The halves are separated...

Well the machinist wend and done it. I dropped the calipers off at the Napa machine shop this morning to get the pistons removed so I can check the condition. To get the pistons out he had to take the calipers apart. All the manuals say NOT TO DO THIS! Just like that. What have I done? He was a crusty old fellow and had been working there for 33 years and said all I had to do is clean them up and use very fine sand paper 600+ grit to get the slight discoloration/surface rust off the pistons and then rebuild them. My question is to Tom, can you still work on them now that they are taken apart or what would you recommend I do. My three options are 1) order two from V.B. $139.00 each and a $50.00 each core charge that I might not get back 2) purchase two from Apple hydraulic for $125.00 each with a core charge that I might not get back 3) have you work on them. Show me the way!

Thanks in advance for the help,
David

Sure, you can use them even though they've been seperated. But, when you get a kit for them ask if it contains the channel seal, most dont. Also, dont waste time cleaning the pistons, they're cheap enough to replace. And source some new bolts, something like a grade 8 should work.

I already have a rebuild kit and of course it does not contain that small seal. And $17.95 for each MGC caliper replacement piston (it takes four) is a little steap for me.

My rebuild included new pistons if needed. Spliting them isn't a problem. He didn't need to do it though. I would have blown them out with compressed air.

When he put the compressed air to them it just blew out one side. he had to split them to get the remaining one out. I'll be calling you at your shop to get more info about the rebuilds.

Sounds like you are in good shape. I split every caliper that I rebuild, just makes it easier to work on I find. As long as you replace the o ring seal between the two halves you will be fine. If you decide to do it yourself, get an extra rebuild kit or two because I'd bet that you ruin the seal retainer the first time you try to install it! Trash the old pistons. You will be better off using new pistons because that is where the seal rides, not in the cylinder. Cylinder can be pretty bad and still be used, unlike master and wheel cylinders. Clever design;o)

Then what you do is put a piece of 1/4" plywood over the side that came out, and hold it in place with a C clamp and blow out the other side. I want be in the shop till Tues. I get there 9:00 central time.

WOW! whats a good idea. I'll call you sometime this week.

Just one trick of the trade. You have to have them if you plan on making a living at it.

Ain't it the truth. There are so many little tricks that become second nature and you never think to mention them. Like how a blind man could find a loose tappit, after the cover is off, engine running, within 30 seconds with no tools. I'm sure that you, like me, have diagnosed a problem as the car was driven into the shop that others had spent hours with and ended up just screwing up something else or selling some parts that weren't needed.