randall977 Jan 18, 2012 9:15 am
Subject: Master cylinders...

Amoungst other things I'm renovating the clutch / brake master cylinder assembly. It's a setup of random Girling parts which I haven't seen on any other car.

Of the three masters the newer (replacement) 0.75" one is quite usable but the original 0.7" ones need replacing - mainly to improve performance. I'm sure you realise that quite a few mechanical parts on the Rapide are also used on Landrovers (including the master cylinders), just wondering if anyone has bought and fitted a considerable cheaper landrover master cylinder?

Also...the brake fluid resevoir level indicators - are new aluminium shrouds avaiable - the bit which slides over the cork float internally?


David Jan 18, 2012 7:07 pm
Subject: Re: Master cylinders...

Christian, the cheapest spare part I've ever fitted to my car was a £1 plastic brake fluid reservoir cap, 25+ years ago! Bought in a scrap yard and worked perfectly ever since. What is the "corroded aluminium" (or whatever) component inboard of the master cylinders in your photo, which I don't recognise?

PS you only have to look at the brake pipe runs to see that "bodger" has had a go at your car in the past

randall977 Jan 18, 2012 8:10 pm
Subject: Re: Master cylinders...

Yes Mr Bodger has beeen in there, but fortunately Mr Bodger is a lazy chap who hasn't managed to do too much damage - most of the internals haven't seen anyone for nearly 50 years.

The corroded aluminium component is wierd, never seen one before - it's just a housing which hold the pedal pivot pin and master cylinder... Just about to start restoring all these parts so photos will follow. Would love to know how the pipes should go...

David Jan 18, 2012 8:22 pm
Subject: Re: Master cylinders...

Ah of course, yours is a manual gearbox car so the aluminium piece is atop the (top hinged) clutch pedal. Perhaps another owner of a manual car might provide insights? I think the pipes should be led to the bulkhead with proper radii to their destination, rather than bend through the "air"

randall977 Jan 18, 2012 11:26 pm
Subject: Re: Master cylinders...

I'm fairly sure the pipe runs are original with the exception of one. The only bodging I have really seen involves zip ties and the lid of a tobacco tin...and a cider cork (circa 1965).

yted Jan 19, 2012 7:01 am
Subject: Re: Master cylinders...

Christian, my car is away at the paintshop, however the runs to the master cylinders seem correct - I will check next time I see the vehicle.
If you come across the alloy reservoir caps please let me know. Mine were corrode and fused to the reservoir.
I am just ordering two bumpers from Thao at Harringtons, they seem very obliging.
Regards, Mark

randall977 Jan 19, 2012 8:45 am
Subject: Re: Master cylinders...

Hi Mark, the caps on mine are brass so fortunately have survived, original new ones are available on eBay for £50 each - click here to see.

I was very pleased with my new bumpers, they have my old ones which they will probably be using as a template for yours. I got the badge bar holes removed on my new bumpers.