Girling original or Lockheed universal servo

[rulloyd]

Wondering what the general opinion is between renovating my original Girling MK 2B Servo with a repair kit or simply purchasing a new Lockheed Universal Servo like Rimmers offer.  Costs about the same either way but wondering if new is better than old? (stopping power not necessarily quality I mean).

All advice much appreciated.

Rich

 

[Pete Lewis]

My experiencw with the universal one fits all  my first would hang the brakes on for 5 seconds after a stop , couldnt cure that 

2nd was fine  ,,,,,,,not on a gt6 though 

Pete

[dougbgt6]

I had Girling as standard when I bought the beast. Never really worked too well even after a refurb. The vacuum chamber finally started filling up with brake fluid so it had to go. Lockheed seems to dominate the after market. And there's a reason for that, it's a far better servo than the Girling.

It is true servos don't make braking better, just easier. However, I wouldn't be without my Lockheed.

Doug

[rulloyd]

Thanks all.  I'll probably buy a new Lockheed then. Only reservation is that the Girling was the original option.

I wonder if the boost ratios are different

Many thanks

Rich

[Mad4classics]

At one time I owned an MGB ( I know not a Triumph) to which a PO had fitted the Lockheed competion servo available from ST at the time.

If you stamped on the brakes at 70, the boost ratio on that (no such thing as ABS), allowed all 4 wheels to lock; the resultant cloud of tyre smoke and the noise was more effective than any car horn.

l think it alarmed me more anyone else though!!!!

David

 

[dougbgt6]

I think the Lockheed is 3:1 and the Girling Power Stop 2.78:1. Not sure if that's a noticeable difference if both working.

The workshop manual says return the Girling servo to Girling after 36,000 or 3 years for refurbishment, but if you can't do that get a service kit. Having stripped down the Girling I can understand why they wanted you to send it back.

The Lockheed on the other hand is simpler, mine didn't work straight away and I had to strip it down which was quite straightforward. The one way valve in the vacuum chamber wasn't very efficient and I've put on an external valve, now all working fine.

Doug

[Gary Flinn]

I had an Original Powerstop Mk2b Girling Servo re-conditioned during the rebuild of my Vitesse in around 2006, I can't remember the exact costs but nearly £300 I reckon way back then?

I was at a recent Classic car show at Gaydon and a Classic car Brake & Hydraulics supplier local to me called Dave Kingerley sells reconditioned original Girling Servo's, but your talking £500+ these days for one🤔

If your not a stickler for originality I would go for one of the Lockheed version that are readily available and far cheaper, I've got one on my current Classic (2.3 to 1 Boost ratio I think) and it works fine? 

If you buy new off one off one of the well known suppliers, you should get at least a Years guarantee too😉

 

[rulloyd]

1 hour ago, Gary Flinn said:

I had an Original Powerstop Mk2b Girling Servo re-conditioned during the rebuild of my Vitesse in around 2006, I can't remember the exact costs but nearly £300 I reckon way back then?

I was at a recent Classic car show at Gaydon and a Classic car Brake & Hydraulics supplier local to me called Dave Kingerley sells reconditioned original Girling Servo's, but your talking £500+ these days for one🤔

If your not a stickler for originality I would go for one of the Lockheed version that are readily available and far cheaper, I've got one on my current Classic (2.3 to 1 Boost ratio I think) and it works fine? 

If you buy new off one off one of the well known suppliers, you should get at least a Years guarantee too😉

 

I already renovated my Girling powerstop once but it was 30 years ago.  It was a bit of a pig to rebuild but possible to DIY and the kit is around £100.   I see "Grease Monkey" has a video: 

 

[Gary Flinn]

if you can refurbish it yourself then go for it I would say, keeps the car looking original?🙂

[rulloyd]

A mate has found a reputable professional prepared to refurb for £150 inc parts.  I may go that route and keep it original.

[Gary Flinn]

48 minutes ago, rulloyd said:

A mate has found a reputable professional prepared to refurb for £150 inc parts.  I may go that route and keep it original.

That's a very good price?

I thought the Rebuild kits were around that price alone!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GIRLING-MK2b-Brake-Booster-Servo-Repair-Seals-Kit-Mk2b-MkIIb-/142116964500

 

[dougbgt6]

ru,

Just a thought, servos weren't standard on MK2s so yours is an extra or after market. So originality may not be an issue.

