bleeding brakes??

[MrBill]

Just looked at another '80 several positives but a couple of negatives ... biggest issue. they told me it had been sitting for awhile but they started it almost every day it started right up but the brakes were very spoungie ... was told that after it sat the brakes needed to be bled. my concern is that i am looking for a weekender which means it will be sitting alot. do not want a car that has to be "bled "every time i want to drive. I had a 99 F 150 that would sit for weeks and then was fine when i needed it so could someone suggest what would causes the brakes to need bleeding after sitting. They did not have insurance so i was not allowed to drive it on the road but i could run it around on part of the field.. can't tell much about a drive of 50 yards on grass...

[narfire]

In my opinion, if it has been sitting for awhile and the brakes might be a bit dodgy... consider pulling all the calipers and rebuild. Replace the flex lines (I like the steel braded) and change all the old fluid out with new fluid.
Yes a weekend to do all that when the parts are on the bench...
More time involved than actual expense really.
Chris

[spidernut]

If the calipers are good and the brake lines are good, you should have no problems with the brakes if the car unless it sits outside in the snow and rain. My car sat for 3 years and was only started 4 times and driven only 3 times. I had no problems with the brakes at all.

[GeorgeT]

When you bleed the brakes (brake fluid should be replaced every 2-3 years) be sure to support the rear axle. There is a valve attached to the axle and body that shuts off the brake fluid if the axle drops.

[MrBill]

thanks guys... might just keep looking would rather get a car i can drive a while before i have to start tinkering with it.

[Exit98]

thanks guys... might just keep looking would rather get a car i can drive a while before i have to start tinkering with it.

Wow Mr. Bill. I just responded to your other post then I saw this quote. Unless you have a very big budget expect a lot of "tinkering". Just assume you'll have to do the brakes and the front end bushing and the timing belt and all the fluids and probably tires not long after. That way if any of these systems actually function correctly from the get go you can consider yourself lucky.

[ga.spyder]

I don't consider bleeding brakes,changing fluid,pads,etc... to be 'tinkering'.It is just routine maintenance that you will have to do any vintage car,no matter the make.Once the brake system is up to snuff,it isn't something you should have to keep doing.Mine sits for weeks at a time,with no issues at all.

[MrBill]

Thanks again.. replacing the brake system may be more than i can handle for my first repair although it may not need that. At this point i am not savy enough to know what it really needs. I have noticed that IAP & AR both sell bleeder screws so it could be something i should just expect. I may have located a shop where the owner loves Spiders but he said he only surveys cars he is buying to sell plus the car is three hours away so i would have to buy it before i could take it to him. i have another '80 to look at next weekend i hope... the hunt goes on....

I will say that this forum has provided great insight into these lovely cars!!!!! and i thank everyone....