Hi to anyone How know if i can get pre-bent brake lines and fittings for my 1983 f ford base 351 W LONG BED 4x4?I need to change all hose lines from front to rear ,there are very rusty wich is the correct size? where I can buy?thanks alot

 

I believe you need 3/16 inch line. In the US, bulk brake line is at every auto parts store. It is easy to bend by hand. You will need a double flaring tool to make the ends.

 

Yes, most people use universal pieces of line and couplers. I think lmc truck may have the full length lines though, check on their site.

 

I highly recommend copper nickel brake line from NAPA:

Brake Line - Universal Copper Nickel Hydraulic, 3/8"; 25.0'
Product Line: Balkamp
Compare BK 6413353

Brake Line - Universal Copper Nickel Hydraulic, 3/16"; 100'
Product Line: Balkamp
Compare BK 6413348

Brake Line - Universal Copper Nickel Hydraulic, 3/8"; 100.0'
Product Line: Balkamp
Compare BK 6413354

Brake Line - Universal Copper Nickel Hydraulic, 3/16"; 25.0'
Product Line: Balkamp
Compare BK 6413347

Brake Line - Universal Copper Nickel Hydraulic, 1/4"; 25.0'
Product Line: Balkamp
Compare BK 6413349

Brake Line - Universal Copper Nickel Hydraulic, 5/16"; 100.0'
Product Line: Balkamp
Compare BK 6413352

Brake Line - Universal Copper Nickel Hydraulic, 5/16"; 25.0'
Product Line: Balkamp
Compare BK 6413351

Brake Line - Universal Copper Nickel Hydraulic, 1/4"; 100'
Product Line: Balkamp
Compare BK 6413350

I assume you'll want 3/16", that's what I needed for the rear brakes on my '85.
For bending the lines I really like the Eastwood pliers as they let you make really tight radius bends when needed.
Eastwood Brake Line Forming Tool Pliers - Brake Line Bender - Brake Tubing Forming Pliers

A number of companies make flaring tools, OTC, Lisle, Old Forge, etc.

Fedhill is a good source for brake fittings of all sorts.
FedHill Brake Line - Where to buy brake line, fuel line, brake line flaring tools, brake line nuts and brake line fittings
They also sell the copper nickel line if you want to get everything at the same place.
I'd get a few more nuts than you actually need for spares, and also a few couplers in case you just can't snake the line where it needs to go and you want to splice it.

Whatever you do, don't use pure copper tubing, it vibration hardens and becomes brittle.

If you take your time it's a fairly easy DIY.
Remove the old line (as best you can without straightening it, measure it's length, including the bends (string works well then measure the string, rather than trying to get a tape to follow the bends) then cut the tubing a foot or so longer than needed and starting at one end bend it as close as you can to match the old line.

 

Actually using the universal line and using about 3 pieces to run to the rear, makes it easier to snake in through the crossmembers and behind the gas tank. I bet putting a long piece all the way down the rail would be a bear to get in.

 

The problem with ready made line is that it's either steel or the coated stuff, at least that's all I've seen. The steel rusts and the poly coated, I've heard reports of, gets moisture between the coating and the steel line and rusts where you can't see it.
Cunifer and other copper nickel will last nearly forever.
I agree however, with not trying to work with a length that runs the full length of the truck.

 

I have had trouble with the silver colored line rusting like you mention. They now carry some with a dark green colored coating, and I am waiting to see how this new stuff holds up.

 

I think that's the poly something coated stuff. I saw some at Advance Auto the other day.

 

I ran new brake and tranny lines with the stuff you describe from advance for over a year now. no rust issues at all.

 

The stories I've been told are that it's over a period of several years, and it rusts between the coating and the line, so you don't see it right off.
Mind you, this isn't my personal experience, only what I've been told. Plus there may be different qualities of the coated line.

 

so,thanks for info,I have buy from Eastwood the Brake Line Forming Tool Pliers - Brake Line Bender - Brake Tubing Forming Pliers I will go to restore ,Can I used oil brake dot 4? or must be only dot 3? Ciao

 

You can use DOT 4 in place of DOT3. You can't use DOT5 with 3 or 4. You can make a pretty sharp bend in the line without tools. I just replaced one on a Bronco this week. It went from the master cyl to the T fitting at the drivers front flex hose. Wish I took pictures, just be careful to not kink it.

 

...when I got to the part of the line that makes those coils by the MC, I wrapped it around a can of carb cleaner I had laying around. It makes perfect loops.