Should we be avoiding semi-metallic brake pads?

[bull]

You may know that my original intent with the 68 was to do the bare minimum and get it road worthy while I saved money for the full-on restoration. Part of that plan was to get the brakes working so about six years ago I bought a bunch of stuff to convert the Charger to front disc brakes, including a pair of loaded '73 Challenger calipers with semi-metallic brake pads. Well, long story short, the "run it" plan failed and I decided to do a total restoration on the car so the disc brake parts were taken off and shelved.

Fast forward to today when it's time for them to go back on. I didn't expect this but as I was checking the calipers out I noticed that the metallic properties in those pads has really gotten rusty, which got me thinking: do guys with hobby cars that sit for long periods of time usually avoid semi-metallic brake pads? Is it better to go with ceramic or the common, low-end organic pads so to avoid the potential for rust?

As it relates to your classic Charger, what is your preferred type of brake pad and why?

[1969chargerrtse]

The rust stuff will grind off day one and that should be that.  
I use always use semi in front and organic in rear.  The one time I put semi in front and rear I almost got killed as my 88 stang conv just did not stop while I was coming to an intersection.

[resq302]

Bull,

I have original made disc pads in the front on my charger that still contain asbestos and my rotors have flash rusting on them from sitting inside my garage.  Any bare metal part will start to eventually rust even in the most climate controlled garage.  Like mentioned in the previous post, the first time you use the brakes it will wear off!

[Charger-Bodie]

Plus the stopping power and heat production is far more beneficial with the semi metallic.

[bull]

All right. Thanks.

Oh yea, and what about calipers that have been sitting around for that long too? Should I flush them and/or run the plunger in and out a few times?

[resq302]

Main question I have to ask is how were they stored?  Were the holes plugged where the brake line attached with that plastic type of cap and bleeder screw tight?  If so, there should be no way moisture could have gotten in there to rust it.  If the hole where the line connects were left open with no plug, I would be a bit leery and test them out a couple times to make sure that they go most of the way out and back in with no issues.

How long again were they sitting for after being rebuilt?

[A383Wing]

the entire brake fluid system should be flushed every 2 years whether it's driven or not...moisture will collect in the master cylinder and will find it's way throughout the system.

[bull]

Main question I have to ask is how were they stored?  Were the holes plugged where the brake line attached with that plastic type of cap and bleeder screw tight?  If so, there should be no way moisture could have gotten in there to rust it.  If the hole where the line connects were left open with no plug, I would be a bit leery and test them out a couple times to make sure that they go most of the way out and back in with no issues.

How long again were they sitting for after being rebuilt?

No, I didn't plug them and for the life of me I don't know why. Normally I would have taken better care of something like this but I didn't. I'm thinking of just trading them off for another reman pair.

[resq302]

Well, try them and see.  I would first see if they are frozen by using a little (VERY LITTLE) air pressure and put it in the brake line hole and see if the piston moves out or not.  If it does chances are it is not frozen.  I personally would put a piece of 2x4 or some other kind of wood in between the caliper and the piston so if the pressure is too much and the piston pops out, it wont damage either the caliper or the piston itself.  If it moves nice and free, chances are you will be in good shape and just when you bleed the brakes, flush out the caliper a little longer.

[bull]

I'll work them over tomorrow. See what I can see. Thanks.

[elacruze]

I don't trust reman brake parts. I rebuild my own-it's cheaper (I'm squeaky) and then I know exactly what's in there, and what's not.

[440]

I don't like organic pads, they have a softer feel and have a higher wear rate then semi-metallics. The only benefit of organics that I see is that they are easy on the rotors. Every set of semi-metallic pads that I've used has had far better stopping power then organic.

Of course the asbestos pads were the best but they are gone now

[resq302]

I don't like organic pads, they have a softer feel and have a higher wear rate then semi-metallics. The only benefit of organics that I see is that they are easy on the rotors. Every set of semi-metallic pads that I've used has had far better stopping power then organic.

Of course the asbestos pads were the best but they are gone now

Not unless you have a stash on hand like myself