morris minor brakes

[bigchapliza]

Hi everyone.Knew to the site as just bought my first minor.Have bought one to restore for the girlfriend as she loves them,not that she knows this as will hopefully be her christmas present(this year maybe).
Bought the car of ebay with all welding to her done and sitting in primer.Got delivered last night but not had a chance to have a good look at her yet due to work but friday afternoon i'll get a once over. Used to be a mechanic so know my way around cars as built a few mk2 escorts and rally cars.
My question is about brakes.What discs and callipers can i fit from a donor car or do i need to buy one of the brake kits as this will be one of the first jobs as well as changing all suspension bushes.
Any other advice on these little motors then im only to happy to here as every little helps.
Cheers.
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/1965-Morris-Mino ... yyiBR6Yg7/$(KGrHqFHJEQFHh(8GHI0BR6Yg7VGyw~~60_57.JPG

[bmcecosse]

Don't worry too much about 'discs' - the drum brakes (if the later 8" fronts) are more than adequate for any sane driving in a Minor! There is no 'easy' swap . Spridget discs can be fitted reasonably easily - but are not really any better than the 8" drums. Marina/Ital discs etc can be fitted - but use different wheel stud PCD. Easiest big upgrade is to 9" front drums from a Wolselely 1500 - bolt off/on job. Unfortunately not easy to find these larger drums now.....

[jagnut66]

Hi,
Mine has the Ford vented disc conversion on the front, it was in place when I bought the car, since which I have renewed most of it via the David Manners Morris Minor Centre in Birmingham (though ESM and Bull Motif etc. all stock the kits for both this and the Marina type conversion) and eBay, where I found a very reasonably priced pair of refurbished callipers. The PCD is as per original, so I also run standard wheels on my car, which keeps its original look.
I can't therefore comment on the drums, they may be adequate but, as always, it's down to personal choice / preference.
As an aside, I run my standard wheels tubeless with Toyo tyres without any problems
(touching wood right now!! ).
Best wishes,
Mike.

[bmcecosse]

A budget for a new disc brake kit plus servo and remote reservoir, replumbing the brake pipes and a new master cylinder (modified for use with discs) will be towards £1000. A full drum brake overhaul will leave change from £100..... Both assuming DIY of course!

[Matt]

£1000 for a DIY disc conversion????

A complete ford conversion is £380+VAT from ESM & you can get the discs, pads and calipers easily, unlike any of the 9" bits!

Ok you would need to remove the top hat seal from the master cylinder (free) and sort a remote reseveoir (not expensive) and new remote servos can be had easily!

Having said that... I will have a marina setup for sale very soon (needs new calipers - MGB ones fit and you can get a new pair for ~£80) and the new setup (with some 2nd hand bits) will come in at less than £200...

[bmcecosse]

Yes - I slightly over estimated - seems £800 or so will get you worthwhile brakes from JLH. I agree 9" Wolseley brakes are 'not common' these days - but once you have them, shoes and cylinders cost peanuts! And of course - only 30/45mins or so per side to fit them......

[jagnut66]

I was going to say, I have renewed pretty much everything, front and rear (though not at the same time) and I don't recall spending anything like £1000 on the brakes

[bmcecosse]

Secondhand will obviously be less - but then you take a chance on bearings/loose hubs/sticking calipers etc etc..
Here's a set complete with uprights and hubs etc!! They are the more desireable Wolseley 9" brakes. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WOLSELEY-RILE ... 4d0fd2d6ce