C-3 - 1970 Brake lines

[Jim K.]

Anyone have any ideas on how to replace the main brake line that goes from the front of the car to the rear block??? It went in in one peice at the factory, but I had to cut it in 3 to get it out. Do I need to replace it in 3 peices??? This is NOT a body off situation... Thanks!!!
Jim

[Jim K.]

Re: C-3 - 1970 Brake lines

Never mind, I just finished installing in three pieces (with double flared couplings). If I ever restore it, I'll have lots of room for a one piece...
Jim

[Jim T.]

Re: C-3 - 1970 Brake lines

Thanks for the installation information Jim. If I ever have to replace a front to rear main brake line on my 68 and 70 I now know that I will have to do a three section replacement. I have unbolted my 70's body, but only to replace all the solid mounts with the 73-82 rubber body mounts. Had all bumpers and some body parts already removed for body paint so it was the right time to do it.

[George D.]

Re: C-3 - 1970 Brake lines

For what it's worth, the brake line can be installed in one piece. I did it on my 69 several years ago and used stainless steel. This is one item I do not what to have to replace again. I cannot remember the exact technique, but it involved many 4 letter words and bending the line. However, it can be done with a great deal of perserverance.

[Michael M.]

Re: C-3 - 1970 Brake lines

Yes, I agree. It's not too hard but not easy by any means, however, I did replace all of my brakes lines on my '68 with the body on with no cutting of the lines.

[Jim K.]

Re: C-3 - 1970 Brake lines

George and Mike, my hat is off to you both, I couldn't get at at least 3 of the line retention clips, nevermind find a line that long and think about snaking it up behind the batery box. I'll replave it with the correct spiral wound line if I ever have to do it again
Thanks for all of the replies!!!
Jim

[Patrick H.]

Re: C-3 - 1970 Brake lines

When I did it on Dad's 72, I was able to do it in 1 piece because the car is an automatic. I dropped the trans crossmember down to be able to access it. I couldn't imagine him being able to replace the line on a 4 speed car, without bending the line in directions I wouldn't want to bend it.

Patrick

[Michael M.]

Re: C-3 - 1970 Brake lines

Yes, Patrick as I recall the line retention clips were quite difficult and the car got a little of my blood that day, but I remember using both a 1/4" drive ratchet and a combination wrench to remove them. My car is a 4 speed but I don't recall having to do anything crazy with bending the lines. IIRC, I had the car on jackstands and I fed the line from front to back through the frame. I do remember that getting the line to meet up properly with the brass block at the rear of the car took some doing and little bending but nothing outrageous. I guess I just got lucky. Maybe the 68s and 69s had a little more room in that area than later years.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C-3 - 1970 Brake lines

Michael,

I installed the one on Dad's car while it was on our lift. I can't imagine doing it on jack stands!

Patrick

[george romano]

Re: C-3 - 1970 Brake lines

Jim

That is not only unsafe, but as far as I know, its illegal. Well, it would be illegal to use compression fittings on brake lines if it were a customer's car and you were the owner of a repair shop. I guess if it's your own personal car it would be OK legally, but I still consider it unsafe.
FWIW

Pasta
seeyouatCarlisle

[Jim K.]

Re: C-3 - 1970 Brake lines

Pasta, no... these are double flared fittings and for as long as I can remember o.k. to use (they are the same as a junction block which occur several times in the car). I completely agree with the compression fittings, not a good idea at all. But if I'm wrong, please tell me now while she's still on the lift!!!

[george romano]

Re: C-3 - 1970 Brake lines

Sorry Jimmy,
I was thinking compression fittings.
Now I "got it".
See ya next week.

Pasta

[Jim K.]

Re: C-3 - 1970 Brake lines

You had me in serious doubt there for a while. Yes, looking forward to next week, see you there!!!
Jim