More brakes and pedals

Over the last few weeks I've spent a few hours, on and off cleaning the VW rear calipers. My conclusion from this is that I might as well have brought the brand new version from GSF or Rally Designs - twice the cost and would have needed new pads but for the effort in cleaning the old ones, plus the cost of paint, worth the effort!! Today I finally finished the clutch pedal, with just the bracket to mount the master cylinder to make now. I also did a check of the mini master cylinder with the Fiat remote reservoir and was very pleased with the results. Regrettably I have to take a few weeks off now because of work commitments - hope to be back in the workshop in August!!!

Rear brakes

Bought some rear calipers from a crashed Passat this weekend. Spent fathers day in the garage cleaning one of them up - quite satisfying but time consuming. Used a little wire brush attachment for my cheap dremel copy which seemed to do the business, unlike the Halfords brake cleaner which certainly didn't do what it says on the tin! Photos to follow....

Clutch pedal progress

Today I made further progress with the clutch pedal. I began by welding some washers to the rough pedals that I made a few weeks ago - this was to make them fit the TR7 stub better - I have run out of 16g off cuts and awaiting more so I had to make do! I then drilled the holes in the sides before attaching them to the TR7 stub. The welds needed a little fettling to ensure that the return spring - the sole reason for using the TR7 stub - fitted properly. The last time I was in the workshop, a passer by offered some welding advice and suggested that I turned down the gas flow. The difference that this has made has been amazing! Anyway, I welded both sides to the stub, which needed further trimming. I also trimmed the bracket so that the pedal could be set at a reasonable angle. Once it was all assembled, I checked the action - I am slightly concerned that the travel might be a bit short, but I guess time will tell on that one!!!

I have also made a few decisions on the braking. A fellow Locostbuilder is sending me a Mini master cylinder. It is a 'type 3' which has a stepped bore, designed to limit rear braking on the Mini. I am going to reverse the plumbing in order to account for the lack of weight at the front of my car. I have also decided VW/Audi rear calipers are the best bet - they are readily available secondhand at reasonable prices and in good condition. This will avoid having to fork out for reconditioned Sierra calipers, including postage!!! We'll see if it works!