Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1976 RR Silver Shadow LWB, rolls royce owners club, conversion route

Question
Having problems with my brake system. Car had sat for awhile b4 I bought it. Brakes are locking up all the way around. getting pressure to brakes. return pressure valve not working. is this an easy fix? I am getting quotes in the 10k range,which is more than I paid for the car. Heard about a chevy brake conversion kit. does this exist and will it work?

Answer
Hello Mike, working on the hydraulic portion of the braking system of a Rolls is unlike any other car except Citroen which the system is used by Rolls Royce under licence, there are specialized tools and procedures specificity for this system. the conversion route is a really bad idea unless resale is not a consideration not to mention it won't work as well as the extremely well engineered system on the car now. The system in it's most neglected condition could cost around $10,000 to correct. but that would be a system that was not serviced for 10 plus years. The brake fluid MUST be changed every two years in order to keep corrosion at bay if your system failed due to internal corrosion then yes you would need a complete refit but please get competent information in order to determine this, you would be best served to find a Rolls Royce & Bentley specialist. these are rare and I do not believe you have come across one as of yet because you stated that you have received {several quotes} plural. if you went to Import shops they see you coming in with your Rolls and it means JACKPOT, the $10,000 brake job legend is all they have heard and now here it has come to my front door. a specialist would not be so inclined because Rolls and Bentley is old hat to them and exclusively all they work on they would be motivated in providing you with good service at a reasonable cost in order to keep you in your car and as a costumer. they will take the time to localize the failure on your car, inform you of the cost and the necessity for anything else of concern. It is wise to join the Rolls Royce owners club in order to locate these craftsmen in your area not to mention the other wealth of information you would be privy to from other members on their on-line boards. If I may ask are you in the south-east area of the US. if so it would be my pleasure to be of service to you. Best regards JM