DIY / Scrapheap servo conversion ?

Post by **Orkney** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:08 am

Has anyone done / can it be done?

Walking around some scrap cars yesterday wondering if there was a cheap way to do a servo conversion?

Post by **jonathon** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:19 am

Don't think I'd chance it Kevin, plus you will need to make sure its the correct ratio. Too powerful and you will have a sore head.
If you are using drums I would not advise this conversion anyway.

Post by **Orkney** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:50 am

Cheers J, yes i'd be wary of putting an unknown on it, but alas its going to have to have a servo runing on the drums.
Never occured for one second about ratios - hence i guess why the one on the strangerover is the size of a bucket and others are smaller.

Need to turn it into a more useable daily drive once its done for the flame breather, vertically challenged and doesn't have rugby players legs

I know better seats will help as in be in a better driving position to apply more pressure to the brake pedal, lso know that it wont actually increase the brake efficiency, but its going to be more of a placebo effect than anything (trust me here - gave up arguing with false logic years ago).

Ive only got 3 things on the list really that are needed,
Servo
Seats
Wheels & Tyres

The seats will come free from somewhere or other, the wheels & tyres will be the big save up and finishing touch for when its done.
It'll have to last a year on the wonky gearbox, apart from that it's sweet mechanically for many years to come.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 2:33 pm

If the brakes are working as they should - they will not be heavy! These cars were traditionally driven by 'little old ladies' without any servo assistance.

Post by **Packedup** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 2:56 pm

I can't see why you'd need a servo with drums seeing as they "self servo" to some extent. I'm a big fan of adding a servo if you have discs though owing to the difference in operation. I know some feel is apparently lost, but I'd rather lose a bit of feel through my boot sole than snap the back of the seat using every muscle and sinew to get the middle pedal to react in an emergency!

If you insist on servoing drums then the easiest option is a remote servo. Doubtful you'll find anything in the breakers with one nowadays, but they can be picked up quite cheap at autojumbles, off Evilbay etc. I'm not too worried about ratios, the worst case if it's "too powerful" is surely I just need a more delicate foot - I'd think it's easier to apply a bit less pressure than to find Herculean strength if I need more?

I think earlier MGBs had remote units, and plenty turn up for various RWD Escorts, Rovers etc. I'd steer clear of the Girling (IIRC) type fitted to various Minis and suchlike of the 60s and stick to the white plastic air valved round bodied Lockheed type as they appear to be better designed and have better/ cheaper spares availability from what I've found.

The better, cheaper option would be to make sure the brakes you've got are in good condition and properly adjusted though...

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 4:00 pm

Old servos are often knackered! Mate took the servo off his MGB - far better without it.

Post by **Packedup** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 4:29 pm

But not that hard to rebuild. I got a new air valve for mine for 15 quid delivered (I only needed it as I'd broken the top off mine and lost it), diaphragms are easy to replace, and seals are no harder than on a master cylinder. Though when you can get a new unit for 70 quid (there was a trader on Ebay doing them without brackets or pipes for that last year) it doesn't make a lot of sense to buy used unless it's an utter bargain.

Post by **MoggyTech** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:46 pm

Before you think you need a servo, try braking with your left foot. If the brakes are still iffy, they need a rebuild/service. Sadly, as they are buried away out of sight, brakes are often the most neglected item on a car. My traveller can stop quicker than the VW Polo, as it doesn't have that God awfull ABS.

Post by **Mogwai** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 6:18 pm

Is this of any use i copied it from a lockheed instruction manual it shows boost ratios & aplications of the different types of remote servo

Post by **alex_holden** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 6:20 pm

MoggyTech wrote:Before you think you need a servo, try braking with your left foot. If the brakes are still iffy, they need a rebuild/service.

Why would that make a difference? Or do you mean with both feet?

Post by **MoggyTech** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 7:07 pm

alex_holden wrote:
MoggyTech wrote:Before you think you need a servo, try braking with your left foot. If the brakes are still iffy, they need a rebuild/service.
Why would that make a difference? Or do you mean with both feet?

Old mechanics trick, as left foot is used to pushing clutch to the floor it gives you greater braking effort. Try it on a non servo car, but make sure there is nothing behind you, and that your seatbelt is on

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 7:19 pm

Note the handy application guide does NOT list the Minor 1000.

Post by **jonathon** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 7:35 pm

Get those bifocals out BM it does say, something like LE720696 under Morris Minor (all models)

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 7:46 pm

Oh b****** so it does !!