Rear Brake Access Panel - IRS

John McMahon · #1 (**permalink**) 01-13-2002, 08:26 AM

Dear Bob Putnam......

I am looking for an 'easy' way to access my rear inboard brakes (to change pads, bleed brakes, etc) on my Jag rear once the car is assembled. It is a pain to do from under the car since the Girling calipers are forward of the IRS.

I am thinking of putting an access panel on the rear bulkhead of my interior. Quick removal with Dzus fasteners or something similar from above in the cockpit.

I'd like to know who has done this and what you have used. I have checked the Jeg's and Summit catalogs and only found two such panels and they are rather small.

Looking for all ideas, recommended sizes, companies that carry such panels etc.

(I also posted this in All Cobra Talk, but I know you have a ton of ideas)

Thanks!

Bob Putnam · #2 (**permalink**) 01-13-2002, 03:40 PM

John,

It's pretty easy on our cars, with a separate tunnel, and aluminum panels behind the seat. If yours has a fiberglass tub-style design, I would think that it wouldn't be that hard to trim around the tunnel, leaving a 1" flange on it. Then open up a section about 12" high and 20" wide. Finally, just fabricate a flat panel that screws on top of all the glass. We attach our carpet only above the access panel, and let it hang down over it.

John McMahon · #3 (**permalink**) 01-13-2002, 04:33 PM

Thank you sir! You're always helpful.

I'll get to work on this PDQ!

Cobra 29 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-13-2002, 06:51 PM

Bob, I am interested in gaining access to the jag rear end to adjust the EB cable. Is there an access in the rear bulkhead of an ERA 427SC or you we have to cut one? I was told if I remove the seats, carpet and trans tunnel I could gain access without cutting. What the best way?? Thanks

Bob Putnam · #5 (**permalink**) 01-14-2002, 04:52 AM

Removing the seats help, but the tunnel can stay. Hopefully, they haven't glued the carpet to the lower section of the bulkhead.

So - lift the carpet and remove the screws holding the panel to the bulkhead and the tunnel. Slide it up. Gaze longingly at the linkage.

P.S. If you send me your e-mail address, I'll give you the link to our latest/greatest manual.

John McMahon · #6 (**permalink**) 01-14-2002, 11:56 AM

...I found this picture on your website. Since I have the fiberglass tub interior, I'll see if I need to add a cutaway for part of the driveshaft tunnel as well.

Cobra 29 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-16-2002, 03:33 AM

Thanks for the photo. I believe this is the ERA FIA car. Mine is the 427SC body. Bob, does this access panel exist on the 427SC (ERA454)?

Bob Putnam · #8 (**permalink**) 01-16-2002, 04:38 AM

The rear bulkhead is different in the 427, but there is still a removable panel.

cobra · #9 (**permalink**) 01-16-2002, 09:19 AM

Dear John

I found this picture from my car:

Walter

John McMahon · #10 (**permalink**) 01-16-2002, 10:17 AM

Thanks Walter.

My problem is the fiberglass tub interior and I cannot take into account a removable driveshaft tunnel. I have a 289 and the interior is slighty narrower than the 427, so dimensions do change.

I'm trying to determine, based on the size and access on whether or not I should make two smaller access panels on each side of the tunnel.