[Suspension/brake component colours]

Hi All

 

Im just about to have the following components bead blasted and powder coated - TR5 trailing arms, rear coil springs, brake drums and back plates.

 

Can anyone tell me what the original colours were? The trailing arms are obviously aluminium, so do I leave these with the 'natural' look etc...

 

Any guidance appreciated - more interested in orginality than looks.

 

Thanks

 

Dave

[TR5 Polybush kits]

Hi All

 

While I have got the rear suspension stripped down on my '5' that I acquired a few months ago, I am looking to upgrade the bushes and have a couple of questions

 

- There seems to be a wide variety of 'kits' around (full and part) - can anyone offer advice on a good quality solution/source for a full car polybush kit please?

 

- Also there seems to be different ride eg performance, comfort etc. Is the handling benefit of the 'performance' bushes outweighed by the harsh ride for fast road use?

 

I know these questions are subjective but any guidance would be helpful.

 

Thanks

D

[Rear brake back plates]

Stuart

 

That's as bought from Hertfordshire and has already crossed my mind that it maybe an excuse to pull me. Maybe they have better things to do down south where I sourced the car. Dont know what Pete Fenlons story is but when you see some of the plates around here maybe he was just unlucky - will give it some thought......

 

D

 

 

I wpuld change the spacing on the number plate before you drive it as Pete Fenlon has found to his cost, the "Old bill" in your area seem to be a bit hot on things like that.

Stuart.

 

[Rear brake back plates]

Hi All

 

Many thanks for the advice and interest shown to date. It's my first time using this forum in anger and refreshing to find so many helpful people.

 

The conclusions so far are powder coated back plates (£40 including blasting the drums) and DOT hydraulic fluid.

 

My last question regarding this task is about brake drum run out. I have asked my local machining company (Redman's, Fleetwood) to check ovality. I understand (from Moss) that if required, max 0.010" can be skimmed from the drum to remove run out. Redman's have asked if I can find out what the internal diameter of a new drum should be so they can assess whether the drum has been skimmed previously - it is not visible to the eye. can anyone help please?

 

I have attached photos as requested for those who wanted a gander - the black lab wasnt included in pthe purchase but seems to have claimed the passenger seat as her own!

 

Many thanks

[Rear brake back plates]

When removing/refitting the hub/halfshaft assembly (prior to removing the back plates) is it simply a question of removing/refitting the 6 retaining nuts or do I have to worry about orientation for refitting? I'm assuming its straightforward and the shaft is aligned with a key and there is only one orientation (rather than many splines)?

 

Thanks

 

Dave

[Rear brake back plates]

Thanks for the responses - all interesting and varied!

 

Probably will go with the powder coating depending if cost is 'reasonable'. My gut feeling is that it will be a more resilient finish - I dont intend becoming a 'polisher' and want to use the car, so I'm trying to take future wear and tear into account with what I do. Tell me if Im on the wrong track here though please!

 

Pity that silicon fluid seems to get the thumbs down. The reason Im doing the brakes is due to a fluid leak which has damaged some paintwork. Why is silicon fluid so 'available' if it gets such a negative press?

 

Thanks again guys,

 

Dave

[Rear brake back plates]

Ive recently acquired a TR5 (good condition) as a longe term improvement project, with a view to retaining originality.

 

As a small introductory task Im overhauling the rear brakes and was wondering what paint/finish to apply to the brake back plates which are currently 100% covered in surface rust. Any suggestions please?

 

Also any views on using silicon fluid - opinions seem to vary.

 

Many thanks

 

Dave