1970 s2 rear brakes

[califkid_66]

One of my cylinders started to leak i want to get all new parts I know it comes from spitfire but witch one  i have a 1970 s2 federal with Renault engine
Thanks !!

[jbcollier]

https://bpnorthwest.com/triumph/spitfire/brakes/wheel-cylinder-spitfire-62-to-70-gt6-mki.html

It’s a Unipart GWC1208, and has a 0.75” diameter piston.

[califkid_66]

Thanks JB i went to my local British garage
Bought everything drums brake shoes cylinders all the hardware should be good for a while
Thanks again for your help

[jbcollier]

The cylinders are nominally from a Spitfire but the drums and she's are from an early GT6.

[califkid_66]

Ok big problem I got all my parts brake drum to small brake shoes to small I thought there was only one size of drums need help !!

If you look at the pictures new brake shoes compared to old
And the new drum fits inside the old one
   Where did I go wrong !!
I even brought the old drums to the distributor
 Ok if I got this right I got spitfire parts but I need gt6 parts is that right ?

I hope I won’t have problems exchanging them there’s a big sign that says no receipt no refund
Well I went to get the parts with my seven and the receipt blew out of the car  I’ll see what happens when I go back

[jbcollier]

The Europa used parts from a variety of British parts suppliers.  Sometimes the Europa uses whole assemblies like the front uprights, spindles, hubs, discs, calipers and pads from Triumph Herald/early Spitfire.  Other times they choose components that were all used in different vehicles.  Hilman rear hubs and axles, Triumph GT6 shoes and drums, backing plates from gawd knows where, and rear wheel cylinders also used in Triumph Spitfires.

If you are not sure, I suggest ordering from Europa specialists.  It may be a bit more expensive but it will be a lot less hassle.

[EuropaTC]

As John says, unless you have solid evidence of the donor car it often makes more sense to buy from a specialist. We used to play the "what car is this from ?" game in the 70s/80s at the local motor factor but these days the parts are too old/slow movers to be in stock. So with a specialist you've got more chance of getting the right part without a special order.

That said....     those do look like Spitfire drums.  The Spitfire (at least the early ones up to MK3) had smaller 7" rear brakes.   The GT6 had 8" shoes but another caveat is that the GT6 had both 1.25" and 1.5" width, the very late Mk3's got wider shoes. I think (note think ) these were the TC Special shoes but as mine's a TC and had the narrower shoes I'm not 100%. 

Looking back through my notes I have the rear shoes listed as Triumph Dolomite 1300/1500 (not Dolomite Sprint), GT6 and Vitesse, 8" x 1.25". I'd expect the drums, retaining springs, adjusters and backing plates to be from the same cars.

Brian

[jbcollier]

GT6 MK 1 brake shoes and drums fit the Europa S1/2/TC.  There is an issue though.  The very first Europas had problems with rear wheel balance that was found to be caused by poorly balanced rear drums.  Lotus then supplied only balanced drums.  The drums currently available for the GT6 are not balanced and are off by quite a bit.

They can be balanced.  First mount them in a lathe and true up the outside surfaces of the drum.  Spin the drum slowly (ever since a 1000 lb lathe hop?).  Then take the machined drum and spin in up in a wheel balancer.  The suggested weights will be on the low side but location will be good.  Tape weights to the drum in the suggested places and spin it again.  Adjust the weight amount until they read good.  Make up up steel strips that weigh the same as the tested amounts and tack weld them to the drum.  Paint and you are good to go.

[califkid_66]

Ok returned the spitfire drums the gt6 drums have two different width 1.25 and 1.5  where do you measure on one site there was the two different thickness
But on moss motor there’s only one size for gt6 1966 to 1972 mk 1 2 3
But it’s back order
The other question is can I turn the old drums or sand them down there’s no grooves on them
At 462.00 Cdn for two drums I think it’s a bit to much especially that my drums look pretty good

[Richard48Y]

Unless they are badly out of round or are already beyond the limit just have them turned.
AMMCO brake lathe takes a .002" cut, not enough to notice.

[califkid_66]

I had a cylinder leaking and the brake shoes were soaked in brake fluid so I decided to put everything new  they weren’t worn out
The drums look pretty good except they are a bit glazed

[Richard48Y]

Measure with brake calipers at multiple locations.
If they are true and not scored just break the glaze with sandpaper and then blow the dust out.
If they are worn you would most likely see a raised rim around the outside edge where the brake shoes do not contact..

[jbcollier]

S1/s2/TC use 1.25” wide brake shoes and drums.  You can easily deglaze brake drums with 80 grit sandpaper.  I would definitely use original drums if they are in reasonable condition!

[califkid_66]

They are not raised on the edge just a bit glazed
 So 80 grit it is !!