brake fluid reservoir appearance

[nevets]

maybe somebody has already addressed the problem of disintegrating paint on the brake fluid reservoir. It's a well known fact that brake fluid is paint remover, which is why my reservoir looks so ugly and flaky. I wonder if having it powder coated instead of the usual paint would work? Or maybe there's a way to keep the brake fluid from escaping from the vent hole?

 

[77MidgetMkIV]

My cousin just did the MC in his Triumph, and he had it powder coated. I am assuming that he did it for good reason, and that it stands up more to Brake fluid. Given the process (it is baked on) as opposed to how paint cures, I would think it might be a good alternative.

 

[John Loftus]

You could switch over to silicone fluid but there are many pros/cons to consider first!

I've wondered if the vent hole is necessary. I read recently that the brake fluid does not need to be changed for the life of the vehicle in some modern cars because they seal the system so much better now.

I am repainting my reservoir and using an Imron paint which has excellent resistance to chemicals. Using a new rubber gasket on the cap and new aluminum washers on the bottom joints to keep it from leaking.

Cheers,
John

 

[nevets]

Thanks. I don't think I will be switching to silicone brake fluid anytime soon. Imron paint might be a good choice. It's a pain to apply because it's a 2-part epoxy type paint, and rather toxic fumes.

 

[Keoke]

HI nevets, the powder coat suggestion is a good one.However, the can must be copper plated first and the inner section removed .This is because both are assembled with solder and if not plated the melting solder will blow holes in the powder coat because the cure temperature of the coating and the melt temperature of solder are the same.The bottom of the small reservoir inside the larger can is soldered to its tube and will also fail in the oven.--Fwiw---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gifStay away from Imron it is dangerous stuff.

 

[GregJ]

Keoke is right on regarding the problems with powder coating. The heat needed to powdercoat the can will melt the solder and you will have a leaky can. Just ask me, I know from experience. One good alternative may be the solid aluminum brake reservior cans offered by some specialist firms in England. They look exactly like the original cans but are made out of aluminum with no seams. I do not have the exact contact for purchase. However they have been well advertised in the English vintage car magazines.

Also, when you finally reach a paint solution try using a rubber bladder made especially for the inside of the cap of the brake reservior. This keeps the brake fluid from splashing around and coming out the breather hole in the top of the cap. This solution worked very well for me with my C-Type under racing condiditons. Before that I would always have the paint pealing problem as there is a lot of "G" force genetrated under braking condiditons and the fluid was really thrown around and heated up.

GregJ

GregJ

 

[Keoke]

Hi Greg, I was just talking to a Snapon Rep and he showed me the latest in sockets which are black chromed. It is not flat black but is not glossy either probably closer to semi gloss black.This finish may be an alternative if a shop can be found that does it.Regular chrome plating that I have seen eventually breaks down and rusts of course I do not know if the plating was of quality or not.---Keoke

 

[Cottontop]

Another option might be to find a good gun shop and check into having it blued or black-blued.

Tim

 

[Keoke]

HI john, I know you said the "bottom joints" but be sure that the Aluminum sealing washers are used in side and out side of the can.---Keoke

 

[John Loftus]

[ QUOTE ]
Imron paint might be a good choice. It's a pain to apply because it's a 2-part epoxy type paint, and rather toxic fumes.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, I use a forced air respirator, face mask, gloves and overalls to keep protected. Nice paint though ... I'm doing all the black parts (suspension, brake, rearend, misc. brackets)with Imron. You could always just buy a new brake reservoir from Moss .. and they are on sale this month.

yes, Keoke .. 4 washers total!

Cheers,
John

 

[John Loftus]

[ QUOTE ]

Also, when you finally reach a paint solution try using a rubber bladder made especially for the inside of the cap of the brake reservior. This keeps the brake fluid from splashing around and coming out the breather hole in the top of the cap.
GregJ

[/ QUOTE ]

Greg, Thanks for the tip ... I'll go to Napa and see if they have something that will fit.

Cheers,
John

 

[Keoke]

Well since we are speaking of some pricy things to do to this over priced tin can. Gold plating it will last forever and I don't think it would cost much more than a new one. Gold can be applied over copper or nickel and it will not corrode. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonod.gif---Keoke

 

[John Loftus]

[ QUOTE ]
Gold plating

[/ QUOTE ]

New meaning to concours gold?!?

BTW, if you like gold plating ....
goldie

 

[GregW]

This may be a dumb idea, what about brake caliper paint? Isn't it designed to resist brake fluid or just heat.

 

[John Loftus]

Greg,

Yes, brake caliper paint is supposed to be chemically resistant. It is also a two part paint, designed to be brushed on so it may be too thick to spray. Very expensive for what you get, something like $40 for a small kit.

Cheers,
John

 

[GregW]

Hi John,
I was thinking of the spray cans. I haven't used the stuff but have seen it at the auto chains for about $9.plasti-kote

 

[Keoke]

Yep John, I saw goldie in the lobby it was a bit impressive and you do not have to worry about the finish going bad.---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[GregJ]

Heree is the URL for the aluminum brake reservior cans. they are offered by other businesses but Cape-International sells them:

https://www.cape-international.com/brakes_wheels_and_tyres.tpl

Seems like a good idea. I am thinking of trying them.

GregJ

 

[Dave Russell]

Cape says,
"Available with original or plastic vented lids. Models BN1 - BJ8"
I was thinking that the lid vent might be the problem in the first place. Or the cap threads. At least the paint won't come off if you leave it shiny aluminum.

The real answer is a sealed gasket/diaphragm with a vent above it. Like "modern" cars have. It also keeps the system completely sealed. Only problem is I haven't found a rubber gadget that will fit the small filler hole & cap. Has anyone come up with something?

As john suggested earlier, I'm trying out closing the vent in the cap with a solid wall to wall gasket. In theory, with some air space in the top & gravity feed to the master cylinder, it should work. Maybe when it gets hot the pressure in the can will cause it to self apply the brakes, but I doubt it. We shall see.
D

 

[healeygal]

I've got one of those ugly, flaking reservoirs that needs spiffing up, too. A recent re-paint did no good. A friend suggested zinc plating followed by a black conversion coating with a slight iridescence since the "can" is soldered and can't take oven baking temperatures. Does that sound like a possibility? That, plus something to keep the brake fluid from escaping out the hole in the cap!

Sharon
BN1