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Disc Brakes / Wire Wheels

John Moore

Luke Skywalker
Offline
So just curious, what's involved in a front disc brake swap in a bugeye. Do I need to find swivels and calipers off a later Spridget? Is the front to rear bias ok on a single line or would I need a shuttle too?

Also, (I know most people hate wires) but if I wanted to swap, can I just change the hubs or do I need a different rear axle? I really like the idea of nice white walls on painted wires. If I don't do that, I'll probably seek out minilites. But I sure don't think white walls would be appropiate there! lol!
 
Someone will have this answered before I finish typing.

Yes you need spindles/swivels off of a later spridget.

You can use your existing single line circuit, but it may take some tinkering. If you can find a disc brake tandem MC, then you should have no problem. The later rear brakes are also a little easier to work with.

To switch to wire wheels on the back you need new axles and actually a new housing since they are different widths.
 
Trevor Jessie said:
To switch to wire wheels on the back you need new axles and actually a new housing since they are different widths.

Thanks Trevor, I figured as much, on an MGB you have to change the entire rear end as they are different lengths. Minilites probably make more sense.
 
I agree with Trevor, it is a topic as old as the cars. You gotta do what makes you smile, and there is enough old wire wheel parts laying around you should be able to do it pretty cheap. IF you were coming through KC I could set you up, but shipping I'm afraid would be to much. If its what you want, I bet you can find the parts near. Good luck with your decision.
 
John:

My brother has wires and I have mini lites. I have some pictures of his car with the wires, that I will post for you. It just has a nice look to it, but is tad bit more expensive.

All the information Trevor has given is correct. If you want a 1/4 eliptical ww rear, send me a pm. I may have a source for you.

Pat
 
kcbugeye1275 said:
I agree with Trevor, it is a topic as old as the cars. You gotta do what makes you smile, and there is enough old wire wheel parts laying around you should be able to do it pretty cheap. IF you were coming through KC I could set you up, but shipping I'm afraid would be to much. If its what you want, I bet you can find the parts near. Good luck with your decision.

Yes shipping would be a bear! I have a MGB WW rear end in my garage I can't give away.

Pat - you have a PM.
 
There is a fellow who is having pistons made for the later disc-style combined master cylinder:

https://www.gerardsgarage.com/GarageContent/Tech/DBrake/BrakeMC.htm

He's currently re-sleeving my MC down to the proper 3/4" size for the disc conversion. It's not strictly necessary, but that's what the disc-braked cars used until the dual-circuit system came along.
 
I'll let you know how it turns out. I should have it back in a week or 2 if all goes well. Then I've got to get cracking on the other brake bits.
 
Yeah, keep me posted. I saw that Apple would rebuild one for $200. But this is definitely an interesting option.

Oh yeah! Lots of great tips and information on that site! Good reading!

Thanks!
 
I think Gerard's Guy is doing them for less than $200
 
I think I paid around $300 for the whole package, which included 2 new pistons, rebuilding and reassembly, and cad plaiting. You could save quite a bit if you did the reassembly yourself and skipped the plaiting. I liked the idea of just being able to drop it in the car and go, so the bit extra was worth it for me.
 
OK, I might be talking about just the reline/bore.
 
That part was about $180 or so I think. Seemed very reasonable.
 
After reading Gerards site last night and his bit about the changeover to dual piston rear brakes, I decided to take a look at mine. SUPRISE! Looks like the DPO completely removed not only the old cyclinders, but springs and everything else too! I remember he told me that when he towed it home 8-10 years ago, the wheels seized and he removed the drums. I didn't know he removed everything! Well, I guess a caliper and dual piston upgrade is certainly in my future!
 
If you want to enlarge the hole for the pedal box, you can switch to the later style (separate clutch/brake MC). This can be done as a single line or dual line setup.

It might require moving the wiper motor too.
 
I will put the later type separate clutch & brake cyls in mine, so I will have to enlarge the hole, and close some of the existing hole. But I didn't want to move the wiper motor, so I might just mount it a little to the left of the correct position. I bought a reconditioned unit off ebay for ÂŁ10, and it's of course RHD so some pedal arm bending is in order.
 
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