Getting a 412S2 Ship Shape

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by t_bollox

I need either a complete new master cylinder or a rebuild kit. Before I approach Bristol cars with my life savings, does anyone know if this is an general AP item or is it specific to Bristol models? And any recommendations to where to buy?

It's probably a Girling part. However, I would suggest having it reconditioned / rebuilt. I had the same done with the master cylinder on my 411 last year. There are no doubt numerous places in the UK that will do this, but I noticed an ad in The Automobile magazine for these guys www.pastparts.co.uk who specialise in this and re-sleeve the bore with stainless steel.

Was the car standing for a long time before you bought it. If so your brake calipers might need doing as well ...

I had my front calipers rebuilt locally using stainless steel pistons which I bought from a guy who supplied them for Aston Martins in the UK (the 411 uses same Girling caliper as DB6).

Knowing Bristol's habit of using the same parts for decades across several models of car it is likely the 412 S2 has the same brake parts as the 411.

[David Olivant]

Try:- powertrakbrakes.co.uk I received an overhaul kit for my 408 from them.

David

[ozy]

Originally Posted by Kevin Howard

It's probably a Girling part. However, I would suggest having it reconditioned / rebuilt. I had the same done with the master cylinder on my 411 last year. There are no doubt numerous places in the UK that will do this, but I noticed an ad in The Automobile magazine for these guys www.pastparts.co.uk who specialise in this and re-sleeve the bore with stainless steel.

Was the car standing for a long time before you bought it. If so your brake calipers might need doing as well ...

I had my front calipers rebuilt locally using stainless steel pistons which I bought from a guy who supplied them for Aston Martins in the UK (the 411 uses same Girling caliper as DB6).

Knowing Bristol's habit of using the same parts for decades across several models of car it is likely the 412 S2 has the same brake parts as the 411.

As Kevin says, if the master cylinder is a 411 part then my 411S3 has an early Range Rover V8 master cylinder.

Hope this helps,

Steve

[Kevin H]

I need to correct myself - the Bristol 411 calipers are not the same as the DB6 - all the internals are the same, but the caliper body is different.

I have a Girling parts list for 1966-70 which lists 10 variations of the 17/3P front caliper body. One caliper type is unique to Bristol and another type is used by Bristol and Jensen. However, the service kit, pistons, bleedscrew, pad retaining pin & pin retaining clip are the same across the range of Girling 17/3P front calipers, used by AC, Aston Martin, Austin, Daimler, Jaguar, Jensen, Lotus, Mercedes, Reliant, Rover, Wolsley and TVR.

Similar story re the rear calipers and handbrake assemblies.

I would imagine that there are fewer variations of the master cylinders, meaning there may be many different contemporary cars that use the same master cylinder.

It wouldn't surprise me at all if someone who specialises in rebuilding brake master cylinders and calipers has reconditioned units available for exchange.

[Nick Challacombe]

Kevin,
Past Parts are very good, they are based in my own town, Bury St Edmunds and has supplied me with New Old Stock and reconditioned stainless steel brake parts.
The chaps are very knowledgeable with loads of old catalogues etc. My 407 is easy as it has Dunlop brakes as on Series 1 E type etc. The Master Cylinder is Lockheed but slightly modified for the Bristol.
I do not know what yours are except Girling but they must have been fitted to a Brit car or the era as Bristol tended to buy off the shelf for these items.
Kind regards,
Nick

[californiabristol]

:http://www.powertrackbrakes.co.uk/