Arising from the previous Forum discussion I did some research on the web and found mixed opinions from other (non-Lancia) customers about BiggRed.
So I wrote to them:
Your website is very informative but I can't find my model listed.
Can you advise prices and approximate one-way postage cost to Ireland for a full set of the Girling type calipers used on Lancia Fulvia and 2000 models as follows:
(1) to purchase a full set from your stock on an exchange basis (i.e. with me sending you an old set)
(2) to have my own set reconditioned
It would be useful to know also the individual cost per caliper (or per axle set front and rear) in each case and also the surcharge in each case (front/rear) until I return an old set.
Please also advise if you can supply/recondition the master cylinder (21mm I think) for this system and the price on the same basis as (1) and (2) above.
Finally, do all bleed nipples have to be removed as I expect that you will be more skilled at this work than me!
And they replied:
Hi Alan, we will need your calipers in and recondition them. The price to do this is as follows.
Front calipers will be £139 per pair in standard finish
Rear calipers £139 per pair in standard finish
If you send all 4 calipers to us you will receive a 10% discount.
Return p&p (4 calipers) £16
With regards to the master cylinder your probably better to contact Past Parts in Bury St Edmunds. They recondition master cylinders so they will be your best bet.
Hope this helps. If you require any further information please don't hesitate to contact me.
Tony Brain
Bigg Red Ltd
0044 1905 428793
I concluded that while they probably carry a wide range of stock and offer several finish options (as per their website) they don't have our type on the shelf and while they can and will take on the work they don't really offer a bespoke service such as we might favour. I am unclear whether they replace pistons or what they do if a caliper/bore is unserviceable. However their price seems reasonable on the face of it, if only to make your brakes serviceable in the short to medium term.
I have poorly working calipers on my 2000HF that I "reconditioned" myself by highly unscientific means (split calipers, wirebrushed and painted (!) calipers and cylinder bores, cleaned pistons, replaced seals and re-assembled). With the hindsight of that experience and the general tenor of the web feedback on the BiggRed experience I would give it another go myself but by more scientific methods (blasting calipers/bores, powdercoating exterior only(!), replace pistons with stainless (indicated £20 per piston), replace seals (about £25 per axle set).
Oh, and I believe Omicron offer reconditioned calipers at £100 per corner - for an easy life!
eBay was recently awash with Fulvia brake discs but I do not know the quality.
