Forgot how to install 68 pads
 

Last time I played with my 68 was in the late 90's.
Couldn't push car rear wheels stuck.
Fought to pull out swollen rear pads, pads pulled away
from rivets. STILL NO SPIN.
Adjusted E-bakes so loose. NOW SPINS with CROWBAR.
Bought new ceramic brake pads (measure 0.52)
CANT INSTALL BECAUSE PISTONS OUT FROM SPRING PRESSURE.
No fluid in caliper OPENED BLEEDERS.
If I push in piston they slide out under spring pressure.
Not sure what tool I can use to depress pistons
so I can slide pads down space between rotor and pistons.

What did I forget?

Welcome to the forum.

I don't remember which Corvette aftermarket supplier sells that but there is a small tool that slips over the caliper on each side with the pistons depressed and holds them there while you slide the new pad in. Personally I use a wide blade putty knife that will span over both pistons and use it to depress the pistons and hold them there while I slipped the new pad in.

I think my 30 year old pads have swollen to about 0.58 " which
are now thicker than the new ceramic ones 0.52 ". And not
wanting to install the new ones before I bleed the entire
system in case I find massive leaks I made two tapered
0.50 " wooden pads to fill the gap while I bleed each side.
The taper allows me to push down the slot and depress the
exposed pistons.The Wide putty knife will probably
work provided it is thin enough.

Thanks

I see the clips that are sold to hold in the pistons and made a more simple
solution. I cut out the bottom of a coffee can and trimmed it to slide
down behind the new brake pad with a 3/4" overlap on the bottom.
It starts sliding past the 2 pistons before the pad does and by rocking the pad
will depress the pistons allowing the pad to seat. A long nose pliers is used
to pull out the thin metal when done.
Another solution for the outside caliper was to make two 3/8 wooden dowels
cut to 0.50". From the top I depressed the piston and slid each dowel to
rest on the bottom side of the piston. This holds both pistons closed and
lets the new pad easily slide down. When the pad passes the piston the
dowels are ejected down the rotor and out the clearance slots. A 1 minute
operation. If necessary you can lasso each dowel with some string to pull
it out the bottom slots.
Now to check the front brakes.