Rebuild calipers?

[xx88man]

Has anyone here rebuilt their original calipers? Are parts available?  The car is a 1971 so these aren't the rare 70 calipers.

[1 Wild R/T]

Piece of cake....

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=307865&cc=1496986&jsn=565&jsn=565

If you decide to drop the big $ & go forward I'll give ya some clues...

[Bullitt-]

   I did mine, the process involved using compressed air to blow the dust boots up.
   This took me several attempts and just how/why it worked when it did is a mystery, otherwise wasn't much to it. 

[1 Wild R/T]

   I did mine, the process involved using compressed air to blow the dust boots up.
   This took me several attempts and just how/why it worked when it did is a mystery, otherwise wasn't much to it.

You did it the hard way...  I know it's the method everyone uses, but it's the hard way....

[Rich G.]

Put a piece of wood where the pads go and blow the compressed air in the caliper . Put a rag over it and don't put your fingers in between it. The piston pops out fast. That's the way I have done the few I've done. ( What's the easy way 1Wild R/T ? )This was pretty simple

[Bullitt-]

   I am referring to using compressed air during the re-installation of the dust boot.. I believe the procedure is in the factory service manual..
   I see here TheRamMan doe not use this technique but note his displeasure of the later replacement dust boots..

[1 Wild R/T]

That's the way I've done it for forty years...  I've never had one take as long as he did.... But he's right, point a camera at someone & the job will go sideways..

[xx88man]

So I have decided to rebuild my original calipers. Are replacement pistons available? Any other tips?
@1 Wild R/T

[HEMICUDA]

Compressed air works so good, if you have the caliper facing up, it will launch like a rocket.  Extremely easy to rebuild, the only issues I ever had is a bad bleeder seat.  Don't worry about any pits down inside the caliper cup, doesn't effect the seal in any way as long as the sealing surface for the seal in the casting is good.  I glass bead the casting, metal treat for a new cast appearance (NOT PAINTED) then assemble.  Make sure there isn't a rust ring on the piston, should be very smooth and nick free.  All parts are available.

[anlauto]

You can get rebuild kits at Rockauto fairly affordable 

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/dodge,1972,challenger,5.6l+340cid+v8,1078646,brake+&+wheel+hub,caliper+repair+kit,1720

Take your time, make sure everything is clean and it will be no problem.

[xx88man]

Compressed air works so good, if you have the caliper facing up, it will launch like a rocket.  Extremely easy to rebuild, the only issues I ever had is a bad bleeder seat.  Don't worry about any pits down inside the caliper cup, doesn't effect the seal in any way as long as the sealing surface for the seal in the casting is good.  I glass bead the casting, metal treat for a new cast appearance (NOT PAINTED) then assemble.  Make sure there isn't a rust ring on the piston, should be very smooth and nick free.  All parts are available.

What product do you use to metal treat?

[xx88man]

I have the new seals so I'll probably get at this later today

[1 Wild R/T]

Keep your fingers any any other body part away from the piston....   I use one old brake pad to stop the piston from launching into orbit, use air to push the piston 80% of the way out then remove the brake pad & use air to pop the piston out the rest of the way...

New pistons are available but rarely need to be replaced, they are a big chunk of stainless steel so usually they clean up great...

[xx88man]

Thanks guys! 

[xx88man]

So I am polishing up the piston on my first caliper. This caliper WAS sticking. There is a very small amount of pitting on the caliper that doesn't polish out... I can catch a fingernail on it but running a finger over it feels smooth. Has anyone had this before? Does that piston need to be replaced or would it last me a little while?