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This page: Leaflet explaining a conversion to fit hydraulic brakes on the Austin Seven

Austin 7 Hydraulic braking system

Conversion by Bowden Engineering.

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Bowden Engineering were one of the leading suppliers of conversion kits to suit the popular Austin 7-based specials and sportscars during the 1950s. Donor cars and spare parts were plentiful, and (for the most part) cheap to buy back then, so the interest in uprating and tuning-up Austin 7s (and Ford Pop based cars) was substantial. As well as producing a neat independent front suspension kit, Bowden could also supply a complete kit to enable an Austin driver to convert his brakes from cable to hydraulic operation. A leaflet explaining the contents of this conversion is shown here, and the information on it typed up below.

".. PLEASE DON'T give us grey hairs trying to guess where your work has come from by leaving the name of sender out of parcel ... Heavy wooden boxes secured by dozens of screws, and capable of dropping off St. Paul's Cathedral without damage, add to carriage charges and takes us hours to extract the contents .. "

Austin 7 2.L.S. Hydraulic Brakes.

Bowden Engineering Co.

There is little point in building something that looks beautiful and goes like hell if you cannot stop it. Do not waste time and money on cables. This is the only way to stop. So start right and make this your primary mod. You can then drive much faster much safer.

Bowden brakes conversion for the Austin A7

This conversion for the most part uses Morris-Minor 1000 (Lockheed) components. It is suggested that you obtain a ride in one of these excellent cars, to get some idea of what the brakes are really like. You can gauge results even better when you remember that the average Austin 7 is only half the weight.

The hydraulic conversion kit comprises 4 steel back plates complete with wheel cylinders, shoes brake linings, one master cylinder and all the necessary piping and connections.

The outfit is designed to fit straight on to the 1936-1939 Austin 7 axles, which were fitted with detachable back plates and cast iron brake drums.

All earlier type axles will have to be machined. We can do this for you, cost 2.0s.0d, carriage extra. Please send your two front stub axles and the two rear half casings, all stripped and clean please.

Levers are fitted to the rear back plates to provide mechanical operation for the handbrake, for which it is suggested you use a pair of Morris Minor cables (NOT PROVIDED) and couple up to the existing hand brake.

The early type Austin 7 drums will work quite well, but it is suggested that the later type, cast iron ones, are better. The early type do not fully cover the linings. Cost 14.0s.0d carriage extra.
Pre-'36 axles, machining as above, 2 GBP, carriage extra.

Brake Drums. We can now supply new ultra stiff cast iron 7in drums as Austin 7 1936-39 for use with the Hydraulic Conversion. 42/- each, postage 3/6 per pair.

Brake Pedal Modifications. Send your foot-brake pedal and 30/- and we modify and supply fork and master cylinder bracket to fit chassis. (Master cylinder adjacent to engine).

Terms. Cash with order or, if you like, upon notification by us that your work is ready for despatch.

PLEASE DON'T give us grey hairs trying to guess where your work has come from by leaving the name of sender out of parcel. Nor send any bits and pieces not required in the actual conversions. Heavy wooden boxes secured by dozens of screws, and capable of dropping off St. Paul's Cathedral without damage, add to carriage charges and takes us hours to extract the contents.

hydraulically operated braking for the A7

hydraulically operated braking for the A7

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