Steel Vacuum tube on firewall

[Tom L.]

Last nuight I was cleaning some rust off the vacuum tubes that run along the fire wall on my '72. While cleaning I noticed a small hole in the tube. Any ideas how to repair and refinish the tube?? The rust has taken over almost 50% of the surface. I'm pretty sure the tube is not reproduced so I think I'm stuck with this one unless I find an original in good shape. Thanks!!

[Paul O.]

Re: Steel Vacuum tube on firewall

Lynn

If the hole is not very large you maybe able to have it brazed closed.

Paul 18046

[Larry M.]

Re: Steel Vacuum tube on firewall

Lynn:

Buy some tubing and a tubing bender and make your own vacuum line.

I would check with a few suppliers like Ecklers, Keen Parts, Zip, etc and see if they carry/sell them. You can also contact Classic Auto Tube or Inline Tube and they will make you one from your old line.....they may even have a computer scan templet in-house by now. Don't know what their cost will be for this service. Probably not too bad, since they get to keep the templet, and fabricate/sell other lines from your example. Google the names for phone numbers and websites, or let me know and I will provide.

Larry

[Tom L.]

Re: Steel Vacuum tube on firewall

The hole is probably not more that 1/16". I can braze it closed but the finish will be worse off when done. Any suggestions on a finish for it, and the rest of the lines?? They don't look great now and I'd like to pretty them up before I put them back in. Thanks.

[Tom L.]

Re: Steel Vacuum tube on firewall

Did think of that but there are two lines brazed to each other. If I get two lines made and braze them together I'll be in a similar situation.

[Jim T.]

Re: Steel Vacuum tube on firewall

Curious, what are the functions of the two lines brazed together?

[Tom L.]

Re: Steel Vacuum tube on firewall

This is from memory so it may be incorrect. One line is the vacuum supply to the wiper door relay mounted on the fender and a smaller line connects to the vacuum switch under the wiper door. Hope I got that right.

[Edward J.]

Re: Steel Vacuum tube on firewall

Lynn, can the steel tube be made from a piece of tubing careful bending and a couple of extra hands to hold the tubes as you bend. I do this all the time at my automotive shop when replacing brake and fuel lines.

[Tom L.]

Re: Steel Vacuum tube on firewall

To make a functional set, yes. However to make a set resembling the originals your method will likely kink the lines, there are several tight bends.

[Edward J.]

Re: Steel Vacuum tube on firewall

JB Weld?(epoxy)