Just rebuilt the rear brakes and handbrake cable, but the handbrake is ok but not perfect, I have been told they never were. Has anyone got any hints and tips for improving it, ? Or has anyone replaced the calipers from another car ?

I take it You have the ones with the 2CV pad.

I replaced mine with Rover 820 calipers. You can also use Rover 420 (I think it was)

Do these go straight on without to much trouble, ie mounting points, disc side to side location ?

Well 820 rears carriers are same as MGF which are different spacing to Metro, I know because I have MGF now in bits. I don't know and I hoping that somebody can tells us if the 820 rear brake callipers fit on to the Metro carriers.

Was a good while ago I did it - the 820 calipers go on with slight elongation of the mounting holes and the lugs on the hub need to be taped to suit the mounting bolts. This seemed easier than the 420 calipers that needed adaptor plates and spacers.

The mount for the hand brake cable had to have a wedge removed and re-welded to allow for the differrent angle of entry/exit.

I considered replacing the calipers but in the end decided to get the original system working properly. I found that:
1) the pads need replacing regularly - I do it before each MOT
2) the cables need to be modified to allow adjustment of each side individually. I can supply sketch / photos if wanted.
It now works absolutely fine.
John

I found in less than a year it could spit out 1 of the 4 pads - bingo no handbrake. The MOT man was happier too ! (No more , "well it only just passed")