Triumph Repair: Spitfire MK IV brake line upgrade question, spitfire mk, correct angles

Question
Hi there Jim

I have a '65 spitfire that I am beginning a large amount of restoration on. The old single line brake system is pretty much shot, so I was going to attempt to upgrade it to a dual line system. Do you know how difficult this would be, and where I would start?

Thanks in advance

Nick

Answer
Nick,

You've got one thing in your favor... Triumph evolved the cars mainly in the exterior sheetmetal.  The firewall area stayed pretty much the same so later model parts should basically just bolt up.

Obviously you'll need a new dual line brake master.  I'd suggest going with a brand new (or professionally rebuilt) unit as they have a tendency to rust over the years.

They're available (but not cheap!) from the vendors listed in the "www links" section on www.VTR.org.  Since this is a Spitfire you might have good luck from Nigel at SpitBits.

The later Spitfires had a longer dual master setup and the firewall had a "dimple" about 3 inches in diameter and an inch deep to accomodate it.  The earlier Mk IV/1500s (1971 to 1974 or 1975) had a shorter master.  Of course, this one is probably the most expensive... but you won't have to modify your sheetmetal.

As to all the plumbing?  What would be best is to find a donor 1500.  That way all the brake lines would be pre-bent to the correct angles and you'll be able to see where everything fits.  If you're in the Dallas area I can help you out, otherwise check out the classifieds on www.vtr.org to see if anyone else has all the pieces.  Just make sure all the lines are clear/clean before installing.

Most of the vendor catalogs have good exploded diagrams showing where the pieces go.

Cheers,


Jim