Brake Line Help
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Prospect CT
Brake Line Help
I am trying to replace the rear brake lines on my 69. They are rusted into the brass distribution block. What is the best way to get them separated without doing damage? Thanks
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,573
Likes: 7,017
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I unbolted the block from the frame so I could hold it with a wrench...then I clamped a set of vice-grip pliers very tightly on the brake line fitting (it flattened)....then I was abled to "break" each line a-loose, flush out the block, and install new lines.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,390
Likes: 315
From: Belmont Michigan
Yep, a six point socket will usually get them off unless you really boogered them up with a wrench already. Then it would be vise-grip time.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
The only tool I've ever found to successfully remove a 'frozen' brake line fitting is a Snap-On 'crowfoot' adapter for tubing fittings. It is much sturdier than a normal tubing wrench and has a 6-flat, slotted box to fit over the fitting. Shooting PB Blaster on it for a day or two would be beneficial prior to cranking on the fitting with the Snap-On tool.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,368
Likes: 787
From: Redondo Beach, California
My opinion. Destroy them. My recommendation is to replace the brake lines with all stainless steel lines and stainless steel fittings. Buy new replacement brass blocks. The brake lines can be replaced without lifting the body. At first glance, it looks impossible...it's not. If you've done it a few times, removing and reinstalling brakes lines goes relatively quickly. For my 68 and 70, not only replacing the brake lines with all new, I installed an all new MC and brake calipers (SSBC aluminum calipers). With an all new dry brake system, I used silicon brake fluid.
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2014
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My opinion. Destroy them. My recommendation is to replace the brake lines with all stainless steel lines and stainless steel fittings. Buy new replacement brass blocks. The brake lines can be replaced without lifting the body. At first glance, it looks impossible...it's not. If you've done it a few times, removing and reinstalling brakes lines goes relatively quickly. For my 68 and 70, not only replacing the brake lines with all new, I installed an all new MC and brake calipers (SSBC aluminum calipers). With an all new dry brake system, I used silicon brake fluid.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 323
Likes: 8
My opinion. Destroy them. My recommendation is to replace the brake lines with all stainless steel lines and stainless steel fittings. Buy new replacement brass blocks. The brake lines can be replaced without lifting the body. At first glance, it looks impossible...it's not. If you've done it a few times, removing and reinstalling brakes lines goes relatively quickly. For my 68 and 70, not only replacing the brake lines with all new, I installed an all new MC and brake calipers (SSBC aluminum calipers). With an all new dry brake system, I used silicon brake fluid.