[Replace or refurbish Master cylinder]

I was making a list of things to do during the rebuild and priced up replacement lockheed master cylinder. I also contacted a company called Powertrack ltd, they do

- Worldwide suppliers of obsolete Lockheed and Girling Brake/ Clutch Components

-British Car and Commercial vehicles 1930-1980.

 

and this is the reply.

 

Quote "Thank you for your enquiry.

 

We can offer a full reconditioning service stainless steel lining your existing cylinder at a cost of £170.00 + VAT. Full details upon request.

 

Many companies now offer the shorter MGA Lockheed twin-bore master cylinder as a replacement, however we make it clear that these are a shorter bodied cylinder having the incorrect stroke and the brake/clutch bores are around the opposite way !

 

We can supply a new clutch slave cylinder from stock pricedat £38.50 + VAT." endquote.

 

Could this be the reason that some people are having issues with brakes sticking.

Most of the replacements on offer all say that the threads are different and they supply conversion kit for both brake and clutch lines.

 

Is sleeving with stainless a good idea but only with "proper" fluid and not the silicone stuff or whatever it is, highly slated by many.

Has anybody used this company that can comment on the results.

 

The range for the same Master cylinder varies from £89-169 plus vat and carriege and they appear to be stamped Lucas on the side.

No, I would not consider changing to the later MS for various reasons.

For safety sake this is not an area to take shortcuts particularly with drum brakes all round.

[Auxiliarylights and lighting TR 2]

Just musing and delving the memory for the probable set up for front lights. For rallying what would have been the correct lighting arrangement and how legal now?

 

Two spot lights?

Spot and a fog?

Single spot.

 

Roof light set in hard top.

 

What make and model number would have correct ones.

 

As the side lights and indicator lights are both red what is solution for modern day driving given only single brake light

[Longdoor Tr2]

During my discussions with Stuart I mentioned I had found some Armstrong "Adjustaride" shock absorbers. Just got them out and they are still in the original Gold paint. Don't think they have ever been fitted. Both work perfectly when in the vice and nurled knobs turn easily. I understand these are rarer than hen's teeth.

Advice is not to be too hasty with the full dismantling of the car.

 

Off to start some photographic history.

[Longdoor Tr2]

I have owned the car for years but never had the time to get it out of storage. Discovered recently that it needs a complete rebuild. It does have some unusual features.

3 branch manifold, triple wipers and washers, manual throttle, along with original fitting wires, heater and overdrive and steel hard top. The engine has twin thermostat housings and Stuart thinks it may be the original. It certainly was much quicker than my Tr 4's at the time. It may have been breathed on at some time but time will tell.

 

I have spoken to Stuart and benefitted from his advice and enthusiasm, he knows the cars and in principle I would probably send it to him but visitation rights might be difficult, wrong end of the country as I am in the West of Scotland.

 

I also have a "Barn find" new chassis that has never been used so it will be the first job to be done. Looks like a careful strip down is the next on the agenda back to a bare shell so we can see what really needs to be done.

 

In the meantime any suggestions what to put in the bores as the engine turns but has not run in 25 years just want to keep it lubricated till I strip it down.

[Longdoor Tr2]

Any recommendations for restoration services as I want to restore my Long Door TR2 number TS 450. I have done some home work and got some very mixed information. It is moth eaten but not a basketcase by any means.

 

So far indications are

Lots of complete horror stories. Long period of work 6 -12 months like my project would be secondary and a budget of 30k needed. Some people are complete dreamers.

Criticism of some well known restorers

E.g poor fitting wings, narrowed scuttle so bad screen doesn't fit, complete shell as no useable parts deemed repairable. Old bits skipped before you get there.

 

Come guys good, honest, restorers needed, realistically priced.

[How much is a 1955 Tr2 resto project car worth]

Is the car still for sale and where is it?