TheSamba.com :: View topic - 65 Bug dual circut master cylinder Reservoir mounting

Thu Oct 13, 2011 9:45 pm

Hello,
I am upgrading my master cylinder and am wondering where to mount the reservoir? Where do the reservoir mount on a 68 and later bug? I have searched the forum but could not find any pictures other than a snap in reservoir. I really do not want to go with a snap in because of the dirt and water that get into that area. Pictures of you conversions would be appreciated and help me decide where to mount mine.

Regards,
Oldgit

Thu Oct 13, 2011 10:07 pm

I've used the stock resevoir and used a brass "T" fitting to route the 2 hoses off a single outlet resevoir. Dual circuit masters used a resevoir that was mounted up high on the drivers side, half hidden by the hood hinge and lip.They area real PITA to fill and The paint was usually stripped underneath most of them from leaking or people spilling when topping up. Using a "T" you'll still look stock under the hood.

brad

Thu Oct 13, 2011 10:07 pm

airkewld sells a reservoir for the dual circuit masters that has a nipple on top, connects to a hose, and to your factory reservoir in the spare tire area

Thu Oct 13, 2011 10:12 pm

You can also use a Volvo reservoir and pop it right on top of the MC. Only takes a turn of the wheel to check the fluid.

Thu Oct 13, 2011 11:49 pm

I may be a bit paranoid,but has anybody had problems with the volvo style M/C reservoir mounted down low on the M/C where a lot of spray is thrown,i realise there is a rubber seal under the cap but it seems a bit iffy to me.

Fri Oct 14, 2011 3:29 am

blue77bay wrote: I may be a bit paranoid,but has anybody had problems with the volvo style M/C reservoir mounted down low on the M/C where a lot of spray is thrown,i realise there is a rubber seal under the cap but it seems a bit iffy to me.
use 1967 beetle 1 year only resivoir. it fits where original 66 and older go.
i believe wolfsburg west is repro them.

Fri Oct 14, 2011 5:52 am

I used a stock late model reservoir and mounted it up on my firewall, under the gas tank...then i used some tubing to connect the outlets on the reservoir to the dual circuit cylinder.

Do not just put a T fitting on your stock cylinder. The point of a dual circuit is that if one fails, you still have the other one. If one fails and you just have a T, you lost both because all your fluid will leak out the side that failed...I hope that made sense.

Andy

Fri Oct 14, 2011 5:54 am

I know you said you didn't want the snap in one. When I put the Volvo one on my 67 beetle.. it actually snapped in place. I don't think there will be any issues. Many people have done this. It's also a sealed unit and you don't have to worry about anything getting in there. How often does it rain where you're at anyway?

I think you should do the stock location like mentioned above though if you are worried about it.

Fri Oct 14, 2011 8:38 am

Volvo reservoir is the way to go. It pops in just like those hose nipples pop in that come on the dual circuit reservoirs anyway so really what are you worried about. If its going to leak its going to do it with the stock hose nipples. I've had mine on for 3 years with no issue and its the only way I will go. Checking the fluid is not a problem either for me and my bug is slammed. Install it with the fill cap facing front and not against the firewall like pictured in the post above. Makes topping of easier if needed.

Fri Oct 14, 2011 9:07 am

Ahhh. I could have flipped it. Did not even think about that. Haha

Fri Oct 14, 2011 9:24 am

Mini's 63 Bug wrote: I used a stock late model reservoir and mounted it up on my firewall, under the gas tank...then i used some tubing to connect the outlets on the reservoir to the dual circuit cylinder.

Do not just put a T fitting on your stock cylinder. The point of a dual circuit is that if one fails, you still have the other one. If one fails and you just have a T, you lost both because all your fluid will leak out the side that failed...I hope that made sense.

Andy

I've used this setup for 18 years on my buggy, never had a problem. You can tell when you are loosing a wheel cylinder or hose as your brakes will get soft.

Dual circuit resevoirs are ported so that if one side runs low on fluid it will take it from the other side. No different than running a "T" Besides people should be checking things like brake fluid levels when they do their oil changes and checking hte conditions of hoses grommets and lines once a year if not more.

brad

Fri Oct 14, 2011 3:16 pm

slalombuggy wrote: Mini's 63 Bug wrote: I used a stock late model reservoir and mounted it up on my firewall, under the gas tank...then i used some tubing to connect the outlets on the reservoir to the dual circuit cylinder.

Do not just put a T fitting on your stock cylinder. The point of a dual circuit is that if one fails, you still have the other one. If one fails and you just have a T, you lost both because all your fluid will leak out the side that failed...I hope that made sense.

Andy

I've used this setup for 18 years on my buggy, never had a problem. You can tell when you are loosing a wheel cylinder or hose as your brakes will get soft.

Dual circuit resevoirs are ported so that if one side runs low on fluid it will take it from the other side. No different than running a "T" Besides people should be checking things like brake fluid levels when they do their oil changes and checking hte conditions of hoses grommets and lines once a year if not more.

brad
Nope. :roll:
Both sides are isolated. That's the whole point.
If you just run a "T" from a single reservoir and develop a leak on one side, it will empty the reservoir through that side. Granted, you'll still have some fluid left in the other circuit past the "T".
Agree about checking fluids and hoses on a regular basis, though.

Fri Oct 14, 2011 3:22 pm

ovalteen wrote: Volvo reservoir is the way to go. It pops in just like those hose nipples pop in that come on the dual circuit reservoirs anyway so really what are you worried about. If its going to leak its going to do it with the stock hose nipples. I've had mine on for 3 years with no issue and its the only way I will go. Checking the fluid is not a problem either for me and my bug is slammed. Install it with the fill cap facing front and not against the firewall like pictured in the post above. Makes topping of easier if needed.
Volvo fits aftermarket, Rabbit fits German master.

Fri Oct 14, 2011 5:49 pm

Volvo fits aftermarket, Rabbit fits German master.[/quote]

Now I'm confused, which Rabbit reservoirs work?

Geoff

Fri Oct 14, 2011 6:36 pm

GB2S wrote: Volvo fits aftermarket, Rabbit fits German master.

Now I'm confused, which Rabbit reservoirs work?

Geoff[/quote]

Rabbit reservoirs work on German made master cylinders. Volvo work on Brazilian etc. master cylinders!

Fri Oct 14, 2011 7:07 pm

Look in the resevoir. See that little slot cut in between the 2 sides it goes almost to the bottom or the resevoir. Hopefully you will notice hte brakes are going bad before you drain the resevoir that far. Just sayin'

brad

Sat Oct 15, 2011 8:52 am

Thanks Microbus, Is there a particular year that works or is better, does it fit on top of the M/C or off like the original?

Geoff

Sat Oct 15, 2011 11:49 am

I assume this is partitioned off inside like the later dual circuit reservoirs? This seems like the most logical solution to me. Stock looking, works great, not to expensive at $18.

Sat Oct 15, 2011 12:11 pm

Shadd wrote:
I assume this is partitioned off inside like the later dual circuit reservoirs? This seems like the most logical solution to me. Stock looking, works great, not to expensive at $18.
Looks nice. Might have to cut a hole for the extra outlet...?
Personally, I like the idea of less connections and hoses, though.

Sat Oct 15, 2011 12:42 pm

slalombuggy wrote: Look in the resevoir. See that little slot cut in between the 2 sides it goes almost to the bottom or the resevoir. Hopefully you will notice hte brakes are going bad before you drain the resevoir that far. Just sayin'

brad

What are you even talking about anymore?