1956 F100, Disc/Drum, MII, Existing Drum has 1/4" lines: Can the front hard lines be 1/4" also or do they have to be 3/16" ?

 

Tried to Edit original post but did not see Edit Icon....so.....Existing Drums have 3/16" dia Hard brake lines......

 

The edit button goes away after a certain amount of time..

Brake lines should be 3/16..

Sam

 

Hmmm, I don't see why the brake lines need to be 3/16" instead of 1/4." When the brakes are applied, not much fluid moves through the lines, but the amount would be limited by lines that were TOO SMALL, rather than too big. One possible factor is bending radius - smaller diameter lines can be bent around a smaller radius, but if you have plenty of room, 1/4" lines should work just fine.

 

I think most of the brake connections at the drum or disc are usually 3/16" so if you use 1/4" you will need to reduce at the drum or caliper.

 

with brake lines, you're not dealing with volume... you're wanting pressure.. the small lines give you a higher pressure. the standard master cylinder is designed to give adequate brake line pressure with 3/16" lines. it can't give that type pressure when trying to 'push' fluid thru 1/4" lines.

There is some really good brake information on C.H. Toppings website.. www.chtopping.com.

Brakes have been engineered for years with 3/16 lines... I don't think this is an area where I' like to experiment

later
john

 

The size of the brake lines has NO EFFECT on the pressure. That is due entirely to the size of the master cylinder.

 

No effect on pressure. Yes but volume changes. My 51 M-3 truck originally used 1/4" brake line.

 

The size of the brake line WILL effect brake performance and pedal feel. You can go out and spend $30 - $40 on some race car chassis books, read them and understand it or just stay with 3/16" lines and no worries.

 

Yesterday was such a disappointment of learning the length of Brake Line I bought had metric threads....returned it today , got one w/ American threads, bent it and installed it for the rear. Rear done / awaiting braided brake lines from CCP for the front......so....It's coming along. Thanks for all the info.

 

WRONG! Diameter of brake lines does not affect performance or "feel." The material that the flexible brake lines are made of - rubber or stainless-braided hose- affects feel. BTW, I have been a sportscar racer and crew chief for more than 30 years.

 

My original question must have been a good one with all of the different answers posted !

 

Things that make you go hmmm! What line did you go with?

 

went with 3/16" on rear.....front not installed yet as am awaiting delivery of brake lines from CCP.......will prolly go with at least 2" dia brake lines up front.

Just kiddin'......prolly 3/16" up front also.