Wolseley/Riley Minor Brakes

linearaudio · Post by **linearaudio** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 10:31 pm

I have just done exactly the same thing, with bmcecosse's input (many thanks). The rectangular cutouts need extending towards the larger fixing hole so that the cutout is 41mm long. This I did (carefully) with a jigsaw. This makes the cutout break into this fixing hole. The remains of the hole then need extending by about 6mm, making it into a slot to accept the larger of the morris cylinder bolts. (some say that you should weld up the backplate so you can drill a "proper" mounting hole, but I was happy with a slot and a DECENT large washer to spread the load.) The small mounting hole also needs filing out just slightly in the same direction and bearing outwards slightly ie slotting at about 15 degrees with respect to the cutout edge. This can best be done in about 30 seconds when you offer up the cylinders. You can then look forward to having a light brake pedal action and a front end which will dip and lock up under provocation!!
Not wanting to stir up anything, but I was going to do the "disc thing" until I read about the Wolseley option ( I'm a newbie to all the scene). This seems a far easier option and, of course, still appears original. But I do worry a bit about those who use the anticipatory driving argument to make allowances for the original brakes. I'm all for that kind of driving, but then there's that child who runs out in front of you from no-where.....
(Just my thoughts on things, please don't shout at me!)

Post by **bigginger** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:52 pm

????????? It baffles me why people think that the disc thing is so difficult. I don't care specially, you understand, it just makes me curious

Post by **mike.perry** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 12:02 am

It's probably not difficult, I'm just lazy!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 9:59 am

It is very much more difficult to fit discs than simply bolting on Wolseley backplates! For discs (assuming a ready-to fit kit at considerable expense) - you need different flexi hoses, you need to remove/refit the master cylinder (a terrible job) and remove one of the seals (try explaining that to your Insurance Co!) and more than likely you will need to fit a servo (more considerable expense and some re-piping of the brakes) and then you will also need a remote reservoir! W brakes are EASILY fitted in a couple of hours - that lot for discs will take a couple of days!!
The downside of course is that W brakes are not easy to find - you just need to chase up every lead - and ask anyone who is breaking a W1500 on ebay if they still have the brakes available.

Post by **bigginger** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 10:17 am

As I said, it really isn't that hard to do

Never had problems from an insurance company either

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 10:20 am

You must admit though Andrew - two days and considerable expense (~ £600 ??) , against half a day and ~ £60 (if you can find them of course!).

Post by **grumpygrandad** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 10:54 am

its just there age mate ,, crack on ,,,grandad

Post by **grumpygrandad** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 1:38 pm

TwincamTurbo52 wrote:Deleted.

TUT TUT,, GRANDAD,

Post by **Peetee** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 6:06 pm

Wahey, all you senior messageboarders, it's the moment you've been waiting for all there years.....

IN THE BLUE CORNER!

it really isn't that hard to do

IN THE RED CORNER!

It is very much more difficult to fit discs

FIGHT!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 6:10 pm

No fight involved lads - just common sense.

Post by **jonathon** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 8:01 pm

So, when you have stopped raiding the limited spares available for the true Wolseley enthusiasts and the drums, cylinders, shoes etc are no longer available, what will you do then ?
Clearly these drums are a good idea if on a budget and it would appear that they stop the Minor more efficiently. However if you wince at telling the insurance about removing a seal from the master cylinder , how will they view the filing of backplates,cylinders and heaven forbid cutting down the width of the shoes.
Discs are clearly more expensive as they involve more than just the braking components. Plus they are tested designs which do not rely on the sometimes suspect abilities of the home fitters in order to make them work. To compare the two on anything other than braking ability is pure folly as they are two completely different products.
The fitting of discs (our kit) can be done in 3-4 hours, the plumbing and servo, if fitted a further 3-4 hours.
Common sense choice would be to fit a brake upgrade that is easily sustainable and one that is not heading for obsolescence and deprive other marque enthusiasts of valuable spares.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 8:35 pm

Well - you don't 'have' to fit Minor cylinders - W cylinders are available, they just cost a bit more. In fact if i am honest, i think I preferred the 'other' set of brakes on W cylinders (I have two sets you see). Shoes are also available - some companies will re-line old shoes. My eceonmy set using TR7 shoes only came about when I bought TR7 shoes and realised they are virtually the same! Backplates should last 'for ever' - so that just leaves drums. Plenty of 9" drums around from other vehicles, would just need holes drilling to suit the Minor PCD I suppose. And yes - many drill the Marina disc hubs to fit Minor PCD, so similar set-up there. However the set of drums I'm using at the moment are 'unworn' after presumably a good life on a Wolseley before I acquired them - and at current wear rate they will certainly see me out! My 'other' set are also virtually unworn.
But I agree - if a Minor owner wants disc brakes, and can afford them - then by all means go ahead! But many who have fitted W brakes are very satisfied with them - in fact i don;'t know of even one dis-satisfied W braked Minor owner.
Please Note - I didn't re-start the thread!!

Post by **jonathon** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 8:44 pm

'Please Note - I didn't re-start the thread!!', ahha but you don't get off that lightly, y'ol devil.
We are all aware of the pros and cons of discs or drums , but really the fitting comments are a tad less than accurate ol'chap

Post by **bigginger** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 9:51 pm

bmcecosse wrote: just common sense

;)

Post by **rayofleamington** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 10:04 pm

So, when you have stopped raiding the limited spares available for the true Wolseley enthusiasts and the drums, cylinders, shoes etc are no longer available, what will you do then ?

maybe at that point, a clever trader will start selling Minor disk brake kits to Wolseley, Riley (and Marina) owners... However at this time the cylinders, shoes and drums are all being produced.

The Marina owner's club website 'featured car' this month has a... shock horror... Ford type 9 5-speed gearbox conversion. I wondered if their other car was a Morris Minor ;-)

Post by **grumpygrandad** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 10:07 pm

well the moggie brakes arnt the bestespecialy if you mix modern car driving with older cars you do need your witts about you in a morris on standard brakes,,grandad

Post by **jonathon** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 10:51 pm

Ray, a 'clever' trader already does a Ford disc kit for the Marina and a Zetec conversion with a type 9 ,5 speed and Escort rear axle.
This could well be extended to the Riley and Wolseley market.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 5:26 am

Why would they want to downgrade their brakes - he asks, and then runs!!!!!!!

Post by **jonathon** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 7:42 am

You can run, but you can't hide !!

Post by **mike.perry** » Sat Sep 13, 2008 12:21 pm

Still hasn't answered my question if Wolseley brakes are still available and if so where? Or is that a closely guarded secret?
On the subject of raiding limited supplies we are all doing that to a greater or lesser extent by running classic cars although I grant you with a little manufacturing help from people like Jonathon.
mike.perry@mmoc.org.uk