A7 OOH Posted March 21, 2022 Share Posted March 21, 2022 My 94 X/Flow is fitted with the old Vauxhall Viva master cylinder which has the following connectors. one for the rear brakes and two for the front brakesI intend to replace the obsolete unit with a current standard M/C.What connectors do I need to purchase to carry out the mod (metric or imperial?)and what is the best way of doing it. Is it a simple cut and insertion of three way tee piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted March 21, 2022 Share Posted March 21, 2022 Yes it is. Insert a T-piece somewhere near the front of the chassis where it is convenient to run pipes to both front calipers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted March 21, 2022 Share Posted March 21, 2022 The new standard master cylinder has imperial connections. Are you planning to do this yourself and do you have access to a pipe flaring tool. For any new pipes copper is the easiest to work with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted March 21, 2022 Share Posted March 21, 2022 If you were closer I would offer to help you but the 250 miles is a bit far Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A7 OOH Posted March 21, 2022 Author Share Posted March 21, 2022 Thanks AndrewCould I not insert the "T" adjacent to the throttle pedal and just cut into the front lines and run a new pipe to M/C. assuming I can utilize the existing rear connector?What fittings do I need to connect to new M/C- Tee Piece and brakes. What size brake pipe. Are these metric or UNF? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted March 21, 2022 Share Posted March 21, 2022 Yes, the t-piece can be anywhere that enables you to split the outlet from the M/C in to two pipes to the front brakes.The pipe is 3/16" and all the fittings will be imperial 3/8" UNF. The M/C connections are male as are the 3 T-piece connections. The pipe to the rear will need modifying in shape. What sort of brake light switch do you have. Mine is hydraulic so the first section of pipe to the rear is short. To avoid replacing long pipes you can always use straight connectors to connect a short piece of new pipe to the main run of a long pipe. Are all your pipes rust free? If any rust it will be best to renew the lot. The type of pipe flare (single or double) can be seen by looking at existing pipes or the shape of the seat in the fitting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orangepeel61 Posted March 22, 2022 Share Posted March 22, 2022 I have the same m/c and have been contemplating this too, what do you intend to replace it with?Just a thought, would flexible pipe make the job easier? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted March 22, 2022 Share Posted March 22, 2022 A7 OOH said current standard M/C which is this oneBRAKE MASTER CYL (STD BRAKE) - Caterham PartsNot sure if using flexibles will be easier, especially if you can make your own pipes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A7 OOH Posted March 22, 2022 Author Share Posted March 22, 2022 Thanks for the information Andrew.Existing pipework is in excellent condition so no issues on that front and like your's my brake light switch is hydraulic on a short run.Job looks straight forward just a matter of getting hold of a flaring kit, "T" piece and fittings etc.My M/C is as you show in the link. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Macquarie Posted March 22, 2022 Share Posted March 22, 2022 Have you considered getting your existing master cylinder rebuilt?It may be a cost effective solution, avoiding the need to modify the pipework and maintaining "originality" - If that's your thing.As far as I can see the only downside would be the turn-around time for the rebuild / remanufacture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted March 22, 2022 Share Posted March 22, 2022 Hand Held Brake Pipe Flaring Tool | Car Builder - Kit & Classic Car Parts SpecialistOne of these would seem to be suitable. Looks very similar in function to the one I bought many years ago. I have got one of the type that does multiple pipe sizes as well where the pipe clamps between two bars but they mark the pipe quite badly where it is gripped.There are lots of dealers selling identical looking items for a variety of prices. Car builder will also have all the fittings and pipe you will need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A7 OOH Posted March 22, 2022 Author Share Posted March 22, 2022 Ian a refurbishment could be option for consideration at a later stage, the good thing is that a retro refit for originality would be a simple task.I will checkout Car Builder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkeywood Posted March 22, 2022 Share Posted March 22, 2022 I use a basic Sealey AK505 kit. Costs about £20 but happy to lend you mine if you want. I can sling in enough 3/16 copper for the job and may have some fittings, but don't think there's a tee. robert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted March 22, 2022 Share Posted March 22, 2022 #13 I have a very similar one to that (not branded Sealey) but find the clamp that holds the pipe marks it quite badly. Does yours do that? I do not use it on my 3/16" copper pipe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkeywood Posted March 23, 2022 Share Posted March 23, 2022 #14 Seems fine. I've not used it a great deal but did repipe my car with it some years back and done a few odd jobs sinceR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A7 OOH Posted March 23, 2022 Author Share Posted March 23, 2022 RobertThanks for your kind offer.PM sentGordon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orangepeel61 Posted April 3, 2022 Share Posted April 3, 2022 Decided to bite the bullet and do mine too, thanks Andrew for the info it was very helpful.Couple of additional things that I encounter that might be useful, firstly although the new master cyclinder has imperial connections for the brake unions the actuation rod has a metric thread, M8. Secondly, my car has steal brake pipes which makes modifications more difficult so I'm now replacing the whole front section with copper. It's not that clear from A7OOH's picture but it looks suspiciously like mine so thought it worth a mention. Because of the pipe issues this has taken longer than anticipated so haven't got it back together yet but if I encounter anything else I'll report back.Neil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beagler Posted April 3, 2022 Share Posted April 3, 2022 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beagler Posted April 3, 2022 Share Posted April 3, 2022 Gordon did you manage to install the M/c and is it ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A7 OOH Posted April 3, 2022 Author Share Posted April 3, 2022 Hello GrahamNot fitted yet, but I am sure all will be well. (Topped up with small amount of fluid and plugged outlets to keep seals moist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beagler Posted April 3, 2022 Share Posted April 3, 2022 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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