68 BB Oil Pressure Line source-Steel

[Patrick N.]

I have been searching the usual places for a correct oil pressure line which I understand should be steel w/ natural finish, from engine fittings to bracket, and braket to gauge per TIM&JG. I can locate a copper tube, but not one in natural steel. Does anyone know of a resource for a correct steel line for this application?

My understanding is the copper lines will work-harden over time from vibration and fail (that could be myth and I'm dead wrong),

Thanks,
Pat
68 427 400
88

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 BB Oil Pressure Line source-Steel

I have been searching the usual places for a correct oil pressure line which I understand should be steel w/ natural finish, from engine fittings to bracket, and braket to gauge per TIM&JG. I can locate a copper tube, but not one in natural steel. Does anyone know of a resource for a correct steel line for this application?

My understanding is the copper lines will work-harden over time from vibration and fail (that could be myth and I'm dead wrong),

Thanks,
Pat
68 427 400
88

Patrick------


Copper tubing was never used for Corvette oil pressure lines, although some of the tubing was steel with a copper plating.

I believe that Dr. Rebuild, Paragon, or Corvette Central carries a good reproduction of the line used for your application.

[John C.]

Re: 68 BB Oil Pressure Line source-Steel

Patrick

I know there will be people who disagree with me but I think the description in the JG for 68's is completely wrong. In my opinion no steel line or bracket was used. Line was plastic and it attached directly to the bushing in the block. You can see a picture of what I consider the correct configuration in this earlier post. The plastic line should be black.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...80133&uid=1959

John

[Patrick N.]

Re: 68 BB Oil Pressure Line source-Steel

Patrick

I know there will be people who disagree with me but I think the description in the JG for 68's is completely wrong. In my opinion no steel line or bracket was used. Line was plastic and it attached directly to the bushing in the block. You can see a picture of what I consider the correct configuration in this earlier post. The plastic line should be black.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...80133&uid=1959

John

Joe and John, thanks, Great information as usual. John, has there been further discussion on the steel line vs plastic line for 68 in the JG? Thanks for the insight on the fittings as well, you just saved me from my next headache.

Joe, thanks, I did come across similar info that in some cases GM used copper plated steel lines but never copper lines. I searched the sources mentioned, Paragon supplies this part to CC and it looks like they are plastic. I will call the Dr tomorrow to see what they offer.

Best,
Pat

[Jim T.]

Re: 68 BB Oil Pressure Line source-Steel

My 1968 original owner 327/350 L79 still has the factory installed black plastic oil pressure line.

[Larry M.]

Re: 68 BB Oil Pressure Line source-Steel

My 1968 original owner 327/350 L79 still has the factory installed black plastic oil pressure line.

I believe that the "black plastic" is nylon tubing. It has very good oil, chemical, and heat resistance. I used in some of my early (non-Corvette) cars when installing SW gages. Still available.

Larry

[Patrick N.]

Re: 68 BB Oil Pressure Line source-Steel

I believe that the "black plastic" is nylon tubing. It has very good oil, chemical, and heat resistance. I used in some of my early (non-Corvette) cars when installing SW gages. Still available.

Larry

Larry- a little off topic, but when you SW gauges- are you referring to Stuart Warner?

[Larry M.]

Re: 68 BB Oil Pressure Line source-Steel

Larry- a little off topic, but when you SW gauges- are you referring to Stuart Warner?

Yes.........I probably should have just spelled it out (Stewart Warner). Back in the 50's, 60's, and 70's they were the standard.

Larry

[Terry B.]

Re: 68 BB Oil Pressure Line source-Steel

'68 Big Blocks used the steel line as Joe mentioned where small blocks used the black plastic line. My BB has the original steel line (looks like copper but that is just a coating).

Terry

[Patrick N.]

Re: 68 BB Oil Pressure Line source-Steel

If I were to use the copper plated steel line, would the line from a 67 BB fit on a 68 BB- should be the same motor essentially? Bair's has the line for the 67- not 68. CC, DrR & Paragon no longer have the steel lines.

This part may be added to the "What's the hardest part to find" thread.

Thanks for the help.
Pat

[John C.]

Re: 68 BB Oil Pressure Line source-Steel

'68 Big Blocks used the steel line as Joe mentioned where small blocks used the black plastic line. My BB has the original steel line (looks like copper but that is just a coating).

Terry

Terry

Can you post a picture of what you have? I've always had my doubts that 1968 BBs used a steel line and bracket, but it is hard to find left alone cars. The steel line and bracket certainly isn't supported by what is shown in the AIM.

John

[Kenneth T.]

Re: 68 BB Oil Pressure Line source-Steel

Is the oil line a judged item?

[Terry B.]

Re: 68 BB Oil Pressure Line source-Steel

Hi John,

I have attached a picture of my oil line.


Kenneth,

I did not see an area on either the mechanical or chassis judging sheet that mentioned the oil line specifically.

Terry

[Terry M.]

Re: 68 BB Oil Pressure Line source-Steel

Kenneth,

I did not see an area on either the mechanical or chassis judging sheet that mentioned the oil line specifically.

Terry

An item does not need to be specifically mentioned on the judging sheet in order to be judged. If we had to specifically mention each and every part on the car, and the judge had to examine each and every part -- consider:
1) how lengthy the score sheets would be.
2) how lone the judging process would be.
3) how much thicker the TIM&JG would be.

I judge the oil pressure line (BB & SB) when I judge the firewall. Others may assess it on other lines.

[John C.]

Re: 68 BB Oil Pressure Line source-Steel

Hi John,

I have attached a picture of my oil line.


Kenneth,

I did not see an area on either the mechanical or chassis judging sheet that mentioned the oil line specifically.

Terry

Terry

Thanks for the picture. How far does your steel line go? All the way to the gauge or does it stop at a bracket as described in the JG? The oil line description is on page 68 of the RD (purple cover) edition of the JG.

John