Single-can vs. 3-can brake/clutch reservoir

[Gunner]

Looking at 707's pictures, it appear to have the single reservoir for clutch and brake fluid rather than the traditional three cans on the fenderwell.

I'm kind of surprised to see that, given how meticulously spec'ed this car was by the owner and ERA. What's the advantage of the single can over the triple set?

Would it be worthwhile to swap in the three cans (all ERA-sourced, of course)?

(Car is now on a transport... and as safely as I want the transport driver to haul this load, I wish he'd haul @$$, too!)

[jeffy]

Peter P. told me that the paint curdles on the metal cans: they are strictly for looks, the single container does just as good a job and won't need refinishing. At first I was persuaded, but now I'm going with the original look, despite PP's advice.

[Gunner]

Yeah, DOT 3/4 will eat any paint it's near eventually. Has anyone used a more durable finish - chrome or powder-coat? Or is it just not worth it to swap for traditional looks alone?

[marcalan]

If you do convert over, please post as to what you did, and if you ran into any hurdles that should be noted. I have considered converting over from the single reservoir to the 3 can as well.

thanks in advance

m-a

[Gunner]

Will do, marcalan. I am ass/u/ming it's a matter of removing one set of parts and installing another - prebent lines, fittings in place, etc. So it's a matter of expense and then deciding whether the time and expense are worth the results... just like everything!

[marcalan]

Thats what I figured, but, its always good to get first hand feedback.

[sicilian cobra]

Originally Posted by Gunner

Yeah, DOT 3/4 will eat any paint it's near eventually. Has anyone used a more durable finish - chrome or powder-coat? Or is it just not worth it to swap for traditional looks alone?

check with manufacture of your master cylinder & calipers ,if DOT5 can be used will not harm paint

[patrickt]

My three cans are holding up fine. A small bit of wear on the top of one of the cans where I was a bit sloppy; not much though. If you don't slop the fluid all over the place they will hold up just fine -- and the look can't be beat.

[PANAVIA]

The stock ERA setup is based on a BMW 3 Series reservoir , and should be fine for brakes , but i would have a separate res for clutch fluid-- but thats just me.

[Hans-Olof Blom]

I have recently replaced the BMW reservoir with the 3 cans. It is quite simple. I got a kit from Doug when I visited ERA. It even includes a piece of paper marked with the 3 holes that you have to drill.

I don't know why Peter P. recommends the single reservoir. The cans looks so much better.

[Jim Holden]

I've used the cans on both my FIA and the slabside. The paint has bubbled around the top surfaces of the cans where it has come into contact with the brake fluid... I just attributee it to the "provenance" of the cars. I suppose one could always get the cans (shudder) chromed or ceramic coated.

Jim

[jeffy]

Originally Posted by Hans-Olof Blom

I don't know why Peter P. recommends the single reservoir.

I explained why: the paint curdles on the cans and, functionally, the single reservoir is just as good.

[ack fia]

I converted from the single can to the 3 because I use a different fluid for the brakes and clutch.

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by Jim Holden

I've used the cans on both my FIA and the slabside. The paint has bubbled around the top surfaces of the cans where it has come into contact with the brake fluid... I just attributee it to the "provenance" of the cars. I suppose one could always get the cans (shudder) chromed or ceramic coated.

Jim

Jim, FWIW, the ceramic may be tougher but it will still stain. And most people who look under the hood don't know any better anyways. I'm into the realism, so if I had an ERA I'd probably lean toward the three can set-up. But, again, most average Joes wouldn't notice this little detail.
-Dean

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RedBarchetta

But, again, most average Joes wouldn't notice this little detail.

I don't know about that. At my last show I had four different people come up to me and say that their favorite part of the car was the little Girling decal on the black can under the hood.

[Gunner]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I don't know about that. At my last show I had four different people come up to me and say that their favorite part of the car was the little Girling decal on the black can under the hood.

<fx Ahnold voice> Ah, but dat makes it a GIRLY car, no? Ha, ha.</fx>

[RedBarchetta]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I don't know about that. At my last show I had four different people come up to me and say that their favorite part of the car was the little Girling decal on the black can under the hood.

You were obviously not being surrounded by average Joes then.

[Gunner]

So is it reasonable to consider having the cans powder-coated black, then? That would preserve the look and be oil/fluid resistant. Any downside?

[cscobra]

ERA's hydraulic reservoir is from the BMW 1600/2002 series--don't know if any of the later 3 series cars used them or not.

[fkemmerer]

Originally Posted by Gunner

So is it reasonable to consider having the cans powder-coated black, then? That would preserve the look and be oil/fluid resistant. Any downside?

I would be concerned about what the heat associated with powder coating might do to the cans. They look like they may be soldered ....

- Fred