Billet Brake Reservoir, Type 2, Fits Bus & Buggy Master Cyl

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the braking system of your vintage Volkswagen or custom sand rail, reliability and aesthetics should never be a compromise. The EMPI Billet Brake Reservoir (Part # AC611301) is the ultimate solution for enthusiasts who are tired of dealing with the inevitable failure of stock plastic reservoirs. Over time, original plastic units become brittle, yellowed, and prone to hairline fractures that can lead to catastrophic fluid loss and a spongy pedal feel. By upgrading to this heavy-duty, CNC-machined aluminum reservoir, you are investing in a component that is virtually indestructible and engineered to withstand the vibrations of off-road racing and the heat of a high-performance engine bay. The mirror-polished finish doesn''t just add a professional look to your master cylinder; it serves as a testament to the quality of your build, making it a favorite for show-winning Beetles, Buses, and Buggies alike.

This reservoir is specifically designed for a seamless, screw-in installation on Volkswagen Type 2 master cylinders, which are the gold standard for many custom brake setups in the air-cooled world. Whether you are restoring a classic Split Window Bus or plumbing the brakes on a high-speed Sand Rail, the direct-fit design eliminates the need for messy hoses and remote mounting brackets. The compact profile is perfect for tight spaces behind the beam or inside the chassis of a tube-frame buggy. Unlike universal plastic kits that use flimsy clamps, this billet unit features precision-cut threads that create a rock-solid connection to the master cylinder body. It features a knurled cap for easy fluid level checks and an internal O-ring seal to keep moisture and contaminants out of your hydraulic system, ensuring your brake fluid stays clean and your stopping power remains consistent under pressure.

FITMENT

This billet reservoir is designed for master cylinders with a threaded inlet port. Please verify your master cylinder style before ordering, as many custom buggies utilize this Type 2 style setup for its simplicity and reliability.

• VW Type 2 Bus: 1950 through 1966 (Split Window models)
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any chassis utilizing a Type 2 style single or dual circuit master cylinder with a threaded top inlet.
• Baja Bugs: Custom builds using upgraded Type 2 master cylinders for increased fluid capacity and pressure.
• Street Rods: Custom air-cooled applications requiring a high-polish, compact brake fluid solution.

SPECS

Constructed to the highest standards, this EMPI billet reservoir is built for both show and go. Below are the technical specifications for the AC611301 unit:

• Material: High-grade 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum.
• Finish: Mirror-Polished High-Luster Chrome Look.
• Installation Type: Direct Screw-In (Threaded base).
• Master Cylinder Compatibility: Fits VW Type 2 (Bus) style master cylinders.
• Sealing Mechanism: High-temperature internal O-ring seal included in the cap.
• Cap Design: Easy-grip knurled edge for tool-free removal.
• Durability: Impact resistant and impervious to UV degradation unlike plastic OEM counterparts.
• Quantity: Sold as a single (1) piece.

PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

Tip 1: Prepare the Threads for a Perfect Seal

Before you screw your new billet reservoir into the master cylinder, ensure the internal threads of the master cylinder are meticulously clean. Since most master cylinders are made of cast iron or steel and this reservoir is aluminum, any grit or old plastic debris in the threads can cause galling. Use a small wire brush or a lint-free cloth with a bit of brake cleaner to wipe the threads. When installing, start the threads by hand to ensure they aren''t cross-threaded. You don''t need to over-tighten; a firm hand-tightening followed by a slight snug with a wrench is usually sufficient to compress the seal without damaging the aluminum threads.

Tip 2: Lubricate the O-Ring Before Assembly

Dry O-rings are prone to tearing or "bunching" when you tighten the cap, which can lead to slow leaks or moisture intrusion. Before you fill the reservoir with fluid, take a tiny drop of fresh brake fluid on your fingertip and run it around the rubber O-ring inside the cap. This provides just enough lubrication for the cap to seat smoothly against the reservoir body. Also, remember that brake fluid is highly corrosive to paint; even though this reservoir is polished aluminum, always keep a clean rag handy during the filling process to catch any drips before they reach your chassis or floor pans.

Tip 3: Bench Bleeding is Your Best Friend

If you are installing this reservoir onto a brand-new master cylinder, we highly recommend "bench bleeding" the assembly before you bolt the master cylinder into the vehicle. It is much easier to purge the air out of the master cylinder bore while it is level on a workbench. Mount the master cylinder in a vise, install the billet reservoir, fill it with fluid, and cycle the piston until no air bubbles appear. This prevents you from having to pump the pedal hundreds of times once it is in the car, and it ensures that your new