I have a 69 L68 coupe that I just sent the master cylinder for rebuild. There was rust in the bowl and the fluid was cloudy. Also, I am replacing the fuel tank as it started leaking and when I drained it I noticed a lot of rust as I siphoned the fuel from the tank. My concerns are that the brake and fuel lines might contain rust and I'm thinking of replacing them. Can the brake and fuel lines be replaced without removing the body? Should I be concerned? Are there any tricks to accomplishing this or pitfalls to be aware of?
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Re: 69 Brake and Fuel line replacement
Original brake and fuel lines were tin dipped steel. Since brake fluid is hydroscopic (affinity to absorb and hold atmospheric moisture), replacement of both (brake and fuel) is something that's almost always done during frame-off restoration for peace of mind and general due diligence.
The key here is 'frame-off' because getting physical access to sections of the lines as well as their frame mounting clips is HECK of a lot easier once the body is off the frame. But, the deed 'can' be done in a frame-on environment by removing body mount bolts and gently lifting the body up JUST enough to gain access.... -
Re: 69 Brake and Fuel line replacement
Dick:
I replaced both the fuel lines (fuel and vapor return) and the brake lines on my 69 without removing the body or undoing the body mounting bolts. To be sure it was not easy but with patience and some dissassembly it can be done. I also replaced the long brake line on a 72 in the same manor. The most important thing was to get the car as high off the ground as possible and remove all the wheels so that the lines can be swung around as you feed them in. I used stainless lines and some very slight "unbending" of preformed lines was necessary. Removal is easier if you cut the old lines and pull as much out as possible without removing the clips and cutting clips as necessary. Once the lines are out of the clips you can turn some of them around so you can get a tool on the bolts and remove them. It is very tight but you can do it.
If I can help you in any way e-mail me with other questions and I can try to answer. You CAN do it!Comment
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69 Brake and Fuel line replacement
Thanks for the information. I'm going for it. Trying to keep it as original as possible I have ordered steel lines. Since it is a L68 I only have a fuel line, no return line.
Following the lines along the frame I see two bolts, one on each side, that look like they will be the hardest to get out. Not much clearance and I'm not sure if I can get a wrench on them. How long are the bolts? Where did the you have to tweak the bends? I have it up on jack stands about 23" is that high enough?
Again thanks for the help and the encouragement.Comment
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Re: 69 Brake and Fuel line replacement
The bolts are 3/4" long self tappers. Thread the lines into the brass blocks before mounting the block then final bend the line. Get new rear brass blocks from your GM dealer. Be carefull of cross threading!Lyle
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Re: 69 Brake and Fuel line replacement
I replaced the rear steel brake line on my 69 from the metering valve to the
rear cross frame brake line with the body on. It is doable but takes some
real patience and jocking to get the old one out and the new onein. One of
the major problems was getting the bolts loose that hold the line clip
brackets. Getting a box wrench on the bolt head is very difficult due to the
limited amount of clearance. I haven't changed the fuel lines so I can't
help you on that part of your project.Comment
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