Convert single line to dual line system

thob

thob

Member
HI,

I just found out - being rather disappointed at this point - that my 3500S from 1973 has a single line brake system with Girling servo, and brake warning light for pad wear, fluid and handbrake. Now according to the books it should have a dual line system and a Lockheed servo fitted.

My question is now: How would I convert it to a dual line, if that's doable. What do I need for this maneuver?

Any ideas?

Thanks Thomas
 
Hello Thomas,

The only difference between a Girling and Lockheed single line booster (servo) is in the design of the locking arrangement for the vacuum chamber. The Girling uses a bayonet style of fitting, while the Lockheed uses a band which is tightened to secure both sides of the chamber together.

Personally, I think that changing from your existing single line system to a dual line system would be far more trouble than it is worth. Off the top of my head, a dual line booster, master cylinder and the plumbing to match.

Ron.
 
Hi Ron,

safety, having two pretty independent brake systems, is one concern converting to the original setup might be a second. But then maybe there were 3500S' without a dual line brake system.

Is there a place where you can find a sketch of the plumbing necessary?

Cheers Thomas
 
People seem to have no end of problems with the dual circuit system . I believe at the time Rover said a single circuit system was better as there was less to go wrong !

UK spec 3500s have manual gearboxes and single circuit systems , the others with dual circuits are export versions
 
Having fought the Federal 3500S twin line brake system into submission my advice is DON "T EVEN THINK ABOUT converting the single line to the Federal twin line system . It's an abortion , a Mickey Mouse bodge to fandangle a way around the US safety regulations . Any system which depends on 6 ft of vacuum hoses running under the engine between the master cylinder and booster is the product of rubbish engineering . If you are seriously worried about safety, do a conscientious rebuild of your single line system , replacing pipes , hoses, pads, callipers etc .It will cost far less and give you improved braking .
Cheers
RVW
 
Hello Thomas,

I have never seen diagrams online, but the 3500/3500S workshop manuals have the necessary illustrations depicting all that is required. Another source of course would be the Spare Parts Catalogue.

As Dave and RVW have already mentioned, I would not contemplate such action, but if you really want it, then my advise would be to sell the Rover that you have and purchase another with the dual system already in place or buy all the necessary bits from a wrecker's yard (assuming all the bits are there) and transplant across.

I can appreciate the safety argument of the dual system over the single, but from what I understand of the dual system, the outcome may well leave you very disappointed.

Ron.
 
DaveHerns said:
People seem to have no end of problems with the dual circuit system . I believe at the time Rover said a single circuit system was better as there was less to go wrong !
Click to expand...

God yer, I remember some of my dads early fords were buggers for pulling to one side or another when braking.

BMW E30's have the master cylinder + booster on a big extension to miss the slanted engine. I've often considered this could be modified to fit a P6 easily. Then an extra pipe to the rear and an extra flex pipe at the back and your done.
 
DaveHerns said:
Or something like the servo/master cylinder assembly off a Mk2 Escort ?
Click to expand...
Yes, that was also one I had in mine, not sure if they are as easy to get hold of as the BMW E30's are. :)
 
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