Sorry to start a new thread, but I've searched and been through the past ones, discovering - a) The search function doesn't work very well, and b) they've not quite answered my question.

I'm basically looking to convert to front discs on my otherwise stock '73 Leyland Van with 10' ROH Comtessas.

As the pound is currently so low I'm looking at the UK for kits - the general impression I've got is that the minispares kit is excellent, and I'm thinking about ordering this:

http://www.minispares.com/Product.aspx?ty=pb&pid=34525&title=BRAKE%20CONVERSION%20KIT%20C-AJ...

Will this have everything I need? Is there a better alternative? And I'm assuming I will have to spacer my rear wheels to match the track up. Is that right?

It's basically just for a slow road mini, I just have one of the best set of downhill hairpins near my house (Nambour-Mapleton Road) and I tend to have no more brakes about halfway down...

That kit doesn't look too bad , I personally have no idea on dealing with them though but someone else will be able to fill you in I'm sure .

With an online currency converter (and using the vat free price for overseas sales) it comes under the magic AU$1,000 figure which customs use so that's good too .

Best way to widen the rear track is using standard spacered drums (additional spacers are illegal in Aust unless approved by an engineer) and longer wheel studs . These will then use your current brake shoes (assuming they aren't oversized) , hubs/wheel bearings etc and is only a quick job to change over . You can get them locally or with the same order O/s but just make sure the total is under AU$1,000 .

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Also your current brake hoses will need to be replaced on the front with disc brake type, and the rear will need to be spacered (but it is best to simply pick up a pair of spacered drums locally, they're reasonably priced and heavy to post from overseas anyway).

There is also the rear slave cylinders which should be changed to a later 3/4 diameter cylinder.
With all that you might as well get a 4 wheel brake hose kit with the slaves and spacered drums and have a complete natty new brake setup on all four wheels. It will be worth it, and they work nice when everything is baselined to new.

Not too many people opt to use the heat shields, they're not really necessary unless you want to chase originality with a resto so you might be able to save a few more dollars on post and purchase.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Oh , you'll have to change your rear wheel cylinders to the cooper s type (original fittment with discs) as well so that the rear wheels are less likely to lock under very heavy breaking .

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ha ha, oops, thought about the wheel cylinders at the same time...psych!

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Prompt replies all around, thanks!

It adds up, doesn't it. However brakes are certainly one area I'm not prepared to skimp on.

In terms of rear spacered drums, I'm thinking the following set, then:

http://www.minisport.com.au/prod117.htm

Plus braided brake lines:

http://www.minisport.com.au/prod219.htm

Does anyone have a source for the cylinders?

This is probably going to add up to the most overkill for a stock 1098 ever, however will leave me room if I decide to upgrade the engine later, I suppose.

These are the disc brake rear cylinders, I might have had the bore size mixed up...apparently they are 5/8th...I am pretty sure the ad should say 3/4...comments?

http://www.minisport.com.au/prod199.htm


Watch the braided lines, if they haven't got Australian standard approval you might get pinged on a roadworthy for it. They do go well however...

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Nah Mick, the rears on a disc-braked car are 5/8".

And Mr. Orange -- good brakes are never overkill on any car.

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Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

Thanks all.

I'm thinking of going Gaz shocks + Hilos + adjustable camber at the same time, too, so hopefully will end up with something that goes around corners and stops as well as I could expect for a 37 year old car!

Now just have to convince Matt to put it all together for me...

Cheers.

That is good value and I have to say that these types of offers from the UK tear me in two.....with the good exchange rate that we have been experiencing now for some time, it is having an impact on out local suppliers in that their own sales have dropped off quite a bit. I can see that if this trend continues we could even loose some of these guys and they just might not be there when we do need them....not every thing for our (oz) mini's can be imported......

I'll be ordering most of the smaller items from Minisports for that reason.

Should add up to a healthy bill, anyway. I agree, but there's so much saving to be had from overseas for the big ticket items that it's hard to resist.

Don't forget to change all the rubber hoses not just the fronts. The rear hoses may be nearly 40 years old.
And re-kit the master cylinder while you are at it.

I got these for $1440 including shipping , fee's and charges, when asked by customs for the category I declared them reproduction parts for a vehicle more than 30 years old and that meant I did,nt pay duty only the administation fee's and charges



and don't laugh at the carpet , the previous owner had no taste and a love of concrete , lots of concrete

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Yes, it is hard to walk past at those prices, and the carpet in my workshop is green and blue

I admire someone who puts braking efficiency above interior design. I could have had a lovely set of vented disks, alloy KAD rear arms, Superfins and enough left over for a set of beautiful Clubman seats but SWMBO wanted new carpet throughout...