Rear brake line replacement '65

[John C.]

Re: Rear brake line replacement '65

Outlet size in '65 was 3/16 on PB systems thru the model run. Replacements used the larger outlets, requiring reducers to mate to the '65 lines.

Shoot, I don't know. When I called CSSB, Inc, the guy asked me what the outlet size was because about mid term production, GM changed the outlet size. He said he has seen both sizes factory installed with appropriate date codes.??...??
So, I'm not sure about mine as far as being the factory M/C or not. I can get the numbers off of it if you guys can tell me if it is stock or not.
I don;t have the knowledge to make that determination one way or the other.
JC

[John C.]

Re: Rear brake line replacement '65

John,
I replaced the front to rear brake line on my 64 in a little less than 3 hours with the body bolted to the frame. This included replacing the clips on top of the frame. I removed the drivers side rocker panel and rear tire. I fed the brake line into the wheel well going between the inside frame rail and the body. I then worked the line into place reaching under the car and going through the space provided by the removed rocker panel. The only tricky part was aligning the line around the frame kick-up. Bending was very minimal.

Hey Neil, did you do this with the car on the ground? I don't have a lift to get the car up in the air 5 or 6'.
I'm assuming you used a steel line instead of a SS line???
JC

[Wayne M.]

Re: Rear brake line replacement '65

.... the guy asked me what the outlet size was because about mid term production, GM changed the outlet size. He said he has seen both sizes factory installed with appropriate date codes.??...

John -- I see that the Long Island and Paragon catalogs call for only one size (3/16") for the long line on PB cars, but Corvette Central gives and early / late changeover; no VIN specified. The '65 TIM&JG is mute (ie. implies 3/16" throughout the model year) I don't know; all I can offer is I had to change the PB master cylinder on my '65 VIN 12555, sometime around 1975, and the lines were 3/16", and I had to use the adapters included in the box with the '66 style MC.

[John C.]

Re: Rear brake line replacement '65

John -- I see that the Long Island and Paragon catalogs call for only one size (3/16") for the long line on PB cars, but Corvette Central gives and early / late changeover; no VIN specified. The '65 TIM&JG is mute (ie. implies 3/16" throughout the model year) I don't know; all I can offer is I had to change the PB master cylinder on my '65 VIN 12555, sometime around 1975, and the lines were 3/16", and I had to use the adapters included in the box with the '66 style MC.

Dang, I don't know. You surely know more about it than me. Mine has the adapters, so I guess it could have been replaced at some point. Will there be a date code on the M/C that might tell us more?
JC

[Neil L.]

Re: Rear brake line replacement '65

John,
When I replaced the brake line, the car was in a one car garage on jack stands. I used steel lines, purchased from CSSB. I live in S Fla, so I picked the line up in person, so that the line was full length and I wouldn't have to unfold it.
If everything is working properly, and you have no leaks, I would try to dress up the nut first. Depending on what you have, try using #0000 steel wool and a swiss file if the nut is damaged. If you don't like the results, you can always change the line. Who knows, you might get lucky.
Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Neil

[Jeff B.]

Re: Rear brake line replacement '65

As I read through this string, I'm reminded of when I bought my 64 convertible about three years ago with the intent of just driving and enjoying it for a while. While doing a post purchase safety inspection I came across a section of fuel line that was rusted out and had been replaced with a rubber hose. I then saw evidence of the brake lines heading the same direction. So I decided to lift up the body and replace the fuel and brake lines. As I got going I joined NCRS and got hooked on everything being original (and perfect), and being a perfectionist .......That was about 2200 work/hours and a bunch of money ago. It has been a lot of fun and the car got Top Flight the first time out at the Bend Oregon Regional last year. Now I've got my sights set on Duntov and drive the car only on days with the weather is just right, never on the freeway and never to a parking lot. Just saying - carfull, it could happen to you!

[John C.]

Re: Rear brake line replacement '65

John,
When I replaced the brake line, the car was in a one car garage on jack stands. I used steel lines, purchased from CSSB. I live in S Fla, so I picked the line up in person, so that the line was full length and I wouldn't have to unfold it.
If everything is working properly, and you have no leaks, I would try to dress up the nut first. Depending on what you have, try using #0000 steel wool and a swiss file if the nut is damaged. If you don't like the results, you can always change the line. Who knows, you might get lucky.
Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Neil

I got the rebuild kit in today and put the M/C back together and reinstalled it. Drove the car for about 20 minutes and everything appears to be working fine. Thanks guys for all the assistance!!
JC

[John C.]

Re: Rear brake line replacement '65

As I read through this string, I'm reminded of when I bought my 64 convertible about three years ago with the intent of just driving and enjoying it for a while. While doing a post purchase safety inspection I came across a section of fuel line that was rusted out and had been replaced with a rubber hose. I then saw evidence of the brake lines heading the same direction. So I decided to lift up the body and replace the fuel and brake lines. As I got going I joined NCRS and got hooked on everything being original (and perfect), and being a perfectionist .......That was about 2200 work/hours and a bunch of money ago. It has been a lot of fun and the car got Top Flight the first time out at the Bend Oregon Regional last year. Now I've got my sights set on Duntov and drive the car only on days with the weather is just right, never on the freeway and never to a parking lot. Just saying - carfull, it could happen to you!

Yep, I figure it probably will get me after I get the initial "just got it and have a little fun with it syndrome" over with. I'm a little particular like you, and some of the things that aren't right are already buggin me.
Thx Buddy!