Spridget Calipers

[PistolPete]

Hey Guys:

I am trying to replace the front disc brake calipers on a Morris Minor. Normally, the hub, rotor and caliper used for the Morris are Spridget type. But there is a chance that the rotors I have are from a Marina. In any event, I ordered some Midget calipers from AutoZone, and was surprised to find that the calipers are larger than what I have on the car, but that the rotor is too large for the calipers. Then, I purchased some used "67 Midget" calipers on ebay, and found that what I received was a smaller caliper, like the ones that were on the Morris, with the more rectangular brake pad that is help in by posts that are inserted through holes in the pads. I looked in the Victoria British catalogue, and it appears only the larger caliper is offered, which has the pads held in by a clip and pins. The calipers that I found on ebay will need rebuilding. What is the deal with the different calipers? Can I install a smaller Spridget rotor and use the later type caliper? Or, should I consider grinding down the calipers from AutoZone to allow the rotor to clear? Thanks.

Pistol44

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Are you sure you didn't get mini calipers? Are the bolt holes in the correct position? (they are close, but different)

 

[PistolPete]

No, I'm not sure. But, the smaller ones that I bought on Ebay were marked
"67 Midget". Could have been incorrectly marked. I am able to bolt both types to the bracket- the small ones that were already on the car, and the larger, rebuilt ones. Its just that the rebuilt Spridget ones won't clear the rotor. Appreciate your help. Did the Spridgets only have one type?

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Spridgets only had one type that I am aware of.

 

[aeronca65t]

Spridgets only had one type that I am aware of.

Yep. Ditto.

I've seen Midgets/Sprites fitted with bigger MBG calipers (and bigger Spitfire rotors), but that's only in racing.

 

[PistolPete]

Thanks, Guys. I think I may try to switch to Spridget Rotors and use the Spridget calipers.

Another thing- the calipers that were on this car were
"trailing" calipers on the back of the rotors. Are Spridget calipers "trailing" or "leading"? Could they be used either way?
I may have to see if I can switch the bracket to the front side.

 

[Guest]

I met Pistol Pete before ( the real one). He was a great guy.

 

[Gerard]

Hey Guys:

I am trying to replace the front disc brake calipers on a Morris Minor. Normally, the hub, rotor and caliper used for the Morris are Spridget type. But there is a chance that the rotors I have are from a Marina. In any event, I ordered some Midget calipers from AutoZone, and was surprised to find that the calipers are larger than what I have on the car, but that the rotor is too large for the calipers. Then, I purchased some used "67 Midget" calipers on ebay, and found that what I received was a smaller caliper, like the ones that were on the Morris, with the more rectangular brake pad that is help in by posts that are inserted through holes in the pads. I looked in the Victoria British catalogue, and it appears only the larger caliper is offered, which has the pads held in by a clip and pins. The calipers that I found on ebay will need rebuilding. What is the deal with the different calipers? Can I install a smaller Spridget rotor and use the later type caliper? Or, should I consider grinding down the calipers from AutoZone to allow the rotor to clear? Thanks.

Pistol44

PistolPete,

I do a lot of work on Morris Minors and so I am very familiar with MM's as well as Spridgets . It's really hard to identify by "larger" and "smaller". There were some very early calipers that were different (I believe Girling rather than Lockheed). If you can post some pix or PM them to me, I can identify what you have. Please include pictures of the mounting brackets because I have seen and done Marina and Ford conversions as well.

Gerard

 

[PeterC]

Thanks, Guys. I think I may try to switch to Spridget Rotors and use the Spridget calipers.

Another thing- the calipers that were on this car were
"trailing" calipers on the back of the rotors. Are Spridget calipers "trailing" or "leading"? Could they be used either way?
I may have to see if I can switch the bracket to the front side.

Spridget calipers are trailing. Though, I had someone with them as leading on a Minor, not too long ago. We never would have had the conversation, if he had bought 2. In "most" cars, rear wheel drive will have trailing calipers, and fwd will have leading.

Peter C

 

[PistolPete]

Thanks, Gerard.

I will try to take some shots and send them. I found some old Spridget rotors and I was surprised that they were so small in comparison to the ones on this Morris Minor. It would probably not be smart to revert back to smaller rotors and less stopping power. I believe the engine in this car came from a Marina. The gearbox was from a Ford Sierra. I'm wondering what the most likely source of the rotors and calipers was.

What I am saying about the calipers that were on the car is that although they appear smaller in physical size, they are shaped in such a way that they can accommodate the much larger rotor. And the pads are square in shape and I don't think they are as thick as the Spridget pads. If they were, the larger rotor wouldn't fit in between them.

I'll try to get some photos.

 

[PistolPete]

Thanks, Peter;

Yes, I think they are usually set up as leading on the Morris or the Morris brake hose wouldn't be long enough to reach them.

