C2 Oil Pressure Tube

[Dave K.]

After reading some of the archive posts on the C2 small block oil pressure tube I'm convinced that I should remove the solid copper tube replacement that I purchased from the local after market Corvette parts shop and replace it with a copper plated stainless tube. Fortunately, I'm in the process of putting the interior back together and don't have the brake or clutch connected yet. However, I did connect up the parking brake which is in the way. Need to remove the pb bracket and air vent cables for more clearance. I intend to replace the tube with a tube kit from Paragon.

PS- Judging manual identifies the tube as a copper one, not copper plated SST.

Dave Kitch
Pittsburgh Tri State
2003-2004 NCRS Top Flight Chapter

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Tube

Dave,

You are going to make it hard on yourself to install the oil line and then install the PB bracket. The oil line goes thru the hole on the upper part of the PB bracket. It's a straight shot from that hole to the back of the oil gauge.

Also, copper oil line has lasted for 40 years in most Corvettes. It will last in yours for another 40 years. Why change?

Regards,

JR

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Tube

i think the oil press lines on the c-2's were copper coated steel, not copper coated stainless steel. sould guess that an original would attract a magnet but don't have time to check it. perhaps another member will do so for you. mike

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Tube

Dave,

I may be totally wrong on this but my 66 BB has the original steel oil line and there is absolutely no trace of copper plating on it, even in areas under the dash where it would have been protected from the elements. It just looks like steel. I also remember a LOT of original BB cars from years ago that had the same steel line without copper plate. Anyone else have an original steel unplated line??

Michael

[Dave K.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Tube

I believe that BB lines were not plated but just plain steel.

Dave K.

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Tube

My original is copper plated steel. "Copper" got into the JG and many aftermarket lines are copper because that's what it looks like to casual observation.

Too bad nobody put a magnet on them way back when. Now we have this myth that will probably never be purged.

Copper is a TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, TOTALLY UNSUITABLE material for any kind of tubing in an automotive application. It work hardens very rapidly and becomes brittle in the presence of vibration, and the brittleness will cause it to fracture.

Duke

[Brian M.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Tube

Paragon sells the copper covered steel line.

[Michael H.]

Re: 65-67 big block oil line

Well Dave, looks like you and I are the only ones that think original big block oil pressure lines were non copper plated steel. I would have thought there were more owners of unrestored big block cars out there that might have the original line to look at.

[Wayne M.]

Mine's plain ol' carbon steel

Very late L78, probably original oil pressure line. At first it looked brownish in the engine compartment coiled area, but this turned out to be rust. Near the fitting on the block you can see the steel patina. Also, under the dashboard, it is definitely steel, although there's a spot or two where rust has occured.

[Michael H.]

Re: Mine's plain ol' carbon steel

Thanks Wayne. I'm going to repost this question and see if we can get a little more input.

[Stephen L.]

Re: Mine's plain ol' carbon steel

Mine is also carbon steel...with brass fittings

[Dave K.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Tube

Just ordered replacement tubing from Paragon and will replace the copper line before I assemble interior much further. I don't believe that the line is routed through any hole in the parking brake bracket -- is it? AIM shows no routing through the PB bracket. I thought line comes out of oil press. gauge to grommet hole in the dash grommet, than to engine block fitting.

Dave Kitch
33108

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Tube

Dave, on my 63 the line goes through the bracket, the bracket is built to accomodate the line.

Harry

38513

[Dave K.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Tube

Harry,

Mine is a 66, may be different.

Dave K.

[Michael D.]

Re: C2 Oil Pressure Tube

Hey guys,
I checked the oil line on my 65 and it DOES go thru the 1/2"-9/16" hole in the parking brake bracket and a magnet does stick to it. I also thought it was copper until tonight. I know the line is original.
Mike D#1787