brakes and clutch

[littlewhiteroadster]

Hey there,
I've had my little roadster for about 13 years now, I had to keep her in the garage for the last year.
I'm trying to get her back on the road now, but need a new clutch kit and brake calipers discs and pads.
I know the engine is an 1800 MGB, and I seem to remember there were some triumph or marina parts too?
The mechanic helping me isn't sure what the original parts are, how can I find out exactly what parts I need and source them?
Any help appreciated, this is the first real work needed since I've had her...
Thanks in advance
Marcus

[stevejgreen]

Re: brakes and clutch

The only sure way is photos.
The MGB engine is very similar to a Marina engine, but the Marina used a Triumph derived gearbox and separate bell housing, the MGB has a unified gearbox and bell housing. Inevitably the clutches are different too. It is more than likely that you have a Marina based car.

Marlin roadsters have either Triumph Herald type coils spring front suspension or Marina torsion bar suspension that looks quite like a Morris 1000. Photos will help.

Clutch and Brake parts are pretty easy to come by via eBay and the like, there are very few Specific Marina parts suppliers.

[littlewhiteroadster]

Re: brakes and clutch

13461124_841574645987257_1753024343_o.jpg13410927_841574659320589_579810145_o.jpg13461124_841574645987257_1753024343_o.jpg
Hi Steve,
Thanks for you help on this, hope these pics shed some more light.
Thanks
Marcus

[stevejgreen]

Re: brakes and clutch

That's all Marina. Front suspension, Engine, gearbox and back axle.

Stainless steel brake hoses non standard but good.

[philcoyle]

Re: brakes and clutch

And Walford trunnion conversions as well.

[b_caswell]

Re: brakes and clutch

The gearbox is probably from a Dolomite 1850 as its got overdrive. Well spotted Phil I wasn't sure.

[stevejgreen]

Re: brakes and clutch

Now I look a bit closer. You are both right. Yes, but the clutch is going to be Marina.
Walford trunnions were an aftermarket replacement to save the steering upright if it's lower thread was badly corroded through lack of maintenance, it was designed to cut a new thread. a cheaper repair at the time, but comparatively rare today, though still available from specialists.

[littlewhiteroadster]

Re: brakes and clutch

Thank you for the help gents, yes it has overdrive.
So Marina clutch kit, are they all the same quality? are there any different models/years?
So brake stuff would all be Marina too as well?
Thanks Marcus

[stevejgreen]

Re: brakes and clutch

Can't think that one manufacturers that are better than others.
There are various odd differences between Mk1 Mk2 Mk3 and Ital donor vehicles. The main structural components are common, but steering racks are probably the most significant.
If you can identify the donor car then smaller differences, like wiring diagrams can be identified.

[philcoyle]

Re: brakes and clutch

I knew they were Walford conversions because as I live in the Midlands I went to the Engineering works that made them to collect a pair. The chap running the works is the son of the designer, originally made for the Midlands Police cars as they were fed up when the trunnion wore out and they went 3 wheels on my wagon. Still have them as I designed and built my own wishbone suspension with coil overs or is that coyle overs.

[stevejgreen]

Re: brakes and clutch

I knew they were Walford conversions because as I live in the Midlands I went to the Engineering works that made them to collect a pair. The chap running the works is the son of the designer, originally made for the Midlands Police cars as they were fed up when the trunnion wore out and they went 3 wheels on my wagon. Still have them as I designed and built my own wishbone suspension with coil overs or is that coyle overs.

Interesting. Can you add to this history? here or there

[philcoyle]

Re: brakes and clutch

All that I can add is that the trunnion conversion is fitted to the upright only after cleaning and degreasing the upright thread, and then applying Loctite to the thread and torqueing up the new threaded part on to the upright which now becomes part of the upright, it doesn't actually cut a new thread it uses the part of the upright that never wears so much as the lower part of the thread.
In the photo above you can see the hexagonal part, this is now significantly thicker in diameter compared to the original upright thread, and you need a deep socket to tighten it to the required torque (supplied on a piece of paper with the kit).
I suppose it must alter the steering geometry slightly, caster, camber, king pin inclination, but having spent many decades wheeling artics around Europe I never noticed.
In the interest of upgrading the front end to Cortina uprights, bigger discs, and coilover suspension is where I am now. Tried all the usual polyflex eyebolt bushes, tie rod bushes, but decided to build wishbone suspension instead.

[littlewhiteroadster]

Re: brakes and clutch

I'm struggling to find calipers...any ideas or advice...the mechanic said they are seized, is it worth getting new or refurbing?
Thanks
Marcus

[stevejgreen]

Re: brakes and clutch

Calipers should be dead easy Ford Escort mk1, dolomite 1500, all Marina/Ital with front disks.
They are commonly known as Type 14.
BiggRed do an exchange/rebuild service as do several other suppliers.

They are simple to rebuild with Stainless Pistons and new seals, but if they have corroded into the bore, new ones are probably best.

[littlewhiteroadster]

Re: brakes and clutch

Thanks that Steve, much appreciated...
So something like this would be a good option then? Can't see type 14, but lots of type 16? would these do? vented or non vented?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-ESCORT-MK1-PAIR-FRONT-BRAKE-CALIPERS-PADS-PINS-VENTED-DISCS-BCA222C-/231503517637?fits=Model%3AEscort&hash=item35e6af57c5:g:krQAAOSwT~9WjjDk#vi-ilComp

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mk1-Mk2-Escort-M16-vented-disc-caliper-kit-RS-Mexico-AVO-race-rally-BR-89-/152058305798?fits=Model%3AEscort&hash=item2367619d 06:g:GCoAAOSwL7VWkM3Y

Thanks, sorry for all the questions