cheers for the replies guys.
wrench - stock type 3 piston rod extended 15mm.
ricola - good point about sliding calipers !
1303R - i did turn 'em right way it says so
did exactly as you said and locked the pistons with a caliper tool.
Managed to sort the handbrake - one off the cables had slipped off the handbrakes guides
then tighten the cables up pretty good to bed it all it. happy with that now.
took the m/c piston rod out and put a washer either side of it where it sits on ped to reduce some little slop it had. re-checked the 1mm play that is required. dont think it helped that much but i'm happier with the set up now.
think i will bleed again in a few days. pedal is firm but firms up even more on pumping. Also think it all has to bed in.
FYI m/c is a good fit and an e bay bargain - guy was selling another so i bought it, $8 each new!
ATE have an excellent website with all the tech data of every m/c they made. have a look tell you the year of a model and what bores the pistons are.
Angelo