7 replies to this topic

[Zacherius]

Hi,
I have a 1981 Austin 1000 AUTO, with Brake Drums all around. It may be just me, but when I want to stop, I have to think about it 5 minutes before I do it, or the disks seems to lock on and the wheels start skidding. This is the only problem I have and its taking the pleasure out of driving.

I was thinking of changing the front set up to be Disks and Calipers instead. I have seen a few on ebay, from people "breaking" thier mini's (sad).

MY QUESTION IS - IS IT A RELATIVELY EASY THING TO DO ???????

Or is it better/safer/easier - to either pay some garage to do it, or to , gulp, sell my mini and buy a different mini which already has the disk brakes ?

[Strontium Dog]

Hi,
I have a 1981 Austin 1000 AUTO, with Brake Drums all around. It may be just me, but when I want to stop, I have to think about it 5 minutes before I do it, or the disks seems to lock on and the wheels start skidding. This is the only problem I have and its taking the pleasure out of driving.

I was thinking of changing the front set up to be Disks and Calipers instead. I have seen a few on ebay, from people "breaking" thier mini's (sad).

MY QUESTION IS - IS IT A RELATIVELY EASY THING TO DO ???????

Or is it better/safer/easier - to either pay some garage to do it, or to , gulp, sell my mini and buy a different mini which already has the disk brakes ?

Relatively easy job Mate. Assuming that it's the same as for a manual transmition you will need hubs, callipers, discs, flanges and outer CV joints.

The only special tool required would be a ball joint splitter aside from a socket big enough to do the drive flange nut. You will need to get your tracking done afterwards.

[ANON]

need front flexy hoses also

[dominodaz]

need front flexy hoses also

i know someone selling braided flexies

[lrostoke]

The other question is what size rims are you running, I've not seen any 7.5 disk setups go for less than £250 which is what you need if running 10" rims

[Guess-Works.com]

You will be able to do a direct swap for a complete drive assembly of a later model imni, as your auto should be running pot joints on an '81 car.

As said above, you may need to swap the flexi hose ( sometimes you can get away with it ) it just depends if when attached the hose rubs on the tie bar, if it does then this would fail an MOT.. (disk ones are slightly shorter to prevent this )

Also a swap to 12" steelies is a lot cheaper than a disk upgrade to 7.5's

Finally you will also need to change your rear drums to the spacered ( or add 1" spacers ) to maintain the correct track of the vehicle as disk braked models have an extra inch each side on the front and if going for alloys you will need arches.

If you need a disk setup then PM.

[Zacherius]

You will be able to do a direct swap for a complete drive assembly of a later model imni, as your auto should be running pot joints on an '81 car.

As said above, you may need to swap the flexi hose ( sometimes you can get away with it ) it just depends if when attached the hose rubs on the tie bar, if it does then this would fail an MOT.. (disk ones are slightly shorter to prevent this )

Also a swap to 12" steelies is a lot cheaper than a disk upgrade to 7.5's

Finally you will also need to change your rear drums to the spacered ( or add 1" spacers ) to maintain the correct track of the vehicle as disk braked models have an extra inch each side on the front and if going for alloys you will need arches.

If you need a disk setup then PM.

Whats "PM" ?? I will need the disk set up and the spacers for the rear as haven't bought anything yet. I have seen " new, old stock! " of original spaced drums for the rear, minifin spaced drums, and spacer kits ? What would be the best to go for ?? Minifins are the same price as the original spaced drums as far as I can see. Also, is it true that I will need to change the studs to take the wider spaced drums, and would I also need longer screws for holding the drum ???

If my Mini is an austin 81 Auto, would the front set up off a 1992 rover mini fit ???

Any rough ideas how much someone would charge to do this conversion for me ??

Cheers

[Brumski]

Also consider changing the rear brake cylinders.

The braking system is balanced front to rear. When you upgrade the fronts, the balance shifts. You need to install (if I remember correctly) 5/8" (or 0.625") bore cylinders as per the later disk braked Mini's.

My car was very twitchy under braking when I changed to Cooper S disks. Fitted the right cylinders and calm was restored again.