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MGB-GT MGBGT brake restoration - the continuing saga

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davester

davester

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Earlier I asked for advice re the rear wheel cylinders for my '71 MGBGT. I had been shipped what appeared to be the wrong cylinders because the locating pin wouldn't line up with the hole on the backplate. Now, after much pulling of hair and calls to the B Hive, I have figured out that somehow I have roadster backplates fitted to my GT, which of course won't fit the GT cylinders.

So, my question is, what should I do? Ideally I should replace the backplates, but I have been unable to locate GT backplates anywhere (unless someone here can offer some for sale). The second option is to drill my existing backplates, but the holes are located so close together that they'll probably intersect, thus potentially allowing the cylinder to rotate. Third option is to just go with roadster cylinders which is what I had before. They have a smaller diameter piston so I'm wondering if that negatively affects braking. This seems unlikely, since the earlier GTs had the same size cylinders as the roadsters (though there must be a reason they changed the size). Any thoughts?
 
Backplates are easy to find. Personally I'd get a GT set. Having a mish-mosh of parts does not make it any easier to keep your car in good order,or to order replacement parts when you need them.

The GT is a heavier car, all in the rear. That's why the different brakes. Roadster brakes will work, but if you already have it apart then now would be a good time to make it right.

Just my 2.34 cents USD.
 
So what does "easy to find" mean? I've called the few places I know with no luck, and emailed The Autoist and am waiting for a reply, so now I'm stuck in waiting mode. Do you know of any other sources where I might be able to find backplates? They don't seem to be available from the major vendors.
 
If you find an MGB GT in a junk yard, you will find the plates. I'm sure Tony has a bunch laying around. I just threw a set in the garbage a few months ago.
 
Yep, probably do.
 
Dave,
I monitor a couple of MG sites, but only ask questions (and get answers) here. The most educated bunch, with the best connections around. That being said, I must tell you that
"easy to find" usually means that one of us has found them one time when we probably weren't even looking for them. See? Easy to find! Nowadays when I read easy to find, I figure easier to buy and just cut my losses. Depending on what your time is worth, you have to decide how easy you want to make it. I once told Tony that some of these guys would tell you to rebuild a tire if they thought they could get away with it. But all in all, there's no better site for guys who truly love our cars and really want to see pix, mine are coming.
Mike
 
I know I do somewhere and I got a kick outta the "rebuild a tire if we could" line. That's a good one... - I've almost got it figured out /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif
 
I'm pulling a GT rear end tomorrow afternoon - brakes are all coming off it before I ship it out...so, the backing plates will be available.
 
Hi Tony, payment is on the way (via Paypal). You may already know this, but note that the earlier GT cylinders (and presumably the backplates) are the same as the roadster's, so I need the later (circa '71) plates. Thanks a bundle.
 
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