Hi Howard,
DOT 5 was developed original for military applications to be used on vehicles
that sit for long periods of time (kind of like classic cars that aren't used
for daily drivers). DOT 5 will not absorb moisture the way DOT 4 (and even
more so DOT 3) will. There is endless debate on this subject which I prefer
not to engage in, but all I can tell you with certainty, from my own personal
experience, is that I love the stuff and will also convert my clutch to DOT 5
when it's time for a rebuild or a paint job, whichever comes first. I have
not experienced any problems with a "spongy pedal" feel or any of that stuff.
And I'm using new rubber brake hoses that I purchased when I did the
conversion. I'll be installing stainless steel braided hoses when I'm deeper
into the frame off resto.
I know of a gent who recently restored his Mk3 to perfection -- and I mean
absolute, gleaming, "factory assembly line" perfection -- but he neglected to
rebuild his brake and clutch MC's. His car was in storage for a few months
while he was away and you guessed it -- the brake MC let go, detroying the
paint on his bulkhead with the "recommended" DOT 4. This is the sort of
tragedy I wish to avoid, which is why I switched to DOT 5.
Take care,
Jeff McNeal (San Diego)
'67 RHD Spitfire Mk3 aka "Mrs. Jones"
'68 LHD Spitfire Mk3 project
Jeff's Classic '67 Spitfire Mk3 site & Vintage Spitfire Webring
http://www.ohms.com/spitfire/spitfire.shtml
The Totally Triumph Network forums -- organized, illustrated, friendly!
http://www.ohms.com/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi
and the Totally Triumph Classifieds -- photo ads with advanced features
http://www.ohms.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
----- Original Message -----
From: Howard Allen
To: Jeff McNeal
Cc: SMatson802@aol.com ; spitfires@autox.team.net
Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2001 11:49 AM
Subject: Re: Paint and brake fluid
Hi Jeff;
I am interested in your advice because I am sick of repainting everytime
I spill some brake fluid.
I do believe that DOT5 has a significant drawback in that it atracts
moisture, so advice I have seen
is that you should drain your system once a year to eliminate potential
for corrosion.
Can you confirm or straighten me out on this issue?
regards
Howard in Maine
Jeff McNeal wrote:
>
> Steve,
>
> If you want to spare the paint, consider converting to DOT 5 silicone
unless
> you've already decided against using it for some reason. I made the
> conversion over a year and a half ago and my paint has been very grateful
for
> it.
>
> Take care,
>
> Jeff McNeal (San Diego)
>
> '67 RHD Spitfire Mk3 aka "Mrs. Jones"
> '68 LHD Spitfire Mk3 project
> Jeff's Classic '67 Spitfire Mk3 site & Vintage Spitfire Webring
> http://www.ohms.com/spitfire/spitfire.shtml
> The Totally Triumph Network forums -- organized, illustrated, friendly!
> http://www.ohms.com/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi
> and the Totally Triumph Classifieds -- photo ads with advanced features
> http://www.ohms.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi
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