Can the original brake lines be cleaned out well enough to be reused on a truck that has set for decades? If so what would I use to clean them?
Thanks

 

I'm no expert, but brake lines are very important and not that expensive. I would suggest replacing them. I just bought straight sections with the fittings already on them. I only needed to create a couple of fittings. I also filled them with a fine sand which made bending them so much easier.

 

In a word--No. Way too much at stake, both in your truck and the vehicles sharing the road.

 

New lines are cheap. Just replace them

 

Brake lines generally can only be flushed with pure alcohol. Petroleum based anything, is a no-go.

Unless the truck has been in a museum all this time though, they need replaced. The Ni-copp stuff is reasonably priced, easy to bend and works great.

 

We just replaced all the tubing and hoses on our F1. There is not that much line. The tubing, fittings, and 1 qt of fluid was less than $50.00. We also replaced the rubber hoses which was approx. $50.00 more {LMC}. It really is not that hard of a job to perform.
Another $50.00 will get you wheel cylinders from LMC, and last but not least $44.00 for a rebuilt master cylinder from O'Reilly's. If you To finish out the job on our brakes we got new shoes from AutoZone front and rear both for another $50.00.

 

Not that I would use them, but make sure there is absolutely no rust outside or inside. Old brake fluid is hygroscopic. The moisture will cause the lines to rust internally. The lines are prone to collect dirt where they are attached to the frame and they rust there as well. Just replace the lines and be safe. Remember, one rust blow out and you are suddenly without brakes.

 

X2 with replacing wheel cylinders, master cylinder, steel & rubber lines. Cheap security, especially with a single bowl master cylinder. ONE leak ANYWHERE equals ZERO brakes. BEST $200 you'll spend on your truck.

 

The orifices in the brake system are small, and one rust flake could clog a passage to a wheel cylinder, causing a brake failure. If you think they need cleaned, they need replaced.