As I dive deeper into the restoration of my kit car, it’s time to focus on the brakes. Both the front and rear systems need attention, and I’ve already ordered new front discs and pads, which I fitted without any issues. However, things took a turn when I moved to the rear brakes, which use shoes and drums.
The rear shoes were due for replacement, along with all the associated springs and cylinders. Fortunately, this wasn’t as pricey as the front discs and pads. In fact, these shoes are designed to last well over 100,000 miles! But, true to form, I hastily binned the old parts without giving it a second thought. I was meant to remove the auto tensioner and the handbrake lever from the pads, but now I’m left empty-handed and struggling to find replacements.
To make matters worse, the rear axle comes from a 1987 Ford Sierra, which complicated things even further. I searched high and low but couldn’t find any in stock. What started as a straightforward fix turned into a costly venture, leading me to order and successfully fit a rear disc brake conversion kit.
Additionally, I replaced all the brake lines with braided lines, enhancing both performance and reliability. While it’s frustrating to deal with these setbacks, I’m pleased with how everything turned out in the end. Sometimes, these challenges are just part of the journey in restoring a kit car. Here’s to making it better than before!
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