Cleaning steel brake pipes or tubes inside... how??

sth65pac · #1 31-01-09, 13:23

Bob,

I have already overhauled the Master cylinder. The F15A is about my 34th vehicle so I am happy to take ideas, and techniques. I don't accept I know it all because I DON'T. Many people have great ideas here.. and hence I ask...

Yes I am getting brake-lines made.

As for the wheel cylinders: I will most likely buy new or hone & refurbish the oldies. This is the easy stuff. All the panel work is the hardest part for me..

I don't think I will make Corowa with a 'driveable vehicle' so I will have to just bring the caravan, camera, & a carton of beer.

Ian

Bob Moseley (RIP) · #2 31-01-09, 23:53

Hi Ian - I hope you don't think I was trying to teach you how to suck eggs. However I have seen numerous "restoration" efforts that I call pensioner restorations, where cost cutting shortcuts have been utilised, especially in the brakes area. I posted the costs to demonstrate to the uninformed just how inexpensive a professional refurbishment is.

34 vehicles, most impressive. What have you done?

Bob

Howard · #3 01-02-09, 00:59

As I hinted on before, I have just had my master cylinder & front wheel cylinders tarted up. One wheel cylinder came apart quite easily & was in very good condition. The other wheel cylinder was a different story & I was unable to pull them apart without resorting to hammers & punches. The master cylinder looked VERY ORDINARY to say the least, so I boxed them all up & sent them to a contact in Orange.
The parts arrived in Orange last Thursday morning, and the job was completed by Friday Lunchtime.
Resleeved all cylinders & reassembled, manufacture 2x front brake hoses, total cost $300 including freight. I should add that I supplied the wheel cylinder kits (NOS). They had a kit for the master cylinder in stock!

Their service is excellent. When I get back to work on Monday I will post their contact details here.
I like to think that the more work you do to your own project, the more satisfaction with the final product. I have tried to farm out as little as possible, and therefore, am massively behind where I thought I would be right now. Tony (Ganmain Tony, that is) has pulled his truck apart and sent parts & pieces all over the state & is now ready to start assembly. He is miles in front of me, but has spent the money to get there. Different strokes for different folks.

sth65pac · #4 02-02-09, 12:02

I have completed overhaul of the Master Cylinder. Its about my 10th automotive one I think...

The brake pipes: I will weight cost VS swaging kit and tube and DIY. I don't like farming out jobs as I have had to accept a standard set by the person who did the job. As for some professional jobs, some are less than perfect and you end up re-doing them down the track. I can site many examples, but this is not the place.

To me, there is no urgency to my truck. I bought it with the intent of pleasure in restoration. I spent four hours making a new hasp for the F15A's tool box, what a joy, its like a new one!!

I appreciate all the concerns of safety, but this is not my first vehicle, (34th in fact) and I strongly agree with your statement Howard: "the more work you do to your own project, the more satisfaction with the final product". I have had three braking failures in three vehicles in 26years which were professionally repaired: Those failed systems were not done by myself. I was not watching/assisting repairs at the time.

If I learn something new I am better for it. If I just take my time, read the book and do it properly, I will be fine. No shortcuts, and do it once.

I am very mindful of age deterioration. I work in aviation and that is a daily issue. The techniques and ideas we all share is what makes MLU such a wonderful website:

On MLU I can ask a unique question without ridicule.

That is truly a unique part of MLU I personally enjoy.

Ian