Source for S2 Front calipers

Elan Discussions
1

Hi all

I’m new so be nice. I sent my front calipers off to be restored and looks as if UPS has lost them. They were insured , but I can’t seem to find any front calipers for sale anywhere except Lee Chapman’s and those are 26R. Does anyone know of a source for these. Thanks.

Frank

2

They’re Girling Type 14LF calipers, and either side-entry or top-entry will work. I believe the S2s were side-entry, from some Fords, whereas later cars had top-entry from Mk 3 and Mk 4 Spitfire (possibly also Herald).

Both seem to be increasingly hard to get hold of, but I got some on Ebay a couple of years ago.

There’s a pair of the top-entry ones on UK Ebay now (where are you?):

cgi.ebay.co.uk/BRAKE-CALIPERS-RE … 286.c0.m14

Not cheap, I think the market price has doubled since I got mine.

Paddy

3

I may have a set available in the next couple weeks, if you can hold on a bit.

4

Thanks for the replies. I’m in the US (Ohio). The 14f looks a lot like the same caliper, but I never found that listed anywhere as an option. What other cars does this fit?

Frank

5

elancoupe

I’m not in a big hurry. The caliper rebuild was a first step to getting the car mobile so that I can rebuild the water pump. Could you tell me more?

Frank

6

I don’t know about a 14F.

The S2 ones (side entry) are listed (see GGLG site at gglotus.org/ggpart/elanxref.htm#brakes) as:

2, 3, 4 to 9/71 Front Caliper, LH Girling 64032149, Cortina 10/64-10/66; Cortina MkII (not GT), Morgan +4
2, 3, 4 to 9/71 Front Caliper, RH Girling 64032150, Cortina 10/64-10/66; Cortina MkII (not GT), Morgan +4

Probably not too many of those breaking in Ohio :slight_smile: You’ll probably have more luck with the top-entry Triumph ones.

Paddy

7

This is the actual girling id Girling 64032150 Not sure how that relates to type 14. The calipers on ebay that were referenced look close, but I’m not sure what you mean by side entry or front entry.

Frank

8

How accurate do you think the list from gglotus is? Ray from RD Enterprises doesn’t think the Cortina is the same for instance. I, of course, have no idea.

Frank

9

The ones shown on Ebay are top-entry, where the hose is attached to the top of the caliper (where the red bung is).

However, on the photo you will also see a boss in the casting in line with the centre of the piston: with the “side-entry” calipers this is where the hose attaches.

Paddy

10

Paddy

I just removed these calipers on Friday. I’m almost positive that the hose attaches at the top(I had a lot of issues with ALL of the bolts, so I remember this pretty clearly) . So I guess if the attaching bolts are right it could work. I sent the seller a quesion anyway. If I remember right the S1 takes a different caliper from the 2,3,4. Is that right?

Frank

11

These are type 14 LF. I sent you a PM.

Could also take a picture if need be.

12

Yes, the S1 had Type 12SP, smaller diameter pistons and pads, but the fitting was otherwise identical.

Paddy

13

Frank, my S2 calipers are top entry but it is an early S2, the early S2’s had a lot of S1 parts on them the calipers being one of parts, I believe the the later S2’s had a slightly larger caliper piston than the S1’s and probally side entry brake hose.

14

Brian

Thanks. My Elan is in the middle of the s2’s. It’s really a 66, just registered as a 67. I’m pretty sure my calipers are top entry also. I followed the link that Paddy gave and those calipers appear identical to mine. Unfortunately I haven’t found any specs on them (14LF?).

Frank

15

Hi,

The calipers will be marked “14L”. If you want to be certain they are right, then you can check the casting number on the caliper; the part number itself isn’t shown anywhere. The ones you’re after have a number cast adjacent to the mounting lug of 64327863. However, if they’re Type 14 and off a Triumph Spitfire or Herald, I’m pretty sure they wil be right. (Just for reference, the Type number is the piston diameter in 1/8", so Type 14 is 1.75", Type 16 is 2", etc.)

(Apparently there was a slightly different caliper, with an incompatible fitting, fitted to an Avenger, which was also marked “14L” but had a different casting number, 64327544.)

Paddy

16

Thanks all. I have ordered new Spitfire calipers from Spitbits. They are made in China??, apparently they also have German made for about twice the price. Moss Motors also has them, but they are back ordered 4-6 weeks. Hopefully they will fit.

Frank