Recommendations for Master Cylinder restoration.

[literarymadness]

Can anyone recommend a reputable place to restore a Girling Master Cylinder?  Whitepost was the only place I found online but they had a fair amount of negative reviews. I am actually more worried about someone cracking the original reservoir when removing it.

[jbcollier]

Reservoirs are virtually unobtanium and the plastic can get brittle over time.  Careful work using very hot water can sometimes help postpone the inevitable.  Myself, I would face the inevitable and fit a new, replacement master cylinder.  I have seen too many failures of "rebuilt" master cylinders.  I only use new and have never regretted doing so.

[literarymadness]

The reservoir doesn't seem brittle or dried out and the plastic seems fairly pliable. I heard the problem is when you try to remove the circlip. And that is my concern. I still would like to restore the Girling even if I don't use it.  I just don't know where to send it to.

[surfguitar58]

I don't know where to send the MC (whole lotta help I am, ain't I) but if you drill a 1/8" hole in the right place, without going too deep, you can split the circlip and remove the reservoir. What exactly is wrong with the MC? They still make seal/rebuild kits for those I believe. You might be able to lightly hone it yourself with the reservoir in place. If it needs to be sleeved, that's another matter. BTW - that guy who was selling a whole bunch of Europa parts in CA had a MC for sale.
Tom

[rnewesprt78]

I recommend using a NOS Japanese master cylinder,  like for Ford Courier '72-74,  it has side outlets (10mm - 1.25 bubble flare),  it will last forever,  available on eBay (Cardone 13-1777) has the proper mounting hole spacing, nice reservoir etc.,  mounts to the TC spacer,  I fabbed a pushrod and am using Wilwood pedals.  Also using a hydraulic clutch master.  I have used these for years on my Esprit S2 as well,  no worries.  Use Valvoline DOT 3 and Dot 4 brake fluid (blue bottle). I am coming down the home stretch on Ford 2.3 L Duratec conversion (Microsquirt),  NG1 5 speed w/ cable shift,  rear disc brake conversion ('93 Miata).  Working on clutch slave complications now... 

[Grumblebuns]

rnewesprt78 

Would love to hear more of your project.

Plus 1 on the Courier MC conversion. Installed on my S2, worked great.

Apple Hydraulics is another company resleeving brake components, never used them so have no recommendations.

There is a new Girling NOS master cylinder for the S2 on ebay. Expensive as hell but if you need it.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Europa-Series-2-brake-master-cylinder-Girling-64068845-new-old-stock/184066963392?epid=5016754706&hash=item2adb3ef7c0:g:arcAAOSwvmNbHt-k

[BDA]

I got White post to do mine. I had no problems and they quickly turned it around. I've heard several others recommend them too but I haven't seen those bad reviews.

[literarymadness]

@Surfguitar58 This "is" the M/C the guy was selling in LA.  It has rust but it seems to be surface and very salvageable. But the reservoir is perfect and like JB said unobtanium. To me it is worth restoring.  I have an unknown M/C in my TCS now that works fine but the cap doesn't line up with the hole in my car and it is difficult to get off.  An S2 M/C has a horizontal reservoir with a center cap and wouldn't line up without making cutting larger hole into my car.  It also has a different diameter than the TCS one and would work great without the servos but my TCS still has them and at least for now, I plan on keeping them in.  I appreciate all the suggestions on "replacing my M/C" but all I am looking to do is to try an restore this one if possible.  I have been looking for an original TCS M/C with the correct reservoir for over three years and this is the first on I had ever seen for sale, so I bought it.  I just need a place to send it to. 

[literarymadness]

@rnewesprit78 

[brucelotus26r]

I rebuilt mine with a kit from RD Enterprises, soak the reservoir in hot soapy water and work out.
Bob C  had his booster rebuilt by Apple Hydraulics Calverton NY last year and was happy with the work, they can do masters too.
Bruce

[literarymadness]

@brucelotus26r: Did you remove the circlip first?