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MG MGA - Master Cylinder Top Cover

Recently replaced the MC on my 1500 and was going to take the opportunity to swap the Cover with the 1600 taller version. I bought this off ebay USA some 18 months ago when I secured all the parts to change to Disk brakes but as yet have not had the nerve to do ( encouragement welcomed). Before swapping the tops I checked the screw cap off both the new and old MC but no way would either screw on to the 1600 cover. The picture shows the difference in thread form, I thought these covers were interchangeable or is mine just a poor copy. Have seen these covers for sale on Ebay UK, wonder what the thread form is like on these.


Kevin


K Garner

I replaced the flat top on my m/c with a raised one from Moss some years ago and there was no problem with the threads. Looking at my flat lid the thread looks identical with yours. I reckon there may have been a bad batch of repro. raised lids, someone bought one but didn't return it and it languished in a draw until Ebay came along.

The lowest thread on the raised one looks suspect and doesn't look parallel to the top two.

If you buy another from Ebay pick somone with a strong feedback score and you would be able to return it if there are problems.................Mike
m.j. moore

I was talking to someone at the Beaulieu autojumble earlier this month who was selling some 1600 type master cylinder tops (amongst lots of other things). He said he had had them cast recently in Sri Lanka because he was not satisfied with the quality or cost of the ones that had previously been out there.

I have no idea if what he said was correct but it could account for the recent increase in availability. I bought one in August off UK eBay and it could be one of this new batch. Everything, including the old cap, fitted with no problem.

Malcolm
Malcolm Asquith

When I installed mine I used Allen head screws. I have better grip than the tired flat head screws.
Lmazoway

Kevin

I bought mine about 4 years ago when only one supplier appeared to be casting them. Mine like yours, had very poor threads. I took it back and selected an acceptable one from a box of about 10. They varied significantly.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Thanks for the comments, looks like another purchase required. At least I tried the cap before fitting the cover.


Kevin
K Garner

Hi Kevin

Just done my brakes from drum to disc, no problems. Mine was done with genuine parts rather than a conversion kit. You need a good hub puller, mine were well stuck. Replacement of the bearings was eased by putting the bearings in the feezer and the hub in a low oven. You need new oil seals if you haven't got them. The track rod ends did not foul the discs on mine despite the old steering arms. The hose was OK also exiting on the underside of the chassis mount.Its a fairly easy job but very messy with lots of grease everywhere. I bought my top off Ebay UK about 1 month ago no problems.

Good luck

Barry
B Bridgens

Barry now you've done it - rekindled my interest in doing the brake conversion. I’ve got the new/old 1600 hubs built up and ready to go, I might need more encouragement though so was there a discernable difference in the braking? You mention the flexible hose, will I get away with standard 1500 hoses or do I need to go longer.

Kevin
K Garner

Hi Kevin

Not tried it yet. You can't use the 1500 hose it is a different fitting to the caliper.

Barry
B Bridgens

Kevin

I converted my 1500 to disc brakes about 10 years ago using MGB calipers. Previously I had converted to wire wheels: http://www.mgaroadster.co.uk/mga_1500_disc_brake_conversion.htm

I was able to use the 1500 hose.

Steve
Steve Gyles

BTW, Scarborough Faire are now selling reproductions of the original tin screw on top...very well done as well.
Gary Lock

Hi Kevin

I think the MGA calipers have a banjo connector, don't know about the MGB ones.

Barry
B Bridgens

My intention was to use the MGB calipers, in fact, I have these along with the adaptor plates and 1600 hubs (steel wheel), but I had it my mind that the standard 1500 hoses would fit but I recall a comment about them being at a stretch on full lock. Will check the calipers out - once I've found the correct box after having moved house.

Thanks Gary, I didn't realise the metal screw tops were back in production anywhere.

Kevin
K Garner

I was thinking of converting my 1500 a couple of years ago.

Since then I have been advised by people who have all types of A brakes that there is no point as well set up drums are just as good and in some ways better.

Also in a conversation with one of the leading A restorers not to use the conversion plates as there are problems with the fixing holes being oversize making precise fitting difficult. His view was just fit the proper A calipers now they are available.
P M Dean

My adapter plates were supplied to me by Bob West specifically to accept MGB calipers. The measurements were spot on.

I can only speak from practical experience over the last 10 years that the disc brakes have been a significant improvement with no fade etc. They have made me feel far more comfortable in modern traffic. If drum brakes are every bit as good why did they fit discs to later MGAs?

Steve
Steve Gyles

This thread was discussed between 19/09/2012 and 24/09/2012

MG MGA index

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