install question-front crossover brake line
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4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
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install question-front crossover brake line
Purchased pre-bent front crossover brake line for 76 Corvette. Is there a "right" way to get the line through to both sides. The bends actually seem to be in the way. Can't even get it close on either end and I've really tried. Seems like I would have to unbend and rebend to get it done. Could probably put something together but wanted to use the one piece. Any guidance would be appreciated.
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I recently replaced the front hard line on my 82. I'm not sure how similar it is to your 76. I was able to feed the line through with minor bending and reshaping. Before you start, tape the openings on either end to keep any crud from getting in the orifices.
I fed the driver's side in first, then the passenger side. Once both sides were started I gradually fed them in until they were at the mount points. The clamps along the front cross member appear to go in easy and I guess they would if you had the car on a lift. I was working from jack stands so it took a little extra effort.
The main thing is not to force anything so you don't kink the line and minimize any bending. The line will retain its shape. Good luck and take your time.
I fed the driver's side in first, then the passenger side. Once both sides were started I gradually fed them in until they were at the mount points. The clamps along the front cross member appear to go in easy and I guess they would if you had the car on a lift. I was working from jack stands so it took a little extra effort.
The main thing is not to force anything so you don't kink the line and minimize any bending. The line will retain its shape. Good luck and take your time.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
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On the drivers's side there is a bend so the line will clear the clutch rod enroute to the proportioning valve. . This bend hangs up going hrough the space between the upper controla rm and frame. On the pass side there is a bend where the crossover line connects to the rubber hose. The line is a "U" about 81 inches long with other small bends and when I try to turn it to push it through it invariably hangs upo on something.
Am not a novice (nor an expert) but never had this type of a problem before. I'll keep at it. Thank you for the responses.
Am not a novice (nor an expert) but never had this type of a problem before. I'll keep at it. Thank you for the responses.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
You will have to 'over-bend' the part in places to get it installed with the car already assembled. If I recall correctly, you have to insert the right side end into it's little "nest" 
almost at a 90 degree angle, then turn it down so the bends fit properly; then, you need to bend the left side inward a bit to get the end of the brake line into the access hole. Once you get it that far, the rest is just "wrestling" it into final position and tightening the fittings.
Of course, the "fun"
of bleeding that empty line will then be at hand. 
I suggest that you bleed the left side, then the right side....take it for a short drive....then repeat that process to get the rest of the trapped air out of it.
almost at a 90 degree angle, then turn it down so the bends fit properly; then, you need to bend the left side inward a bit to get the end of the brake line into the access hole. Once you get it that far, the rest is just "wrestling" it into final position and tightening the fittings.Of course, the "fun"
of bleeding that empty line will then be at hand. I suggest that you bleed the left side, then the right side....take it for a short drive....then repeat that process to get the rest of the trapped air out of it.