 

[PistolPete]

Love the Pistol. Love basketball. Pete lived in Covington, LA after his retirement. Some friends of mine knew him. They coached Biddy together. In the first year, Pete discovered that there was a rule that you could not guard a player if he shot a long shot like a 3 pointer. Pete had 2 sons playing. He had discouraged them from shooting from too far away. But, he told my friend "Wait until next year." Of course, the next year his boys were scoring about 30 points a game after Pete worked with them on their long shots.
Pete was a remarkable showman, and he could do magical things with the basketball. At the same time, it is interesting to me that when his father, Press, coached him in college, his strategy was to get the ball to Pete and, if at all possible, to have Pete shoot the ball every time down the floor. He was that good, but this is unheard of. He averaged 44 points a game in college. But, he never won a national championship or an NBA Championship. I think that speaks to defense and teamwork. Pete was the ultimate entertainer, but he didn't win any championships. (Unless he was a sub on a Celtic team that won.)

 

[Pythias]

as far as functionality is concerned, the location of the calipers makes absolutely no difference. Top, bottom, front back, they go where the manufacturer can best package them... Audi puts them on the rear of the front wheels, and the front of the rear wheels just to keep as much mass as possible, centered.

 

[Guest]

Love the Pistol. Love basketball. Pete lived in Covington, LA after his retirement.

That's where I met him. I was too young and stupid to realize what a great guy he was.

 

[Gerard]

Thanks, Gerard.

I will try to take some shots and send them. I found some old Spridget rotors and I was surprised that they were so small in comparison to the ones on this Morris Minor. It would probably not be smart to revert back to smaller rotors and less stopping power. I believe the engine in this car came from a Marina. The gearbox was from a Ford Sierra. I'm wondering what the most likely source of the rotors and calipers was.

What I am saying about the calipers that were on the car is that although they appear smaller in physical size, they are shaped in such a way that they can accommodate the much larger rotor. And the pads are square in shape and I don't think they are as thick as the Spridget pads. If they were, the larger rotor wouldn't fit in between them.

I'll try to get some photos.

From what you are describing, I'm pretty sure you have Marina calipers and discs. The Morris conversion with the Spridget calipers uses the same discs as Spridgets. The rest of the items you mention suggest a conversion done in the UK, which typically includes Marina front brakes. Which Morris do you have and what color is it. It sounds like a car I worked on a couple years ago.

Here are some pix of the Marina disc brake conversion on the Morris Minor.

Ford disc brake conversion

Spridget disc brake conversion

 

[PistolPete]

Gerard:

Yes, that looks exactly like what I have. The conversion on this car was done in the UK, and the car was "re-restored" in Virginia.

I am a little concerned about the brake hose conversion that was used. A very thin flexible hose was joined with a copper hose line which was attached to the caliper. The Morris hose could not be used as it was too short. The thin flexible hose looks prone to kinking, and I would not be surprised if part of my problem was the calipers were not releasing because the fluid was having a hard time getting through the flexible hose. I'm considering joining two Morris brake hoses together as an alternative.

I've seen some Marina calipers on ebay.uk. Have the later rebuilds taken on a different look?

What source would you recommend for Marina calipers at a reasonable price?

You have been a great help.

This car is almond green. I would post a photo, but I haven't yet figured out how.

 

[Gerard]

Gerard:

Yes, that looks exactly like what I have. The conversion on this car was done in the UK, and the car was "re-restored" in Virginia.

I am a little concerned about the brake hose conversion that was used. A very thin flexible hose was joined with a copper hose line which was attached to the caliper. The Morris hose could not be used as it was too short. The thin flexible hose looks prone to kinking, and I would not be surprised if part of my problem was the calipers were not releasing because the fluid was having a hard time getting through the flexible hose. I'm considering joining two Morris brake hoses together as an alternative.

I've seen some Marina calipers on ebay.uk. Have the later rebuilds taken on a different look?

What source would you recommend for Marina calipers at a reasonable price?

You have been a great help.

This car is almond green. I would post a photo, but I haven't yet figured out how.

Is yours Morris a Traveller?



Marina Calipers:

https://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/prod...16ee614f79140ef

https://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/prod...16ee614f79140ef

Gerard

 

[PistolPete]

Yes, it is a Traveller.

 

[Gerard]

Yes, it is a Traveller.

Any resemblance?

(PS. to insert a picture, it seems you must have a URL. Click on 4th icon from left in the posting form, select "insert a non-floating image" and paste the link).

You are welcome to email images direct to my email address.

Gerard

 

[Gundy]

I love this pic of our pal zooming past a Mustang
on a track day. Priceless.
Uber cool vehicle.
Excuse the interruption.

Edit: The white car may not be a Mustang.
Maybe some Japanese thing. The Morris was
zooming by so fast the white thing is just a blur.