MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Brake Line Straps 181-900

Hi,

We are installing new brake lines today and are having trouble with the line straps (181-900) and hope someone can help. The ones from Moss are similar to the original straps on our TD except they are wider (and harder to bend correctly with an outside loop).

They fit fairly well around the smaller rear axle diameter near the differential. But, are not long enough for the thicker axle diameter near the hub/backing plate. I have seen pictures of cars (Dave Braun and others as shown below) with the straps in this position near the backing plates and know it can be done - but not by me using the Moss straps. Are longer straps available?

Thanks for any help or ideas.

Regards,

Bill

WHTroyer

Another view from Dave.

WHTroyer

Other than salvaging originals and having them plated or sprayed with silver heat paint and baked, No.
Christopher Couper

I found the Moss straps very difficult to use. They are too stiff. I was able to salvage 2 complete straps and 2 partials that I believe to be originals. They were much more user friendly. I used the partials to extend the completes which gave plenty of length for the thicker part of the axle.
B Mooney

Christopher and B, thanks for your replies. Glad to see others weren't too impressed with the Moss replacement straps. They are too stiff and I cut my hand nicely trying to form the outside loop and pull it tight around one line. Don't see why it is so difficult to make parts to original specifications.

Will try your idea and combine two straps for more length. Will also experiment with reducing the width of a strap near the "latch" to match the stock straps and see if it helps installation.

Regards, Bill
WHTroyer

I must be one of the lucky ones. I have had good service from Moss and very little problems with parts.
If I did have any they quickly made good.
My straps fit perfectly.
Rob.


R Browne

And Another.
Rob


R Browne

I also had to put 2 of them together. You would think Moss could fix this pretty easily?
Ed
efh Haskell

When I put the Moss straps on near the back plates I found that they do not have enough length to loop around the brake line before the axle wrap, so at that location I simply wrap the line and the axle and make it as tight as possible.
MG LaVerne

Everyone, thanks for all of your replies and suggestions.

First, I did not mean to criticize Moss service in any way. They have always been very helpful with great service. Just lamented that the original strap design was easier to install IMO.

Most of the problem is my inexperience with the straps. Going better today since I carefully back folded and pre-bent the strap around a 1-inch pipe (very smooth bend without any kinks) and then used a piece of brake line and a copper hammer to form the initial curvature of the strap end "latch". Strap installed more easily with a nice, tight outer brake line loop. Glad we ordered several extra straps.

Underside of the car (suspension, hardware, exhaust, brakes, wiring etc) is now brand new with polished wheels and a fresh set of Vredestein tires. Asked my wife to stop driving her car so nothing gets dirty.
WHTroyer

R Browne, your straps look great near the hub. They must have been longer then if they fit the larger diameter of the axle perfectly. The ones sold today really are too short.

Regards,

Bill.
WHTroyer

Hi Rob, did your straps come from Moss USA or UK? Just wandering if it could be two different suppliers. The USA fellows are having problems with the Moss USA ones.

Ed
ECS Stanfield

Hi Ed,
I order from the USA but I always email and get a fixed price including postage to Australia first and usually explain the parts needed and always deal with the same chap. I think the personal approach makes the difference. I must admit it is quite a while since I purchased my straps as last year was a wipeout with me as I was undergoing Chemotherapy and radiation most of the year but back into the final restoration of TD0267 now.
Regards Rob.
R Browne

This thread was discussed between 13/05/2016 and 16/05/2016

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG TD TF 1500 BBS now