Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

My friend has had his 1969 Elan off the road for twenty years. We started in February with a driver restoration in mind. All brakes rebuilt with new flex lines and a Datsun dual brake master installed. Clutch hydraulics rebuilt with a new hose. New headlight pod links, with all new tubing. New rear cv joint halfshafts. New steel fuel line in the chassis with an electric pump in the rear by the tank which was cleaned, painted and reinstalled. All oil fluids replaced, Rebuilt front suspension with new front wheel bearings. Original minilight wheels plastic media stripped and painted with new tires. Stromberg carburetors rebuilt, distributor rebuilt and the engine valves adjusted etc, etc, etc. The reward came this week with a couple of 10 mile drives after a long sleep. it's currently back in the garage awaiting a through post drive inspection and to work a couple of trim items. Special thanks to Ray at RD Enterprise for his help with the parts.

Wayne

WOW What a lovely car,,,

The car looks great Wayne and that looks like a nice place for driving. Have fun.

Which model Datsun master cylinder did you use ?

Bob

[quote="lotocone"]The car looks great Wayne and that looks like a nice place for driving. Have fun.

Which model Datsun master cylinder did you use ?

Bob[/quote

Before I continue I have to say that modifying brake systems is not for the novice. This information here is to explain what I did not what anyone else should do. I will not be responsible for what you do with this information!!!

There are two Datsun based master cylinders that are similar. One is from a 1973 Datsun f10 which is 11/16 inch (.6875) and the other is from a 1971 or so Datsun 510, this is 3/4 inch (.75). The stock tandem master was .7 inch bore so these are close to original. We chose the 3/4 inch bore unit to try first and are pleased as it provided a firm but easily modulated pedal. The 11/16 inch bore will give a softer pedal with more travel. Both have the outlet ports facing down and tuck into the body without hitting. I was replacing the brake lines to the master cylinder anyway so I made the new copper nickel lines with metric fittings at the master cylinder end. There several makers of the cylinders, Raybestos, Centrix, Nambco, etc.
You need to use the original push rod from the Lotus unit or use an adjustable generic rod if yours is missing. You also might have to slightly enlarge the hole in the body for the end of the new master cylinder to fit through.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=309542
http://www.amazon.com/Raybestos-MC39561 ... f_gw_p_t_1

Currently on vacation and can send pictures later when I return home.

Wayne

There is a bit more about Datsun master cyls in this thread.
elan-f15/can-you-identify-this-master-cylinder-t21951.html

For the people that asked here is a picture of the Datsun brake master cylinder installed. it's a bit large.

Another picture better size

Wayne

Hi Wayne,

Nice car!

I don't know if you have noticed that the white wire to the left of your fuse box is chafing on the radio suppression plate.

Simon

Thanks for the pictures of the Datsun dual master cylinder. Looks like a good alternative to the original master cylinder which isn't available. You even have ports for bench bleeding. Nice work with the new hard brake lines too. I think you have to be a bit of an artist to get the 2 lines in the right places and there isn't much room to work with.

lotocone wrote:Thanks for the pictures of the Datsun dual master cylinder. Looks like a good alternative to the original master cylinder which isn't available. You even have ports for bench bleeding. Nice work with the new hard brake lines too. I think you have to be a bit of an artist to get the 2 lines in the right places and there isn't much room to work with.

Thanks, the Cunifer seamless, copper nickel alloy DOT approved brake line lines make it easier then it would seem. I think we should move this alternate brake master cylinder thread to the mod area. I will respond with any more questions there. We seem to have gone way beyond the picture gallery area.

Wayne