I'm trying to figure out if the Sierra master cylinder just pops off and back on again? Think I'm gonna give the cylinder a lick o paint if it aint too much hassle.

Yup, bit of elbow grease is required.

You should have some rubber inserts in it which hold the reservoir on, these are a tad more tricky to get out, but shouldn't take long at all.

James

When you put it back, put a zip tie around it to hold it down. If you look at later cars you'll see screws or roll pins securing the resevoir. This is because they have a habit of poping off and loosing the fluid in crashes and has been the cause of many post crash fires. Brake fluid has a low flash point and will burst into flames on contact with a hot exhaust. Petrol is often blamed for this but requires a flame or spark to ignite and will just boil on the exhaust even if its glowing red (and yes, I've seen it demonstrated)!

adrian

yes - haynes amnuals say pull upwards.

good tip about the zip tie - funnily enough been reading about this in one of the kit car mags and they recommend doing this during t he build as it prevent accidental knocking off the master resulting in brake fluid spillage.