RILEY 1.5 FRONT BRAKES UPGRADE

[George Coles]

"Rose" my Traveller is slowly being restored back to good health. I have a set of Riley 1.5 front hubs, drums etc. complete. Andy at Wolseley 1500/Riley 1.5 spares is sorting new D4 Girling cylinders. Have checked the drums all OK and new set of riveted shoes. Hopefully picture attached.
Rest of braking system will be renewed and standard. Has anyone fitted such a set up? Any tips or hints? Any issues with brake balance or set up? Not thinking of a servo as happy to push a bit harder. Initially standard 1098cc but maybe 1275cc in future if funds allow so the idea is to upgrade.
Many thanks.

[bmcecosse]

The Riley front brakes are HUGE - and some have reported a heavy pedal when using them. The front/rear balance will also be a bit 'different' . The general view is that the Wolseley front brakes are a better option. Let us know how you get on with them.

[George Coles]

Yes I agree they are impressive beasts. A couple of people have highlighted the balance issue but not to the extent of needing any direct intervention. Glad to report back on result, not ruled out servo conversion if needed, may hinge on whether daughter will be driving having been spoilt with Peugeot 107.
Have a good bank holiday depite vile weather...

[bmcecosse]

If you can find the Riley rear brakes and fit them - that will steady up the balance.

[George Coles]

Had a good conversation with Andy today at Wolseley 1500/Riley 1.5 Spares. mob.07860 360690.They offer in effect a conversion kit for fitting Riley 1.5 drums to a Minor. Riley 1.5 brake hoses because the Minor ones do not fit into the shaped back plate. A different tube nut is needed for the metal brake pipe and usefully for my parts a kit to replace the snail adjuster. They also have shoes, cylinders etc.

[bmcecosse]

I believe the Riley parts (cylinders/shoes) are ubber expensive.....the Wolselely front cylinders are easily changed for Minor cylinders, and inexpensive TR7 rear brake shoes can be used with v slight modification. I'm surprised the W/R place encourages the use of these parts on Minors - I thought they would be keeping them for use on the original cars !

[George Coles]

Absolutely right the cost of parts is easily 3 times Morris Minor. Market forces supply and demand. I used to run an 1958 A55 alongside my Austin 8cwt van and the prices were painful. Andy came accross as a pragmatist and happy to make a buck from Minor upgrades but does not go public. Luckily the rebuild of "Rose" has spread out over 2 decades so have accumulated shoes, wheel cylinders along the way ....just need to remember where they were carefully stored. Next purchases are suspension; have new rear springs so will get some new bushes, pins etc this month. Then front suspension next month.
Thanks again for the feedback and viewpoint bmcecosse I always read your posts with interest.

[bmcecosse]

Be sure to buy poly bushes for these springs...... and fill the dampers with SAE 40 oil.....