Fuel and brake lines - restore or replace?

[Keith R.]

Any opinions out there as to whether to try to spruce up the appearance of my original C-1 brake and fuel lines or bite the bullet and replace them? The lines are all functional as far as I can tell but don't have that "new"appearance. Not sure what can be done if I keep the lines and try to spruce them up - maybe an external acid wash?

[Jim L.]

Re: Fuel and brake lines - restore or replace?

To me, this is a safety issue that transcends any consideration of originality or cosmetics. You just don't know what they are like on the inside and can't know until and unless one of them fails. I'd replace those lines in a heartbeat and not think twice about it.

Jim

[Patrick H.]

Re: Fuel and brake lines - restore or replace?

How bad do they look? Are they rusty? Or just "don't look new?" Is your car a Bowtie candidate, or just a driver? All of these factor into your decision.

Right now I'm working on a 72 for a friend. It's not quite as nice as my 72 Bowtie car, but it is very original. Unfortunately between July when I last worked on the car and Dec 31st when I hauled it out of his grandma's barn, the fuel line rusted a major leak. Despite the car's originality his goal is to have the car fixed up/repaired enough to drive it and have it reliable. So, the original lines are going to be replaced and he's not going to worry about losing that item if he ever attempts a Star/Bowtie Award.

Just an example for you.

Patrick

[David W.]

Re: Fuel and brake lines - restore or replace?

Patrick it sounds as if you have experience replacing fuel lines with the body in place. I am getting ready to try this on a 1980 model. Any advice or trick I am missing? Regards, David

[Patrick H.]

Re: Fuel and brake lines - restore or replace?

Patrick it sounds as if you have experience replacing fuel lines with the body in place. I am getting ready to try this on a 1980 model. Any advice or trick I am missing? Regards, David

Actually, I'll be doing it soon. I've done brake lines on other cars, and the fuel lines on this one will likely be in 2-3 weeks. In fact was doing brakes on a 1960 yesterday after I reinstalled a caliper on my 72.

I don't know any more than what's already been mentioned in your previous thread when it comes to fuel lines.

I'll be using our lift, that's for sure.

Patrick

[Keith R.]

Re: Fuel and brake lines - restore or replace?

Thanks. Just wondering if the aftermarket replacements fit as well as the originals and whether there's any benefit to leaving the originals on there for Flight Judging vs. new replacements. I'm guessing that there is no real benefit and perhaps a real negative from a safety standpoint. I hear that I should salvage the brass connector blocks however before pitching the old line..

[Jim L.]

Re: Fuel and brake lines - restore or replace?

I hear that I should salvage the brass connector blocks however before pitching the old line..

The original brass blocks will have small internal deformations that were created when the original brake lines were initially mated to them. It is the ability of the brass to deform that helps an inverted flare fitting seal well.

Consequently, if you reuse the original brass, you may have some difficulty getting it to re-deform to fit the new lines. It's a crapshoot. About half the time when I try to reuse old brass I get uncorrectable leaks.

From a technical standpoint, it would be better to replace the brass, in my opinion.

Jim