Front Crossover Brake Line installation (1965 PB)

[Jim S.]

I've installed these during body off restoration but not on a completed car. I think this brake line has the most bends. Any tips on how to install it? Just getting the old one out was a bear. I'm thinking going from the bottom and feeding up the passenger side first then feeding the drivers side up without bending too much. Any experienced input is appreciated.

BTW, I'm using a new crossover line from Zip as they were the only source that sells it separably from a complete brake line kit.

[Edward D.]

Re: Front Crossover Brake Line installation (1965 PB)

Yes a pain in the butt to be sure. I have replaced these but always from the top side. You have to remove the fan, unbolt the shroud so you can lift it a bit and slip the line under it and forward. You also have to drain the cooling system and remove the radiator end of the lower hose so you can get the line past it. Have fun.

[Jim S.]

Re: Front Crossover Brake Line installation (1965 PB)

Yes a pain in the butt to be sure. I have replaced these but always from the top side. You have to remove the fan, unbolt the shroud so you can lift it a bit and slip the line under it and forward. You also have to drain the cooling system and remove the radiator end of the lower hose so you can get the line past it. Have fun.

Oh my...not what I wanted to hear The hose is the pain.

[Jim S.]

Re: Front Crossover Brake Line installation (1965 PB)

Yes a pain in the butt to be sure. I have replaced these but always from the top side. You have to remove the fan, unbolt the shroud so you can lift it a bit and slip the line under it and forward. You also have to drain the cooling system and remove the radiator end of the lower hose so you can get the line past it. Have fun.

Ed, Did you do this with a 65 with the metal fan shroud?

[Edward D.]

Re: Front Crossover Brake Line installation (1965 PB)

Don't remember if I have done a 65, but I have done a 66 and 67 and both have tightly fitting (at the lower crossmember) fiberglass shrouds. You cannot slide the line under and forward on those without lifting the shroud a bit. If there is more space under the 65 metal shroud perhaps it is possible. If memory serves those are not as tight fitting as the later fiberglass ones.

[Jim S.]

Re: Front Crossover Brake Line installation (1965 PB)

Don't remember if I have done a 65, but I have done a 66 and 67 and both have tightly fitting (at the lower crossmember) fiberglass shrouds. You cannot slide the line under and forward on those without lifting the shroud a bit. If there is more space under the 65 metal shroud perhaps it is possible. If memory serves those are not as tight fitting as the later fiberglass ones.

That's what I'm thinking, that the lower seal may have some flex to get the brake line under without lifting the whole shroud. I'll try that first.

[Edward J.]

Re: Front Crossover Brake Line installation (1965 PB)

I have done a 63 from underneath you may have to tweak the line some.

[Jim S.]

Re: Front Crossover Brake Line installation (1965 PB)

I have done a 63 from underneath you may have to tweak the line some.

Thanks, the brake line is on back order now but I'll try both from top & bottom. I think the lower radiator hose may be one stumbling block

[Jim S.]

Re: Front Crossover Brake Line installation (1965 PB)

Front brake line arrived from Zip. Spent a couple hours today figuring out how to install it without taking too many things apart. I've got it in place but not connected yet. I did not have to remove the metal fan shroud or lower radiator hose. I had most of the bolts out for the fan shroud but decided to attempt feeding the line without removing the shroud. While I already had removed the fan, it isn't necessary. I found this was one of those jobs that required really thinking about all the alternatives before you get too deep into taking stuff apart

Here is how it's done for anyone contemplating this in the future. From below, feed the brake line up on the outboard side of the lower radiator hose. (Right side) (If it's an automatic be sure you are running it between the trans. cooler lines and the radiator hose.) With helper up top, feed the brake line up almost the whole length until you can begin to turn the bottom (left side) and feed it back down and across above the two bumper brackets. Then begin to feed the left (driver) side up and across the frame next to the upper A arm. The helper above helps guide the line so it doesn't hang up anywhere. The only 'bending' needed was near the fitting for the brake hose and brake block connection. I'll go back and tweak the line where it runs along the cross member and goes through the retaining clip. It's time for a beer now!