78 Brake lines... What am I doing wrong
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 214
Likes: 22
From: Satellite Beach Fl
OK I got the drivers side off and replaced. (heat gun did wonders) The passengers side, I'm hoping I can find someone local to splice it close to the caliper and get it back on the road. I have done pretty much everything else and it's ready except for the breaks and the exhaust which I'm putting on tomorrow, a true dual from American Corvette. Hopefully it goes somewhat smoothly....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Remove the rest of the drivers side line from the car, run to your local auto parts and get a straight line the same size and bend it yourself. Much safer than a splice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
If you are going to need to bend brake line, buy a length of copper/nickle line, it bends and flares much easier than steel. Advanced Auto carries it at some stores and in various lengths. The AA store on King Street (520) in Cocoa carries it and may have it in an 18 inch length and with both ends already flared and with a fastener, but you can call first.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 214
Likes: 22
From: Satellite Beach Fl
OK she's ready to have break fluid added and the front crossover wasn't nearly as bad as a feared. I used the fishing line method (although with 550 cord) about two hours, 4 GD's spoken, 6 or 7 F bombs, 3 well now it's brokens, and 4 beers later and she was in the fittings and if it doesn't leak it will be a miracle. I will find out later today hopefully. After this is done I'm one exhaust bracket and 4 clamps away for the first ride in about 15 years I think. Lots of cleaning up of surface rust on the underside still, but a cruise around the block sure would do wonders for my motivation.
Oh and the heat gun on the fitting for a few minutes made it easy to break them loose.
Oh and the heat gun on the fitting for a few minutes made it easy to break them loose.
Last edited by jlpskydive; Jul 25, 2017 at 10:49 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Butler Pa
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 214
Likes: 22
From: Satellite Beach Fl
Well, added brake fluid, vacuum bled all four corners and straight to the floor. Leaking from the cross over line at the DB block... Hopefully just a tightening issue. I really don't think I could have crossed threaded it as I gave it 5 or 6 full turns with a small 7/16 flare wrench with little to no resistance. Started the car to see if that would make a difference, vacuum and all you know, and as I slid back under to tighten the DB block up, 3rd degree burn on the forearm from the down pipe... Think I'm done for the day..... Looking for a cold beer or 6 now....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
If you survive the experience leading to the first thrill ride and your battle wounds have heal over 
, take the 30 minute cruise over to my side of the river. If I'm home and no answer at the front door, I am usually in the garage, but best to call first. I am excited for you and to see your beautiful 78 on the road. 
, take the 30 minute cruise over to my side of the river. If I'm home and no answer at the front door, I am usually in the garage, but best to call first. I am excited for you and to see your beautiful 78 on the road.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 214
Likes: 22
From: Satellite Beach Fl
If you survive the experience leading to the first thrill ride and your battle wounds have heal over , take the 30 minute cruise over to my side of the river. If I'm home and no answer at the front door, I am usually in the garage, but best to call first. I am excited for you and to see your beautiful 78 on the road.
, take the 30 minute cruise over to my side of the river. If I'm home and no answer at the front door, I am usually in the garage, but best to call first. I am excited for you and to see your beautiful 78 on the road. Last edited by jlpskydive; Jul 26, 2017 at 02:41 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,232
Likes: 1,232
From: PHX AZ
old mechanics trick
2. Using a chisel or punch, stategically WHACK the flare to shock the treads.
3. The Delco Moraine caliper is a HUGE lump of iron..cast iron....apply the flame wrench to the affected area, but not to the flare....repeat #1 and or #2 above,
4. Remove the entire caliper, and hose....bring it to the bench....Wave your 45 cal. in front of caliper.......well, that seems to work with my computer anyway!
good luck.
Yeah I've been a mechanic on every kind of car known to man....occasionally it gets ME too.
VW brake Caliper MK1 Girling (70's)....the left brakehose is lefty-loosey and the right brakehose was righty-loosey.....split the entire caliper in half trying to be NORMAL! lol.
Ya-all probably don't remember the MOPARS that had the lug nuts that loosened in the opposite directions on one side of the car but the correct direction on the other....circa 1960s
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 214
Likes: 22
From: Satellite Beach Fl
Annnnnnnddddd I HAVE BRAKES!!! Solid pedal and a great feel. If they still feel this good in the morning, i'm finishing the exhaust and putting it on the road. Pulled about 3 quarts of Lucas synthetic DOT 3 via vacuum and finished with gravity on each corner. So close I can taste it.....
