Changing brake lines with body on - Question?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Changing brake lines with body on - Question?
I received my new stainless brake lines today for my '69 and I am working at changing them. I wasn't going to do it this year, but I figured WTF I may as well do it while I've got the engine and tranny out. Good thing I did, the old lines that run under the body literally came off in peices when I tried to remove them! 
But anyway my question to those who have replaced brake lines without removing the body.
How in the world do you get the screws out of those clips that hold the lines?
I don't have enough clearance between the frame and the floor pan to be able to back them out all the way. I suppose could just leave them there and fasten new clips in different locations but I'd rather get them out.
Dave
But anyway my question to those who have replaced brake lines without removing the body.
How in the world do you get the screws out of those clips that hold the lines?
I don't have enough clearance between the frame and the floor pan to be able to back them out all the way. I suppose could just leave them there and fasten new clips in different locations but I'd rather get them out. Dave
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
I had barely enough room to get a wrench in there and the bolts out. It is very very tight but it does work.
Your '69 may still have aluminum body mounts which let the body sit a little lower than poly or rubber body mounts. This may be why you're having such a hard time.
It's not a big deal to loosen all four driver's side body mount bolts and lift the body 1" ----> you cannot lift more than 1" (maybe 1.5") without disconnecting the steering/brake lines/ground straps a.s.o.
Place a 1/2" piece of plywood under the floorpan to distribute the load and jack the body up using a car-jack, that scissor type jack works great
Your '69 may still have aluminum body mounts which let the body sit a little lower than poly or rubber body mounts. This may be why you're having such a hard time.
It's not a big deal to loosen all four driver's side body mount bolts and lift the body 1" ----> you cannot lift more than 1" (maybe 1.5") without disconnecting the steering/brake lines/ground straps a.s.o.
Place a 1/2" piece of plywood under the floorpan to distribute the load and jack the body up using a car-jack, that scissor type jack works great
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 1
From: VetteMOD
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
I has one on my 68 that would not clear the floorpan. I cut the line, pulled it out and cut the head off the bolt with a cutoff wheel. Then when I put the new line in, i shortened the new bolt. It was a hassle but it worked.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 197
Likes: 1
I replaced my brake lines last year...........and man are you right, I was going nuts getting the bolts out, It can be done without lifting the body , but like a 32th of a turn at a time. Then it gets better.......
after you get the bolts out you get to fish the brake line in without kinking it and then you get to replace the new bolts.
Man I Just Love Restoring a Vette!!!!
Good luck, Just remember it take's time
B
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Originally Posted by Butch R
I replaced my brake lines last year...........and man are you right, I was going nuts getting the bolts out, It can be done without lifting the body , but like a 32th of a turn at a time. Then it gets better.......
after you get the bolts out you get to fish the brake line in without kinking it and then you get to replace the new bolts.
Man I Just Love Restoring a Vette!!!!
Good luck, Just remember it take's time
B
Dave
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,403
Likes: 791
From: Redondo Beach, California
For the brake line clips / and their boits that are not possible to remove due to imterference with the body panels.
Use a Dremel saw blade and cut the clips (slice them sideways). After you've cut the clips, pull the brake line down, out of the way. Now, take a hammer and bang the reamainder of the clip flat. With the clip flat, you can now get a wrench on that bolt and loosen it.
Do you have a Dremil tool? Get one. They're not that expensive. They are really effectiive.
Use a Dremel saw blade and cut the clips (slice them sideways). After you've cut the clips, pull the brake line down, out of the way. Now, take a hammer and bang the reamainder of the clip flat. With the clip flat, you can now get a wrench on that bolt and loosen it.
Do you have a Dremil tool? Get one. They're not that expensive. They are really effectiive.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,347
Likes: 9
From: Salinas Ca.
I have a 72... and they will all come out...just take your time!!! Oh! and bite your tounge!!! Also, make sure your body is supported high enough to make the job as comfortable as possible. 