On 3/30/2018, Kevin Askew in Roseville, California, USA wrote:
"My MGA needs a master cylinder. Years ago I did one on another MGA, and I know it was tricky getting the hydraulic lines unhooked. I cannot get a wrench on the fitting for the brake line. The line is right in the way. Even if I could get a wrench on the fitting I doubt I could turn it as it's so tight between the master and the firewall".

Removing the MGA master cylinder requires disconnecting the two hydraulic pipes that are connected at the rear up against the firewall. Conversely, disconnecting the pipes is easiest done by moving the master cylinder forward. Otherwise, the space back there is really tight, nearly impossible to work a wrench in that area.

Begin by loosening the two master cylinder mounting bolts. Then remove the two pushrods. This may require removing the front mounting bolt to raise the front of the master cylinder slightly so the pushrod clevises can clear the pedal tops. Then remove both mounting bolts and pull the master cylinder forward a bit. The steel pipes are somewhat flexible, but it may help to remove bolts from the P-clips securing the pipes to the heater shelf (at the pedal excluder retaining ring), if the P-clips are still there). When the master cylinder is pulled forward a bit you should be able to get the flare nut wrench on the brake pipe.

Always us a proper flare nut wrench, never use an open end wrench on the hollow flare nuts. An open end wrench will very often round off the corners of the flare nut before it comes loose (or while tightening it).