Hi All,
I used to be a member of this list several years ago. I joined after I
bought a 1980 MGB. The car needed a lot of work and I was happy as could be
puttering around in the garage , swearing at the DPO, while working on it. I
found the brakes were in terrible shape and replaced the rear cylinders,
shoes, springs and other associated hardware. I also had to replace most of
the parking brake components, everything from the handle back was missing,
including the boot. I also rebuilt the front calipers and put new pads in
and I have all new flex lines to put in. I still have to rebuild the master
cylinder and the booster is shot. I also found that the aluminum brake lines
were deeply pitted in numerous areas, so I pulled them all out and ordered
new steel lines. This plus some work on the interior and wiring took about 6
months....... Then the wife got pregnant and just about all work on the car
stopped as I went into nursery decorating mode and refinishing used baby
furniture mode followed by the Dad syndrome. So the car has been sitting on
jackstands in the garage for about 2 years. I am now able to go back to work
on it and have several questions. Has anybody rebuilt a vacuum booster? I
sure could use some tips on this. Looks like I will have to fabricate some
special tools to do this, like a great big wrench of sorts to twist it open.
I hope to rebuild the master cylinder this weekend and start bending some of
that new steel pipe I bought almost two years ago. I do have a tubing bender
and even have a bubble flare kit! I plan on using silicon (DOT 5) brake
fluid. I am rebuilding the entire hydraulic system, so I don't have to worry
about contamination with old fluid. Also, I found that the seals on the
front shocks are leaking badly. Is there a rebuild kit available for them? I
did not see one in Moss or VB. Is there a tube shock conversion kit
available? All that I've seen is a kit from Moss for about $800, Ouch!
Anyway, it's good to be back and any comments are appreciated.
Fred Kroeger
'80 MGB
'72 240Z
'95 Miata
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