Doug

[rulloyd]

1 hour ago, Gary Flinn said:

That's a very good price?

I thought the Rebuild kits were around that price alone!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GIRLING-MK2b-Brake-Booster-Servo-Repair-Seals-Kit-Mk2b-MkIIb-/142116964500

 

Probably my Mates bullshyte... I'll be following up.

[rulloyd]

29 minutes ago, dougbgt6 said:

ru,

Just a thought, servos weren't standard on MK2s so yours is an extra or after market. So originality may not be an issue.

Doug

Yeh but I would prefer to keep it era correct ideally.

[Pete Lewis]

thats  good but there are so many things you cant keep in era or originality.  ( i'm no rivet counter )

start with the fuel , tyres ,  seat belts , brake materials        and the list gets endless 

keeping safe is the more important  some upgrades to supplement modern driving can be a needs must decision

pete

[rulloyd]

Well

21 minutes ago, Pete Lewis said:

thats  good but there are so many things you cant keep in era or originality.  ( i'm no rivet counter )

start with the fuel , tyres ,  seat belts , brake materials        and the list gets endless 

keeping safe is the more important  some upgrades to supplement modern driving can be a needs must decision

pete

Yes, these decisions are a balance.  My car has plenty of modern add ons.  I've just had the sunroof remade in mohair & brakes / flex brake pipes are steel etc.  But seems like the old servo rennovated is probably as good as the new servo so ideally I'll stick with it.   I'd prefer not to do it myself this time and if I can get it done (seems unlikely) for £150 great!, otherwise, Lockheed here I come!

I have managed to source some near mint wheel trims (rostyle variety originally from a Vitesse) so managed to resist the lure of alloys 😉

Anybody interested can follow my cars restoration here (10 videos):https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj9GWtoWPbyC-8CdRztPyRoWs7FljO_Fq

My mate Peter is doing the restoration for me this time - as he knows what he's doing 🙂     In fact his skills are incredible - watch and learn.

[Gary Flinn]

That's a great Youtube link🙂

Peter certainly knows is stuff with the Metal working and makes it look so easy, I remember watching the Vitesse he did on Youtube?

I met him several years ago at the Stafford TSSC Event when he always entered (And usually won something) with his lovely White Vitesse MK2 Convertible?

I'm glad to hear your thinking of Putting the Ro-style trims back on the car, they look great in my opinion

 

 

[rulloyd]

15 minutes ago, Gary Flinn said:

That's a great Youtube link🙂

Peter certainly knows is stuff with the Metal working and makes it look so easy, I remember watching the Vitesse he did on Youtube?

I met him several years ago at the Stafford TSSC Event when he always entered (And usually won something) with his lovely White Vitesse MK2 Convertible?

I'm glad to hear your thinking of Putting the Ro-style trims back on the car, they look great in my opinion

 

 

Ah yes, Peter still has his white vitesse - although he's contemplating selling it.   He's rebuilt many a Vitesse / GT6 from the ground up and It's great for me (obviously) that he's a mate, lives close by and  is doing my car.  Getting close to completion now though. 

Peter, Steve (the voice of the videos - also a Vitesse owner of many years) and I were out for a curry just last night :-)  Video 10 is very funny because he takes the pee out of me.

[dougbgt6]

2 hours ago, rulloyd said:

Yeh but I would prefer to keep it era correct ideally.

Lockheeds were available in the era. And, one last time, I would strongly advise you to ditch the Girling and get a Lockheed! I'll shut up now. 

Doug

[dave.vitesse]

Careful Doug as then next thing will be Delco or Lucas.

Dave 

[Rabbit]

I have fitted a servo unit to my Spitfire MKIII, bought one from of EBay from reputable dealer only to find that it was about 25/30mm (1in to 1-1/4) to tall on the bulkhead. Had to then find a smaller diameter one, no problem but the price was (3 years ago) about £280 with all fittings. It came I remember from a company that specialised in Mini Spares. I will add that the braking is the same but with less effort, 2 speed wipers and LED headlights that dip properly (expensive!) and LED sidelights and brake lights because my MKIII does seem extremely small on our overcrowded roads and I want to be seen!

[dougbgt6]

Well done Rabbit! I found putting my headlights on relays increased their glow power dramatically and took all that current away from the (unfused!) dashboard switch.

Doug