flat fuel lines

[Gary G.]

I have a 75 coupe. Someone prior to my ownership squashed the fuel lines right near the idler arm. I have driven the car for ten years with the lines like this, but it bothers me. I don't want to remove the body to replace the entire fuel line at this time. Can I cut the fuel lines and splice in some type of connector to repair the line safely?

Thank you for any assistance.

[Joe L.]

Re: flat fuel lines

I have a 75 coupe. Someone prior to my ownership squashed the fuel lines right near the idler arm. I have driven the car for ten years with the lines like this, but it bothers me. I don't want to remove the body to replace the entire fuel line at this time. Can I cut the fuel lines and splice in some type of connector to repair the line safely?

Thank you for any assistance.

Gary------

Yes, you can. In fact, there was another discussion on this very recently here with information that should be helpful. In your case, you won't be able to install a coupling that will be hard to see, but you'll have a functionally correct fuel line. Someday, if you ever decide to replace the entire line, you can install the coupling so that it resides in a location that's difficult to see.

[Gary G.]

Re: flat fuel lines

Would it be better to make the splice under the car where it can't be seen, or just make a cut near the idler arm?

[Robert G.]

Re: flat fuel lines

In addition, if you ever order an entire new fuel line check to see if they bend the line to fit in a box for shipping. I seem to recall reading in one of the forums that that is what they do and it is best to buy the line at a car show where the vendor can sell it to you without shipping it.

[Joe L.]

Re: flat fuel lines

Would it be better to make the splice under the car where it can't be seen, or just make a cut near the idler arm?

Gary------


If it were me I'd make it in the least obtrusive location possible and consistent with ease of installation. The fact that you might have to remove more of the "still good" fuel line is of no real consequence. What I would do is to purchase a complete reproduction fuel line and cut it where you need to for your replacement section. Of course, if you decide to cut the existing line near the idler arm, you would need such a short replacement piece that you could just make it up yourself from a straight piece of tubing available at auto parts stores.

[Edward J.]

Re: flat fuel lines

Gary, depending on your acessiablty to the fuel line, you maybe able to take a few short pieces of some flat stock steel and a pair of vise grips and sandwich the flat stock between the line and crimp the vise grips take it in small steps, it may not be perfectly round but will open the flow to the pump, and not look as bad. Ed

[Gary G.]

Re: flat fuel lines

I might try the visegrip plan first, can't hurt.

[Michael W.]

Re: flat fuel lines

I might try the visegrip plan first, can't hurt.

It might be best leaving well enough alone. If the lines don't restrict flow of gas and have no sharp kinks that might crack, I'd take that any day over running a gas line with a junction fitting in the middle.

[Gary G.]

Re: flat fuel lines

The line has been like this for at least 11 years while I have owned the car. Mike, you may be right to leave well enough alone until a proper repair or restoration can be done.

Thank you to all for your ideas.