7T1vette

Sorry about the Photobucket 'attempt'. I've never had any problems with posting pics before.

jlpskydive

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....

TimAT

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.

Red 69

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.

Eljay

I'll add if putting steel lines back in put some grease or never seze between the nut and the line so if you have to remove it later you don't twist the line off

jlpskydive

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.

bazza77

Good progress and you still have a sense of humour

bashcraft

There's your problem. Four beers isn't nearly enough.

jlpskydive

That was just during... There were a couple more before...

jlpskydive

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....

jlpskydive

Well just went out there and gave it hell with my little wrench and it appears to have stopped leaking. We shall see...... To be continued....

Red 69

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.

jlpskydive

Still leaking.... DAM IT... Not sure what to do at this point but to send it to someone who knows what they are doing.

jlpskydive

Well maybe not leaking, thanks @red 69 for calling and talking me off the ledge...

L-46man

1. Good wrench...no rust on the flare 'flats'...firm grip. 'POP' the wrench with a 5 pound hammer....just to crack the flare.

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

jlpskydive

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.....