MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGA - source for master cylinder rebuild

Time to get the master cylinder sleeved. What is the latest experiences you guys have had between Apple Hydraulics and White Post Restorations? From the archives, it seems that folks have had problems with Apple. White Post claims to rebuild the cylinder bores with new seals etc. after adding the brass sleeves (not sure I want them to do that).

Thanks, George
G Goeppner

George, years ago, I had White Post sleeve my master and I rebuilt using my own rubber stuff(probably Moss). It was more cost-effective to reassemble myself. If I remember correctly, I paid about $40 per sleeve plus shipping. But that was many years ago. I had no problems with the brass. I sold that car so I can't say if it lasted more than the ~8 years or so that I had that Master in it. I wouldn't worry about the brass vs stainless material. Both seem to work well.

My current car has a M/C that is a custom one bored slightly oversize with new pistons and special seals. The rebuilder no longer offers this technique. When this one needs it, I will have WP resleeve this one, or another one I have sitting on the shelf.

Chuck Schaefer

Apples price is $140 just for the sleeving and $225 for complete rebuild. Wouldn't necessarily recommend Apple, but would expect White Post's price to be at least as much. You can buy a brand new master for a little over $200 so hardly makes it worth sleeving.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MGA-midget-58-65-TR3-Brake-Master-Cylinder_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem27a60e295cQQitemZ170289670492QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
Jeff Schultz

With the price of a brand new one being so low ($120 plus shipping in one direction only...), why bother with a rebuild ???? see here on ebay (and probably the same at many other places) 350279670705
dominic clancy

George,
Does it really need to be sleeved? If the bores are not pitted simple honing should suffice. I've done this to several original master cylinders with success. Diven thousands of miles without issues on these. If you do go the sleeve route I would recommend you not choose Apple. If new MCs are really that inexpensive it would seem the way to go.
Cheers,
Gerry
G T Foster

Hi Gerry. I've honed the cylinders and there are a couple of spots that won't clean up. Actually, they kinda look like casting flaws that may have always been there, but I want to do this right.
G Goeppner

A machinist familiar with these parts can sleeve the bores easily and inexpensively. I had two done recently for about $120 total. Reassembly can be done at home in ten minutes on a workbench.
Steve Simmons

The MC on e-bay posted by Jeff is certainly an interesting option. Has anyone done business with British Sports Car Restorations?
G Goeppner

Don't know anything about them, and they didn't have many ebay feedback points but they were all positive. Found another place in California that has it for $190, but don't know anything about them either. http://www.piercemanifolds.com/cylinderheads.htm
Jeff Schultz

For long term life, sleeving the M/C will prevent ANY future pitting of the cylinder wall. It makes no difference if the sleeve is SS or brass.

Keep in mind:
e-bay (new)= no warranty
Apple Hydraulics (rebuilt)= + 1 or 2 year warranty
White Post (rebuilt)= Lifetime warranty

For me, Id rather have a rebuilt M/C for less $$ and a good warranty than a new M/C from an e-bayer.

If you contemplate an M/C advertised for MGA's AND Midgets, like the above-mentioned e-bay listing, beware. The MGA M/C has a 7/8" bore while I think that Midget is 3/4". Check first which one you are getting. You may want to do your own homework on this point.

Chuck Schaefer

Knew the Pa town in that ebay ad looked familiar. Went to www.bscr.com and that is Ken Lamers a Moss reseller. I have never bought from him, but have seen him recommended on several of the MG boards. If you search the archives here and on the MGB board you will probably find him recommended several times.
Jeff Schultz

Chuck, good points, thanks for your comments. I'm going over to University Motors tomorrow for the auction on Saturday, I'll have something to think about during the drive!

Thanks Jeff. I looked at his web site too, he seems to run a reputable business.
G Goeppner

If you plan to use DOT5 silicone fluid, you should be aware that neither White Post nor Apple guarantees their work when used with DOT 5. I had mine rebuilt years ago by Apple and used DOT5. It works fine, but the bottom of the master stays slick with fluid. It doesn't really leak and as long as I wipe the bottom every month or so it doesn't drip. I change the fluid every few years and haven't had to add fluid between changes.
Jeff Schultz

I also used White Post, 23 years ago and still happy with their work. I did brass.
Keith Lowman

This thread was discussed between 19/11/2009 and 24/11/2009

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.