Copper or Plastic

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Aug 6, 2010 | 11:02 PM

Skip Burney

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 914

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From: Brooklet Ga.

Copper or Plastic

What did you run your oil pressure line with copper or plastic

Aug 6, 2010 | 11:22 PM

GS977

Drifting

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 1,258

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From: springtown Texas

i just installed my oil pressure gauge last week. i used copper line.
no leaks

Aug 7, 2010 | 07:17 AM

ED79

Racer

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 336

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From: Asheville N.C.

Copper is what I would use, you can use plastic but be careful not to crimp the line, keep away from heat and don't over tighten the ferrell nut.

Last edited by ED79; Aug 7, 2010 at 07:20 AM.

Aug 7, 2010 | 09:29 AM

Mike Ward

Race Director

Joined: Jul 2001

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No Corvette came from the factory with a copper line. It was either plastic or a steel line with copper plating. Pure copper lines are not a good idea in this location.

Aug 7, 2010 | 10:19 AM

shrekviper

Racer

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 423

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From: Utah

You have to make sure you have the correct fittings. If not, you'll have a ruined stereo, oil soaked carpet, and a low oil level (ask me how I know). I'm converting to a '74 electric gauge.

If you're sticking to the original, don't try to save money on a plastic kit, it'll leak eventually (ask me how I know, again). The original lines aren't expensive (<$30 at Willcox)

http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...oducts_id=6652

This has some more info...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...k-in-dash.html

Last edited by shrekviper; Aug 7, 2010 at 10:22 AM. Reason: update links

Aug 7, 2010 | 10:29 AM

69Vett

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 2007

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From: Austin Texas

Corvette of the Year Winner 2017

2016 C3 of Year Finalist

copper is not the best matrerial, buy 1/8" stainless line, and forget about it forever.
or wonder when the plastic or copper line wil break and flood the inside of your car !
or even worse kill your motor.

Aug 7, 2010 | 11:29 AM

eastltd

Drifting

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 1,871

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From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Ward

No Corvette came from the factory with a copper line. It was either plastic or a steel line with copper plating. Pure copper lines are not a good idea in this location.

My 73 came with a short metal line attached to the pick-up point and transitioned to plastic as it went through the firewall to the gauge.

I bought a replacement 2-piece line from Zip. Part number CZ-844

Aug 7, 2010 | 11:40 AM

7T1vette

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 37,637

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From: Crossville TN

About any good quality line [with the proper fittings] will do the job and last at least 10 years. Make certain that you have extra 'slack' left in the line so that you can remove the gauge cluster and so there aren't any stress-points in the line during operation. Check for proper operation and lack of any leakage before you reinstall the gauge cluster. Oh, and don't overtighten the fittings or you will damage the line [whatever it's made of].