Restoration of 2358R

[jbcollier]

The TC Special uses a self-described "automatic adjusting" rear brake mech.  Doesn't work very well.

[BDA]

I thought the brake cylinder was up near 12:00. I admit it. I'm a geezer!

[Certified Lotus]

As I understand Europa history (which might be a combination of fact and loose conversation) the 1972 model range was the transition from the S2 and unique to the twin Cam model. 1973 onward was the TC Special. There are elements of the 72 TC that changed in 73. Maybe the brake backing plate was one of these changes?

[BDA]

I don't remember but it could be that the TCS had the wider brake drums and maybe they were oriented a little bit differently...   

[Certified Lotus]

Aaaaah, the joys of restoring a transition model year sports car. It’s certainly a learning experience. Some additional research does indeed identify that the 72 TC (not Special) uses brake pads that are 1.25” wide vs 1.5” for the TCS. I’m guessing this is the same size as an S2 Europa?

Then I found a photo (I pulled off the internet) of the rear wheel showing the cylinder mounted at an angle on the plate. So that lead me to looking at the S2 parts manual and there is the proof.

[BDA]

I believe the S2 did have 1 1/4" rear brakes too, and I'm guessing that the difference between the 1 1/4" and 1 1/2" brakes is causing the heartburn.

Thinking about it again, I don't think you could reasonably assemble the back plates incorrectly so whatever the reason is that they look strange to a couple of us, I would forge ahead and ignore those "nattering nabobs of negativism" (including me) continue on to the next task!

[surfguitar58]

A future concours judge will look at your car and check off " '72 Twin Cam rear brake slave cylinder at jaunty angle" on his clipboard and give you a blue ribbon.

[Roger]

My car, as I have said earlier, is 13 before yours - 2345R. It's cylinders are at the top, 12.00.
I have often thought how nice it would be if the backplates were skewed like yours. Why? Because the 1/4" square adjuster is right behind the bearing carrier and it's  impossible to get anything in there to turn it other than an open-ended spanner (wrench), and they're not very strong. Maybe  when the backplate is skewed the adjuster is clear of the obstruction?

[jbcollier]

Count yourself lucky top have the adjuster, the 1.5 set-up doesn't have one that works worth beans.

[brucelotus26r]

Your rear brakes are the as mine I think it is this way to make the handbrake cable fit?

[Certified Lotus]

Bruce, you would be correct. The angle of the slave cylinder allows for the e-brake arm to pivot out towards the cable.

[Certified Lotus]

Not a lot got accomplished this weekend. I'm working on a half bath renovation and the misses wants it done before Easter company comes. Never the less, between spackle drying, sanding, plumbing work and paint drying I got a few things done on the Europa. 

Took apart the brake shoe adjusters, media blasted the parts, coated the interior with a dry lubricant and reassembled and installed on the backing plate.  Test fit the new slave cylinders and reconfirmed they are the right bore for the S2/TC model range. Had a bunch of parts that needed to be plated so that took a bit of time.

Sent my parts list requirements to RD Enterprises for next weeks work (completing the brake install)

Progress, a little at a time.

[BDA]

Sometimes the best you can do is baby steps. It's always best to keep SWMBO happy. When mamma ain't happy ain't nobody happy!

[Certified Lotus]

Finished the half bath renovation. Hard push to get it completed so I could spend the entire day Sunday to work on the Europa. Well, that was the plan. Friends invited us for Brunch last night which will be an all day affair as we are driving to this cute town along the river.....that has antique shops and art galleries. You know what I will be doing today....

Never the less, had an extra hour this morning early before the Misses woke up so I installed the left side rear brake assembly and ebrake cable. My parts came from RD Enterprises earlier in the week so I was ready to go.

I was looking at the photos I took of the rear brake assembly when I dismantled the car and saw the PO had the brake shoe top spring mounted outside of the shoe. That's odd I thought, the inside of the axle hub will hit it if mounted that way. Another example of all the things wrong done by a "back yard mechanic".

Maybe I'll get the other side installed later today.

[jbcollier]

Check your brake drums carefully to see if they are balanced (sections machined off).  If not, get them balanced.

Lotus switched to balanced drums early in Europa production.  99.9% of aftermarket drums, which is now all that is available, are not balanced.  Some are WAY off.