Brakes Broken
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 539
Likes: 3
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Brakes Broken
I was excited yesterday, finally got new calipers installed, rotors turned, new rubber hoses. I have not driven my car yet, trailered it from another state, (bad breaks) 
. Started bleading brakes and was not getting fluid out the front. 
I started the car to see if booster would help and both back main steel brake lines ruptured just under the drivers door. Guess its better in the garage than on the road. So.... my question is has anyone replace the steel lines that follow the frame from the proportioning valve? Might as well do the fronts while I'm at it. Looking for some advice. And would you buy preformed or bend your own? Im am hoping to actually drive this car some day. 
. Started bleading brakes and was not getting fluid out the front. I started the car to see if booster would help and both back main steel brake lines ruptured just under the drivers door. Guess its better in the garage than on the road. So.... my question is has anyone replace the steel lines that follow the frame from the proportioning valve? Might as well do the fronts while I'm at it. Looking for some advice. And would you buy preformed or bend your own? Im am hoping to actually drive this car some day.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
I painted the frame on mine last year. I removed the steel brake line from the valve to the brass 'T' in by the rear because it was a little rusty. I was going to replace it but then decided to just clean it and paint it with POR-15. I would have changed it but no local parts store had one long enough nor did they have the spiraled protector. I was able to remove the original and re-install it without too much trouble. As you know, there are several tight bends in the back. Since you are replacing yours, I suggest you try and remove the back half without distorting it. That way you'll have a good idea on how the new one should be bent. I would not count on the replacement being bent correctly. The reason I say that it I purchased stainless steel brake lines from the rear calipers to the rubber hose (mounted on the trailing arm and they were not even close to how the factory one were bent. Guess they never head of a jig.
Anyway, the main line to the rear can be changed with the body on. It's a little tough getting some of the retaining clips on. Mine was a 76 and the brake line was also run along with a gas/vapor line. I would not suggest installing it in sections, get the right length or order a direct replacement.
Anyway, the main line to the rear can be changed with the body on. It's a little tough getting some of the retaining clips on. Mine was a 76 and the brake line was also run along with a gas/vapor line. I would not suggest installing it in sections, get the right length or order a direct replacement.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
"I would not suggest installing it in sections, get the right length or order a direct replacement."
If you are considering replacing sections using fittings & couplers, remember all lines have to be "double flared" or "inverted flared" to be legal (and safe). This requires a double flaring tool and a little skill. If you don't follow the rules on this & get in an accident due to a ruptured line or flare.... you will be liable.
If you are considering replacing sections using fittings & couplers, remember all lines have to be "double flared" or "inverted flared" to be legal (and safe). This requires a double flaring tool and a little skill. If you don't follow the rules on this & get in an accident due to a ruptured line or flare.... you will be liable.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
If you are thinking to replace them all, I would suggest getting
a full set fo stainless lines. I bought the set from ZIP.
The long line was bent almost perfectly - except that they
need to bend it in half to ship. No problem - it straightens out fine.
This way, the brake lines will outlive me. I don't ever want to
change them again.
Ok - they aren't cheap, but not much more than a steel set.
I bent my own fuel lines, but I feel much better going stainless on the brakes.
a full set fo stainless lines. I bought the set from ZIP.
The long line was bent almost perfectly - except that they
need to bend it in half to ship. No problem - it straightens out fine.
This way, the brake lines will outlive me. I don't ever want to
change them again.
Ok - they aren't cheap, but not much more than a steel set.
I bent my own fuel lines, but I feel much better going stainless on the brakes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Originally Posted by NHvette
If you are thinking to replace them all, I would suggest getting
a full set fo stainless lines. I bought the set from ZIP.
The long line was bent almost perfectly - except that they
need to bend it in half to ship. No problem - it straightens out fine.
This way, the brake lines will outlive me. I don't ever want to
change them again.
Ok - they aren't cheap, but not much more than a steel set.
I bent my own fuel lines, but I feel much better going stainless on the brakes.
a full set fo stainless lines. I bought the set from ZIP.
The long line was bent almost perfectly - except that they
need to bend it in half to ship. No problem - it straightens out fine.
This way, the brake lines will outlive me. I don't ever want to
change them again.
Ok - they aren't cheap, but not much more than a steel set.
I bent my own fuel lines, but I feel much better going stainless on the brakes.
Go a full set of pre-bent stainless lines. Since one line ruptured...the rest are sure to follow. Safety systems are NOT things to go cheap on.
Just my $.02
