Removing Brake LInes
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Removing Brake LInes
I'm replacing brake lines. How in the heck to you remove the retaining brackets on the frame. I can't even get a wrench on the 1/2 inch bolt to even turn the sucker. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks! John
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
...I just took an old 1/2" box end wrench and ground it down to where it's only like 1/8" inch thick...
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 492
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From: Burlington Ky
Another tip: if the fittings are frozen and you have to use a torch, remove the bleeders. They really like to go BOOM if you don't and the hot fluid is rather painful.
Gotta love those custom tools, Paul.
I have a whole drawer full.
Gotta love those custom tools, Paul.
I have a whole drawer full.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 147
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From: Lafayette IN
I got off and replaced all but one, which I clipped in half. When I ran the new brake line thru, I just bent the old clip into a "new" clip to hold the line. Seems to work so far. 
I'll fix it some day when I pull the body off.
I'll fix it some day when I pull the body off.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,408
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From: Redondo Beach, California
As I recall, the brake line itself made it difficult to get to the bolt head. (Lifting the wrench over the brake line caused the wrench to hit the bottom of the floor.)
I used a dremel saw and sliced through the clamp. Then I pulled the brake line out and out of the way. Then I smashed the remains of the clamp flat. Then there was enough room to get the wrench in.
When I came time to install new bolts, clamps, brake lines, I shortened the length of some of the bolts. My stubbie bolts could be fit in the space between the frame and floorboard.
I used a dremel saw and sliced through the clamp. Then I pulled the brake line out and out of the way. Then I smashed the remains of the clamp flat. Then there was enough room to get the wrench in.
When I came time to install new bolts, clamps, brake lines, I shortened the length of some of the bolts. My stubbie bolts could be fit in the space between the frame and floorboard.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by Baytraveler
I'm replacing brake lines. How in the heck to you remove the retaining brackets on the frame. I can't even get a wrench on the 1/2 inch bolt to even turn the sucker. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks! John
