Rubber Fuel line
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 539
Likes: 3
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Rubber Fuel line
I have read a few threads (yes i really did use the search engine) about replacing the original steel main fuel and return line on my 76. I had to pull my old line because of rust. People suggested using braided line for safety reasons which does sound good but I cant figure why I couldn't just use rubber fuel line the whole way. I am a weekend driver that will never see a drag strip 
. Anyway, did anyone use rubber and have you had any problems because of it?
Thanks
. Anyway, did anyone use rubber and have you had any problems because of it? Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Marshalltown Iowa
You can use rubber line and it MIGHT be fine. I look at it this way, your car and your life are not worth saving a few bucks. Just don't do it.
How do you plan on holding the rubber line in place? Whatever you use will rub and will rub worse as you drive. Not to mention the rubbing against the frame and some of those welds can be rough.
I grew up in a Dodge dealership that was owned by a classmates father. He always told us we were not smarter than the engineer that designed it so who are we to change it.
How do you plan on holding the rubber line in place? Whatever you use will rub and will rub worse as you drive. Not to mention the rubbing against the frame and some of those welds can be rough.
I grew up in a Dodge dealership that was owned by a classmates father. He always told us we were not smarter than the engineer that designed it so who are we to change it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,470
Likes: 1,490
From: Little Rock AR
Pre formed steel line is a little bit expensive but the generic straight bundyflex tubing costs about the same as rubber on a per foot basis. You will need some tools to bend and flare and it takes a little practice but it is a skill worth having IMHO. 
-Mark.
-Mark.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 6
From: 68 427 4.11s Roadster
Rubber hose can fail after a few years and you won't know where it failed, unless it leaks. It can delaminate internly and act like a check valve.
The tubing apparently can be fished in through the wheel well and clamped in place without all the small bends. I haven't done it but saw a mag article and someone else did it this way. This is done with a coil of tubing not straight sections. Coiled stuff is annealed and flexible to a point. Like copper plumbing pipe Vs tubing.
The tubing apparently can be fished in through the wheel well and clamped in place without all the small bends. I haven't done it but saw a mag article and someone else did it this way. This is done with a coil of tubing not straight sections. Coiled stuff is annealed and flexible to a point. Like copper plumbing pipe Vs tubing.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 539
Likes: 3
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
There is rubber hose from the factory at each end of the steel line that seems to be good enough from the factory. I am sure the rubber line that connects to the tank is factory original so it lasted 30 years. If I use the original clamp locations from the steel line that should be plenty. I keep hearing rubbing, whats it going to rub on? The frame is rigid, It may flex slightly but with my massive 185/165 horse power motor, I may have to drive a little slower to keep it from flexing. 
I still do not see the problem with running a rubber line. Keep the comments coming, I do appreciate the input. 
I still do not see the problem with running a rubber line. Keep the comments coming, I do appreciate the input.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
Originally Posted by Eric R
He always told us we were not smarter than the engineer that designed it so who are we to change it.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
The rubber line will rub against the frame, and especially where the line goes through the crossmember. Unless you can get some clips to keep the rubber line away from the frame, use the bundy tubing.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 1
From: North Bend Ohio
Originally Posted by 76project
There is rubber hose from the factory at each end of the steel line that seems to be good enough from the factory. I am sure the rubber line that connects to the tank is factory original so it lasted 30 years. If I use the original clamp locations from the steel line that should be plenty. I keep hearing rubbing, whats it going to rub on? The frame is rigid, It may flex slightly but with my massive 185/165 horse power motor, I may have to drive a little slower to keep it from flexing. I still do not see the problem with running a rubber line. Keep the comments coming, I do appreciate the input.
I still do not see the problem with running a rubber line. Keep the comments coming, I do appreciate the input. I just hope the moment you figure out that rubber fuel line is not such a good idea does not coincide with being trapped in your car under a cement truck with gasoline poring across your chest from all those cuts and tears in that rubber fuel line.
Where do we send the flowers?
BigBlockk
Later.....
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Originally Posted by 76project
There is rubber hose from the factory at each end of the steel line that seems to be good enough from the factory. I am sure the rubber line that connects to the tank is factory original so it lasted 30 years.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
If you go to drag race your car, it won't pass tech if you have more than so many inches of rubber fuel line, I forget how many. So there must be a reason. However, unless it's stainless, steel line can rust and and rubbing can wear through a metal line as well. One thing you might consider, nowadays you can buy the regular old school rubber hose, or you can buy the new rubber hose for injected cars. This stuff has to stand up to 40-60 psi which gives you big safety factor on your carburated Vette. But wait! Don't go down to your local Pep Boys to buy this stuff! Go to McMaster Carr, they have a web site and you'll pay 1/4 of what they charge.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Marshalltown Iowa
It would seem that no amount of words or good advise is going to change your mind.
