1963 Brake Line Clip

[David J.]

I am helping a friend put new brake lines in his '63 convertible. We are puzzled at the type of clip used to secure the brake line along the top of the frame rail in front of the cowl. It is the first (and only visible) clip after the distribution block before the brake line travels under the body of the car. It appears to have had a bolt securing the clip, but the new clip seems to position the brake line too close to the outside edge of the frame. I would appreciate any information you might have on this. A picture would be even better. Thanks. Dave

[Michael G.]

Re: 1963 Brake Line Clip

The clip is not held on by a bolt. Here's a pic:

brke clip.jpg

clip closeup.jpg

[David J.]

Re: 1963 Brake Line Clip

Thanks, Michael. Your pictures are excellent, and I am very appreciative. Dave

[David J.]

Re: 1963 Brake Line Clip

I have run into a problem related to my earlier post. After carefully examining the hole in the frame for the brake line clip, I have determined that the green clip is much too small to be secured in the hole. The shaft on the green clip cannot be spread far enough to secure the clip in the frame. The original hole has not been enlarged, so I am now thinking that another type of clip was used. Does anyone else have any information regarding the type of clip that could have been used? Thanks. Dave

[Larry M.]

Re: 1963 Brake Line Clip

I have run into a problem related to my earlier post. After carefully examining the hole in the frame for the brake line clip, I have determined that the green clip is much too small to be secured in the hole. The shaft on the green clip cannot be spread far enough to secure the clip in the frame. The original hole has not been enlarged, so I am now thinking that another type of clip was used. Does anyone else have any information regarding the type of clip that could have been used? Thanks. Dave

David:

A couple of questions. 1. Are you sure that your friend's 1963 convertible has a 1963 frame, or could the frame be a later one?? 2. How much difference in hole size difference are we talking about??

When I installed similar clips on my 1967 car rear crossover brake line, the holes were also a bit (1/64 inch or so) larger than the clip. I had to make and use a tapered pin to drive into the clip and spread the attaching fingers. Could this be your problem also??

Larry

[John H.]

Re: 1963 Brake Line Clip

When I installed similar clips on my 1967 car rear crossover brake line, the holes were also a bit (1/64 inch or so) larger than the clip. I had to make and use a tapered pin to drive into the clip and spread the attaching fingers. Could this be your problem also??

Larry

Larry -

That's how we installed those tubular-shaft clips in the plant - we used a burp gun (small air hammer) with a tapered shank bit that spread the tubular shaft inside the frame.