Need brake lines
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: South Georgia
Need brake lines
Well, I had such good luck getting answers to my last post I thought I'd try one more. For my 1969 F100 I need the two brake lines that go from the master cyllinder down to the junction block where the other lines go to the wheels. I tried making my own but putting the double flair on them turned out to be very difficult. It may have been the tool I had rented or just my lack of experience using one. Anyone know where I could find these two lines? I'm dead in the water until I can come up with some.
Thanks,
Russell
P.S. My truck is not show material so looks are not important!
Thanks,
Russell
P.S. My truck is not show material so looks are not important!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
During a recent brake system renewal project I too looked for the factory-form brake lines-----absolutely not available I was told. The OEM parts books simply say "improvise" which means make 'em on site.
Double flaring isn't typically difficult to master---maybe practice a bit more? Of course a good flaring tool and dies is vital though. Some sort of tubing bender is also important.
The threaded ends are plentiful at most parts outlets. Hope you get this sorted out.
Double flaring isn't typically difficult to master---maybe practice a bit more? Of course a good flaring tool and dies is vital though. Some sort of tubing bender is also important.
The threaded ends are plentiful at most parts outlets. Hope you get this sorted out.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: South Georgia
I was hoping that is not the case. All avialible obsolete parts places in my area have all told me the same thing. The tubes that I made looked good with all the bends and coils but they leaked at the flare. Just goes to show you that looks aren't everything!
Well, another attempt seems to be my only recourse.
Thanks for the response and suggestions JWA,
Russell
Well, another attempt seems to be my only recourse.
Thanks for the response and suggestions JWA,
Russell
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
I can't imagine them being a whole lot different than ones for an early Bronco. Check Jeff's Bronco Graveyard, Tom's Bronco Parts, Wild Horses, LMC Truck. All of these places sell parts for different vehicles in that line.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
If GFW's ideas don't pan out try double flaring again, this time get a length of brake line with flares already in place and "practice a few times more. Not bragging one bit but even from the first time I tried it went well however I had either a Mac Tools or Snap On flaring kit from back in the good old days when their stuff was all USA made.
You've made the mistakes so maybe that learning curve is over now? I'll bet it is!
You've made the mistakes so maybe that learning curve is over now? I'll bet it is!
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: South Georgia
I'll look at those sources gfw1985. I'm sure the tool I was using was not the same quaility as the ones you mentioned JWA. I'm frugal (cheap) so that may have had a lot to do with it because it appeared to be a straight forward process.
Thanks
Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
The flaring tools you rent from the auto parts stores are junk. They're hard to use and they don't always make a good flare. The snap-on and Mac tools are good, but you get what you pay for. Sometimes you can find them on ebay for pretty cheap. If you're not in a hurry, a flaring tool is nice to have when you need one. Otherwise just practice, practice, practice. I use a bench vise when I have to rent a cheap flaring tool and it seems to work better.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
If a flaring tool set is something you'd use frequently an online search in eBay, Craig's List or even Google might help find a good older USA made brand tool for cheap. Also there is a brand called Tool Aid that is well made, very affordable but sadly Chinese made. Lisle also makes good tools, some still here in the USA.
It might be necessary to have a selection of metric and SAE sizes but typically you'll deal with nothing larger than 1/4" tubing, most commonly its 3/16" for brakes. Any set with larger dies might not be worth the extra cost.
It doesn't hurt to have a double flaring tool that only you'll use----it can live in your tool box forever and always be there when needed.
It might be necessary to have a selection of metric and SAE sizes but typically you'll deal with nothing larger than 1/4" tubing, most commonly its 3/16" for brakes. Any set with larger dies might not be worth the extra cost.
It doesn't hurt to have a double flaring tool that only you'll use----it can live in your tool box forever and always be there when needed.
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Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: South Georgia
Yeah, you guys are right. A tool would cost far less than the lines even if I could find them. The best resolution would be to do as you have suggested and move on to the next project.
Again thanks for the help,
Russell
Again thanks for the help,
Russell
New User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5
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Eastwood makes a fancy flaring tool that uses collars and other stuff that presets the required clearances, etc. That might be easier for you to use and get things right but it's aLOT more expensive than a simple flaring tool. http://www.eastwood.com/professional...ring-tool.html
This tool also is bolted to a workbench so you will have to take the brake line off the vehicle and take it to your shop. That's probably not a problem for you since you're putting in new brake lines but it might be for someone that's just repairing a brake line on the vehicle.
FWIW I WOULD NOT even consider using a used brake line. Brake fluid absorbs moisture and as soon as the brake line is exposed to air it's going to start rusting inside. Any rust or other debris inside the line is going to cause you no end of problems. For the same reason I'd be very leery any NOS lines and I would check them VERY closely inside and out before using them and I'd reject any that aren't absolutely clean and in perfect condition.
This tool also is bolted to a workbench so you will have to take the brake line off the vehicle and take it to your shop. That's probably not a problem for you since you're putting in new brake lines but it might be for someone that's just repairing a brake line on the vehicle.
FWIW I WOULD NOT even consider using a used brake line. Brake fluid absorbs moisture and as soon as the brake line is exposed to air it's going to start rusting inside. Any rust or other debris inside the line is going to cause you no end of problems. For the same reason I'd be very leery any NOS lines and I would check them VERY closely inside and out before using them and I'd reject any that aren't absolutely clean and in perfect condition.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,982
Likes: 7
From: Somewhere Saskatchewan
Any aftermarket auto parts store should have ready made lines in various lengths and diameters.
http://www.classictube.com/
This place lists an entire kit.
http://www.classictube.com/
This place lists an entire kit.
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