You might as well run the rubber line so we may have proof for the next person asking the same question.
"Why couldn't I just use rubber fuel line the whole way."
"Use the search function for the fiery crash involving 76project"
You might as well run the rubber line so we may have proof for the next person asking the same question.
"Why couldn't I just use rubber fuel line the whole way."
"Use the search function for the fiery crash involving 76project"
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Marshalltown Iowa
Honest dude, just don't do it. Not smart, not safe, not worth it.
A question like this is just like asking why you cannot go 110mph on bald tires. Well, maybe you can the first time but who knows!
A question like this is just like asking why you cannot go 110mph on bald tires. Well, maybe you can the first time but who knows!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,453
Likes: 461
From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
...you can run both lines front to back(1/4" & 3/8")using aluminum tubing that by carefully running it through the frame where the original line went. Since it is aluminum, it'll bend easy as you go. Start from the back of the car above the right muffler and form it as you go. I also DO NOT recommend running a rubber line the whole way. The factory doesn't do it for a reason. 
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Burlington Ontario
Originally Posted by Techno
Rubber hose can fail after a few years and you won't know where it failed, unless it leaks. It can delaminate internly and act like a check valve.
The tubing apparently can be fished in through the wheel well and clamped in place without all the small bends. I haven't done it but saw a mag article and someone else did it this way. This is done with a coil of tubing not straight sections. Coiled stuff is annealed and flexible to a point. Like copper plumbing pipe Vs tubing.
The tubing apparently can be fished in through the wheel well and clamped in place without all the small bends. I haven't done it but saw a mag article and someone else did it this way. This is done with a coil of tubing not straight sections. Coiled stuff is annealed and flexible to a point. Like copper plumbing pipe Vs tubing.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,368
Likes: 787
From: Redondo Beach, California
Years ago, I belonged to a Corvette club. On one of the outings they were caravaning through the Mojave desert on a very hot day. (I heard this story second hand from the person driving behind the car that was to become a very hot car.) The story goes that the car in front, of the teller of the story, was suddenly and briefly was hidden by a fire ball. It seem that the driver of the car in front had recently installed a new engine, and to get quickly running in time for the outing, had connected the carb to the fuel pump with a rubber hose. For what ever reason, the rubber hose came loose, or was burnt by the head from headers. Anyhow, the fuel pump pumped fuel onto the headers and an explosion/fire resulted. The driver said afterwards that there was even a brief jet of flames come out of the car's passengers compartment vents. The car was severly damaged. A truck driver stopped and helped put out the fire.
I'd guess that there's a lot of other rubber gas hose stories out there. Made a believer of me.
I'd guess that there's a lot of other rubber gas hose stories out there. Made a believer of me.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Bay Florida
Using rubber!?! That sounds like something Bubba would do.
Don't want to take everyone's advice ... Try doing a Google Groups search and see how many people recommend that you DON'T use rubber.
Don't want to take everyone's advice ... Try doing a Google Groups search and see how many people recommend that you DON'T use rubber.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
I have a few dollars into my 1967. There is a place for rubber such as the S-hoses at the fuel pump where the rigid frame and the pulsating motor have to cooperate. But most other locations scream for steel or SS for me. I use rubber where GM did. As for glass in-line gas filters....
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 539
Likes: 3
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Wow, you guys are tough. I just wanted an honest discussion. I get the point, I will certainly die a horrible death in a giant fire ball, or if I am lucky maybe just get run over by a "cement truck" if I use a rubber fuel line.
I give, I am off to the store to buy a metal line.
Thanks (I think)...
I give, I am off to the store to buy a metal line.
Thanks (I think)...
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Marshalltown Iowa
Originally Posted by 76project
Wow, you guys are tough. I just wanted an honest discussion. I get the point, I will certainly die a horrible death in a giant fire ball, or if I am lucky maybe just get run over by a "cement truck" if I use a rubber fuel line.
I give, I am off to the store to buy a metal line.
Thanks (I think)...
I give, I am off to the store to buy a metal line.
Thanks (I think)...
