Help with vacuum lines
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New User
Joined: Oct 2013
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Help with vacuum lines
Does anyone know where I can get a complete set of vacuum lines and hoses? I am looking for the hard lines that come off the vacuum tree on the front of the engine with all of the connectors? I have an 81 F150 inline 6 with 3 on the column. My local parts store doesn't show anything of what I'm looking for.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Northeast, OK
Unless Ford has them you are stuck with what you can find at the salvage. I've not seen anything like that from any aftermarket supplier. And anything from a salvage has 32 years of weathering and the like.
But, you say "hard lines". Can you show us a picture of what you are looking for? I'm not remembering very many hard lines on any of these engines. Lots of vacuum hose, some tees, switches, and valves, but few hard lines.
But, you say "hard lines". Can you show us a picture of what you are looking for? I'm not remembering very many hard lines on any of these engines. Lots of vacuum hose, some tees, switches, and valves, but few hard lines.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Northeast, OK
Anyway, know of a source?
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I wouldn't have much faith in 30 yo plastic lines. 
I've seen it talked about out here, IIRC somebody found colored tubing in bulk and fashioned his own replacements (but that was at least 3 years ago, no idea who it was). Ralph would have been a good source for this stuff....
I've seen it talked about out here, IIRC somebody found colored tubing in bulk and fashioned his own replacements (but that was at least 3 years ago, no idea who it was). Ralph would have been a good source for this stuff....
FTE Legend
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From: Northeast, OK
I remember a discussion about the colored lines, but I don't remember who did it.
If it is for a numbers-matching restoration then I think there's a serious problem. But if it is for a driver then there are several solutions. One would be to use vacuum hose to replace the hard lines. That's the way I'd go if it was a beater, like Rusty.
Another would be to get brass tubing, which is rigid enough to keep straight lines, but can be soldered easily so you can make corners. Get it all made up and paint it whatever color.
If it is for a numbers-matching restoration then I think there's a serious problem. But if it is for a driver then there are several solutions. One would be to use vacuum hose to replace the hard lines. That's the way I'd go if it was a beater, like Rusty.
Another would be to get brass tubing, which is rigid enough to keep straight lines, but can be soldered easily so you can make corners. Get it all made up and paint it whatever color.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 924
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From: Johns Creek GA
Are there? I've got an unmolested 1980 300-6, and I don't have anything like this. Many (maybe all?) of the original vacuum lines were color coded, but they aren't rigid and can be replaced with bog standard vacuum hose from the nearest parts store.
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Should have been more clear, I was talking about the later models with TFI ignition and TAB/TAD/etc. solenoids mounted on the rear of the valve cover.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
Oh, I remember that thread...
(and why we have ignore lists)
mshefty,
The rigid plastic lines have barbed ends and can be quite difficult to get out of the rubber fittings in one piece.
I don't think you'll have any luck in finding those.
(and why we have ignore lists)
mshefty,
The rigid plastic lines have barbed ends and can be quite difficult to get out of the rubber fittings in one piece.
I don't think you'll have any luck in finding those.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 373
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From: Marlborough, CT
Agreed. Pretty much one shot disconnects. I replaced all of these on my Mustang with flex hose that doesn't snap when touched, and will soon do the same to those that are left on my F150. Route the hose inside black conduit as if it were wire for a neater look and protection. ~Bill
