Anyone made their own steel brake lines?

[77CVT]

Do we have the same sized metal brake lines over here?  I was considering making my own for the '71 using the existing end pieces.  I didn't want to get them sent from the US as I'd expect they'd be bent by the time they arrived.

Has anyone replaced their lines?  Where can I get the roll of tubing from?

;42

[Vette Obsessed]

Originally posted by 77CVT
Do we have the same sized metal brake lines over here?  I was considering making my own for the '71 using the existing end pieces.  I didn't want to get them sent from the US as I'd expect they'd be bent by the time they arrived.

Has anyone replaced their lines?  Where can I get the roll of tubing from?

;42

I've had a go at it in the past (when installing my line lock)but can't lay claim to doing it successfully (because my flaring tool wasn't good enough to make a leak-free seal).  Bending the tube (and flaring it) takes a bit of practice but with the right tools it is very straightforward.

I bought a couple metres of tubing from a brake place that did resleeving, bonding and that sort of work.  There are different diameters of the stuff too but it should be reasonably simple to match up.  I can't comment on what diameter of pipe would be needed.

By the way... when did you get a 71?!?! :p ;42

[Chromie]

Hi all:x
The brake pipe is called bundy tubing, the diameter required is 1/4" and 3/16";35
1/4" is for the rear brakes and 3/16" is for the front brakes.
The pipe from the rear brake hoses to the caliper is 3/16" and the rear crossover pipe is also 3/16"
All brake pipes require a "double flair"
Hope this helps:drink

[77CVT]

"....By the way... when did you get a 71?!?! ...."

See here - For Sale

Thanks Chromie!  I have a small pipe bending tool and a lot of flair - will that help?   :b2

[Chromie]

Originally posted by 77CVT
"....By the way... when did you get a 71?!?! ...."

See here - For Sale

Thanks Chromie!  I have a small pipe bending tool and a lot of flair - will that help?   :b2

Hi 77CVT;42
No it won't help,;27 but it won't hurt either.;29 If you stuff up;30 chrome it or paint it red, and if all else fails just say it was a "FORD" part;38
doooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhh:luv

[Cameron 77C3]

Correct me if I'm wrong here Chromie but all flairs on brake lines are a double flair.  Your average flairing tool is not going to do the job.  This I learnt the hard way.

In the end I purchased the pipe from B & R Brakes, bent it all up to shape and took it to Pirtek where they put the double flairs on it for me.  The tool that did it I was told cost a couple of grand.  I watched him do it and the tool was way different to my standard flairing tool,  I have had no poblrems.

Hope this helps.

Cam

[TPI-383]

I bought a double flair tool from a local tool supplies( from memory it was V.E.K Tools) for around $100 that does all the sizes needed.It takes a bit of practise to get the hang of it but does a good job.I will be replacing my brake lines with stainless steel tubing which I can get from a local stainless supplier.It has to be anealed tube or it will split when it is flared,I have tried it on normal s/s tube with mixed results.I have used the tool on steel brake line on a mates car and it worked well.
TPI-383

[77CVT]

Do we get the bundy tubing here in imperial sizes?

Has anyone bought new ends over here (imperial size)?  After 30 years the ends tend to be rounded off so a spanner won't tighten properly.

[Chromie]

Originally posted by 77CVT
Do we get the bundy tubing here in imperial sizes?

Has anyone bought new ends over here (imperial size)?  After 30 years the ends tend to be rounded off so a spanner won't tighten properly.

Hi 77CVT;42
Yes all bundy brake pipe in imperial is still available. All the pipe flair nuts are also available. Naturally some brake places may not stock the items but they can get them in.
Make sure you tell them imperial 1/4" or 3/16" bundy pipe and that the flair nuts are imperial threads such as 7/16" N/F, 3/8" N/F, 5/16" N/F or 1/4" N/F depending what the flair nut is for
Hope this helps:20

[77CVT]

Sure does!

;42

[ettev87]

I bought a full set of stainless steel brake lines from Vette Brakes & Products.

Exchange rate now very good for U.S. purchases.

They came in a rather large cardboard carton with only one pipe doubled over to fit in the box. And it had a sticker on it to tell you where to straighten!

It was early on in my project so I don't remeber the $$$ but it was way cheaper than any of the local brake specialists. Also they have all, and I do mean all, the factory located bends and offsets.

I can look up the costs if you want to know.

Cheers
David