

[DeVilliers]

Hi,

I've not been able to get dot 3.

I need to crack the bleeder for it to unlock.
I measured the pushrod and I believe clearance is fine. I even put a thin gasket between the booster and master to give it some more leeway.
Perhaps I will revisit this over the weekend.

My worry is, if I grind away some material, could I get to a point where it is too much?

[DeVilliers]

Freedom!!!!



Man, it's nice to drive a car that has brakes.
I still don't know what the issue was, though.

So after throwing money at so called brake specialists and not getting any positive result, my patience ran out.
After spending about $400 I have working brakes. I ended up importing and replacing the master, proportioning valve and the flex hose between the body an axle.
The combination fixed the problem. My money is still on the "specialist" messing up the master.

I'm just so happy it resolved.
In my happiness to take a drive, I forgot to set the parking brake, while I had the car up in the air, so still need to do that.

[kentucky yeti]

That is some GREAT news!! 

[roadking77]

That is great news. I am glad you are finally able to get a bit of enjoyment out of it.

[DeVilliers]

It's a relieve for sure! It was just incredible to take that drive.

I have a few cosmetic things remaining, but Sunday drives are now on again! Whoohoo!!!

[5th T/A]

I know it has been a tough road to get to this point, your perseverance pays off. You must be thrilled to finally be driving your TA!

[tajoe]

Good job being persistent. Congrats and enjoy. I don't remember, are you in summer over there, or winter? (Or does it matter, it's always summer?)

[DeVilliers]

Good job being persistent. Congrats and enjoy. I don't remember, are you in summer over there, or winter? (Or does it matter, it's always summer?)

We're in full summer right now, but winters are not too cold and no snow in my parts, so very much drivable.

[DeVilliers]

Hi all,

Perhaps the last update on this thread. (Man, it's unfortunate the original was lost in the crash)

This is what I started with:
DSC_0271_zps58k1noub by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

Remember, this is what I was going for:
2019-02-21_07-46-14 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

And this is where I landed. I think it came close.
2023-02-11_03-38-05 by DeVilliers Buys, on Flickr

[FormTA]

Looks amazing! I love the color amd I'm so impressed that you made the front bumper cover among other things! Great job man, look killer!

[tajoe]

Congratulations Job well done. (And your driveway looks special too). Wish I had it. Now for some performance reviews.

[roadking77]

I think you got it just right! I hope this means that you have things dialed in properly and the car is up and running. Keep us posted on things are going with it.

[5th T/A]

DeVilliers, your car looks beautiful! Where I live in North America it would get lots of attention. I would imagine in South Africa, it’s really a rare site or a Rare Bird. Congratulations, enjoy!

[kentucky yeti]

Mission Accomplished.  You have an amazing car.

[ryeguy2006a]

Great job, and love that color! Very similar to my old 76 T/A so I'm biased.