Help With Frame-Rail Brakeline Replacement
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
Help With Frame-Rail Brakeline Replacement
I've bought a complete set of new stainless brake lines for my 1968 Corvette. Since the engine is out, it's easy to install the front wheel brake lines. Also, the brakes lines in the rear appear straightforward to replace. However.... the brake line that runs from front to back along the driver's frame rail looks like a problem when it comes to routing the new line up over the top of the crossmember right before the wheel arch. It would be simple if the body were removed of course. Has anyone experience getting this brake line up over the crossmember with the body on? I've thought about sectioning the line (cutting into two pieces) and then maybe a small length could be pushed over the crossmember with the body on. (???) Finally, what about undoing the body to frame bolts and pushing the body up a couple of inches or so? Has anyone done this? Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
I can't help with the installation of your s/s brake lines as I put mine in with the body off. I will suggest you make the threaded connections very tight as the harder stainless does not seat as well as mild steel. Most of my connections had minor leaks that became a PITA trying to stop. Use a good wrench and make them tight the first time. Your drivers side line should go in with the body on, but you will need to bend it a little.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
Thanks for the advice. I ordered the stainless because it's rustproof and looks nicer. I temporarily forgot, when I ordered it instead of mild steel, that it's harder and more difficult to seal.
Changing the fuel lines now looks inviting also. Mine were dirty/stained and since I painted the frame, I didn't want to use lacquer thinner on the lines to clean them, for fear of spoiling the frame paint. I decided to sandpaper them clean. Bad idea. The fuel lines are apparently tin plated. When you sand them and unknowingly remove the tin, they rust and look terrible. As others have commented when you fix these cars, it's just about impossible knowing when to stop!!!
Changing the fuel lines now looks inviting also. Mine were dirty/stained and since I painted the frame, I didn't want to use lacquer thinner on the lines to clean them, for fear of spoiling the frame paint. I decided to sandpaper them clean. Bad idea. The fuel lines are apparently tin plated. When you sand them and unknowingly remove the tin, they rust and look terrible. As others have commented when you fix these cars, it's just about impossible knowing when to stop!!!
