Caliper confusion

[roger.england]

I've just replaced the calipers on my 1965 12/50 based Midge and had assumed them to be type 12s. However, it appears they were type 14s. I ordered reconditioned type 12s with new discs and fitted the offside with no problem. However, the nearside caliper will not clear the disc - when the top caliper fixing bolt is attached, the top of the caliper fouls the disc and leaves the lower fixing hole some 2 cm away from where it needs to be located. The supplier is being very helpful and sending another caliper immediately so I hope its just a problem with manufacture.

I assume that the type 12 and type 14 calipers are interchangeable up to a point. Is the same diameter brake disc used for type?

Roger

[heraldcoupe]

The type 12 and type 14 calipers use the same mounting centres. There are differences in the backplates, and the hubs get a little machining in the case of the type 14s, but I don't think this is your problem. Discs are the same between both types
Type 16 calipers have wider spaced mounting centres, discs are also larger than the type 12/14 types.
Do the original calipers match one another?

Cheers,
Bill.

[roger.england]

Thanks for the reply Bill. The replacement caliper arrived today and fits perfectly so it was obviously a problem with the reconditioning of the non-fitting caliper. Whilst both calipers appeared the same, I did notice on the one that wouldn't fit that the two halves had a different profile at the top of the caliper where the rebate for the disc is. One side was about 3/16" longer than the other.

Anyway, problem solved - thanks.

[Sheepy]

That's good that the supplier resolved it so efficiently and not tried to fobb you off like most do.

It's rare that good words are said about suppliers, it's always the bad comments we hear.

Cane you name and fame them (do you like that, an alternative to name and shame!)  ;D
If its ok with the mods!

We need more good suppliers these days.

[roger.england]

It was James Paddock.

Roger