i have yet to clean up my calipers, (done hubs and uprights)
i think they may be seized as i can not move the pistons

firstly, should i be able to move them?

secondly, if i should be able to move them how do i get them out?

You should be able to push them back into the bore, although you may need a lever to do this.

To get them out attach a foot pump to the fluid inlet and pump them out. That's how I did mine.

Then after inspecting the bores and pistons I bought a pair of reconditioned calipers from my local motor factor.

footpump it is, they are right back in the bores

Mine took some getting, out had to use my compressor with a blow gun down the brake line hole, once one was loosened I pushed it back in slightly and used a g clamp to hold it while I blew the other out.
A caliper refurb kit is available from brakesint.co.uk for £3.40 each good idea to buy owt else you need at the same time ie pads, handbrake cable etc as the postage is about a fiver.
Be carefull by the way when they come out they go with a bang.
Cheers,
Bob

I used a combination of a footpump, g clamp and 2 carefully weilded screw drivers but be careful not to chip/nick the pistons or the dust seals may not seal properly. I think we'll probably end up getting new/recon calipers too, even though i spent bloody ages cleaning them up.

Liam,
Have you looked at reconditioned calipers? The Cortina front calipers were not at all expensive and you won't save very much by doing them yourself. I did my own Sierra rear calipers because they were much more expensive but the front ones are dirt cheap.

Cheers,
Craig.

I got a set of brand new Princess calipers, they are still being made for morgan. I recon these are worth in the region of £150. I got these with the package of bits and peices along with the chassis.

Adam

I think the Cortina calipers were about £24ea exchange when I got mine. I also got a brake pad fitting kit included with them.
Cheers,
Craig.

i pumped mine out with grease, replaced the bleed valve with a grease nipple and plugged the brake pipe hole with a bolt

could someone give me an idea of what condition the pistons and bores should be, i don't want to replace them if i don't have to

The piston to seal mating surface must be corrosion free as should the seal to body mating surface. As far as the rest of the bore goes, as long as the piston is free to slide just clean it up, (electrolysis is probably the best way)

Cheers Mick

Mick,
Maybe I'm just a perfectionist but with all due respect I'd bin any caliper with ANY corrosion ANYWHERE in the bore.

I have attempted to polish up the bores on many a caliper in the past (usually just before an MOT when trying to get the rear brakes working properly again - you know the score I'm sure) and I always end up having to do the same flaming job the very next year or sometimes sooner. It just doesn't seem to last. Once corrosion sets in it just doesn't seem to go away...

Having said that, electrolysis does have the potential to reverse the effect (chemically) and may be the saviour in this respect. However, although I'd be happy to experiment with my driveshafts or hubs or uprights which I can see every day, I wouldn't want to experiment with my brake calipers or master cylinder!

Like all things "Locost", the choice is yours though.

Cheers,
Craig.