Ben,it is a fiddle and a fettle,but you will do it.Just remember the gap around the outside of the coil.

Dave, that is worth noting as I am getting quite sidetracked as it is. I'll slap a post-it note somewheres. Or tie a knot in my pipes

Ben,

Sorry Old bean, should have got back to you sooner.

As for “local hero”…I am afraid I have indeed failed you on this task.

I should have come at this with knowledge and understanding, instead I let us get off on the wrong footing and I think that caused you more of a problem than helped.

In hindsight we should have been very much more diligent in taking out the existing rear pipes…although working under the car, with full body, wings, fuel tank and not with much clearance below or on either side was frankly a pain in the boot extension.

When/if I or anyone needs to do this job in the future, I strongly suggest one thing…..

…have a spare set of clips/brackets before you attempt it. If you then remove the pipes carefully you can thus use the “spare set” on the new pipes and copy what you have taken off. The spacing and positioning of these weird things is utterly critical. Their ability to move and transform into anything useful is amazing.

(note – when new pipes are fitted with the spare set, pass them on to other 2Cvers needing to do the same job….or hire them out for lots of beer)

There is also something else to consider….when the new pipes are “set up” with “clips/brackets” in place, then it can be checked out first. There are three holes per side on the rear axel. One takes the brake pipe and its connector to the three way block, one holds the “locking tab” in place, and the other takes up the 11mm bolt that holds the dam bracket in place. The two outer bolts are 11 cm apart and the “tab” bit is set at the space on the bracket…..but exactly in a line with the other bolts. Therefore a cardboard template could be made with two holes 11 cm apart and if the new pipe end goes through one end (enough to also join into the three way block) and the bolt on the bracket goes through the other hole, with the “tab” meeting on a line as dictated….then you stand a chance….if it doesn’t do this then in my opinion you don’t stand a chance !!

Seans idea - if attaching a line will most certainly help, and having not done that, I am sure we could thread one through now. I also understand that the “dowel” or something in the middle of the curly bit will help….I think it needs to be a tight fit and I am concerned it can be done with the rear wings on….any thoughts form others ?

Ben…I feel I failed you in assistance, I don’t know if you got further. I certainly can take you up on remedial help by doing what Ken suggested and finding you another rear axel to take apart and use as a second attempt to copy what you/we need to replicate….and this way it gives us a second set of brackets/clips to use also.

Hope this helps all others attempting to do this job with body on chassis, wings on, petrol tank in and little clue how to go about it….

Ben…I hope this helps you too….if you want to get in touch, then you know where I am ....the top of Beachy Head....getting ready to jump !

John

John, no failures, it is a sh!tty job and there is no way round that. Your help is valued.
What we need is this guy's number

I spent about an hour on Sunday bending and twiddling the left hand pipe, by modelling it on the old one. I think I'm getting somewhere, just need some more spare time.

Months have passed and dust has gathered. The brake pipes still not plumbed in. I have removed the rear wings for easier access, though if my garage were wider it probably would not be necessary.

I have spent time tidying the garage and rust proofing various parts of the car, basically doing anything but getting stuck into the job of getting the brake pipes in. Today I did put some hours (I don’t get many of these spare) in to shaping the pipes and lining them up. It’s just not coming together and I’m really ready to give up. I will have one more stab in the morning and then balls to it!

Anyone want a D*lly with no brakes?

I haven't any cashola at the moment, but some could be arranged in the near future if you want rid. PM me with a price in mind. I haven't bought anything that doesn't work for a year or two so it's long overdue.

I remember you saying, brakes, I hate brakes there stupid. Why have them
Have a car with no rear brakes

Keep saving Russ I'll plod on for a bit yet.

Okay, a nights sleep, a re-reading of hints and tips then assume the position.

First fashion a poking stick out of bamboo with a groove, use a file to make groove. I picked the thin end of the bamboo for extra flexibility. There is also a curve at the end of it, which is useful.

I put a small torch in the opposite end of the cross tube to backlight proceedings. So I can see what I am poking at.

I also tied a noose to the end of the pipe to pull into position. I also used a very powerful magnate to suck the bracket screw into the hole – a new idea of mine that kind of works. What you see here is where I have got to on both sides, pipe and screw in place but I can’t see the locating lug coming through. So progress has been made in some respects. It felt like a more positive productive afternoon. There is still a way to go yet.

Hi Ben,
good work so far...
If you undo the three way connector from the axle, that will give you some extra leeway when it comes to fitting the new pipes into it.
Also, being able to grip the ends of the pipes where they emerge from the axle allows you to 'wiggle' the pipes around inside the axle, with more chance of the tab dropping into place.

ken

Ben,
Dont give up, your nearly there

You've got a bigger garage than me, you can get it done