Chris :
Welcome back !
Some possible solutions for your brake problem :
1) Find a bleed screw (with a pointy end) that fits the new threads
you've cut. Many American cars and trucks used these in larger sizes,
try your local parts store.
2) Find (or cut) a bolt short enough to pull up on the surface of the
caliper, and put a copper washer under the head for sealing.
3) Since you've already tapped oversize, a Heli-coil type insert
probably will no longer work. However, there are thicker solid inserts
available. McMaster Carr ( http://www.mcmaster.com/ ) has a variety of
them.
4) Buy a used caliper from the usual suspects. Revington TR mentions
rebuilt calipers available.
5) There has been some discussion of a quad piston caliper from a Toyota
truck that will apparently fit a TR6 with minor modifications. I
haven't tried it (yet <g>), but it's possible it could be made to fit a
TR3 as well. (Might have to change the mount and disc to TR4-6 units,
and find mounting bolts from a late TR6. You'll also have to do both
sides, to keep the braking equal.)
6) Revington TR sells a "4 pot caliper conversion" for the TR3A.
Hope this helps
Randall
59 TR3A daily driver
Christopher Ball wrote:
>
> Well, if you've been on the list for a long time, and you have a good memory
> indeed, then you might remember me. It's been two years or more since I've
> had time to post however, and I was tempted away by a few two wheeled
> Triumphs for a spell. It's great to be back. I've had three notes comes in
> just while typing this !
>
> All that aside, I'm in the midst of prepping the old 3A for the Spring and
> after 20 years of wrenching I've finally gone and done. Broken a part that's
> not for sale anywhere. (off the shelf anyway)
>
> I was bleeding the brakes when I felt that horrible soft feeling that you
> get when threads decide to become little rings of metal. yup - the front
> left disc bleeder was snugging up nicely when ... blah, it all went soft.
> So, you can get everything you need to rebuild these things, but the
> castings are not available and neither are the rebuilds from TRF. I tried
> drilling and tapping to an oversize screw but it still weeps badly. ( the
> screw had a flattened end though, instead of a brit style point)
>
> Anyway - options? Helicoil it. I'm hesitant with brake hydraulics. Weld it
> over and redrill/tap.
> The seal might go on the two halves. A modern available replacement ? Any
> thoughts ? I can't be the first guy to do this !
>
> Looking forward to getting into the mix again. You there Petrolatti? Bob
> Hamilton?
>
> Christopher Ball
> 1959 TR3A
> 1975 Spitfire 1500
> buncha udder tings.
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