Metal Brake Line Source Recommendations?

[Bill Pritchard]

I'm finally replacing my original, 42+ year old flexible brake lines (with NAPA parts, made in China <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/mad.gif <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/mad.gif), and of course that job can't be completed without one or two of the metal line fittings being frozen up and twisting off <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/mad.gif

I know there is Fine Lines and Inline Tube....anyone have any strong preferences for one over the other? Or perhaps there are other sources I'm unaware of? TIA...

[x77-69z28]

i've never used fine lines, but have used inline tube on my 67 rs/ss and the fit was excellent. it is a manual disc brake car and every line fit

[m22mike]

Bill
Have used Fine Lines on several cars now with no big problems. There stainless seems to be a bit softer that the others.
They are a local Co. to me, Wadsworth Oh.,I believe. It is good for local guys because of the convenience of being able to PU at there shop.
Give'em a call.

Fine Lines (http://www.finelinesinc.com/)

[olredalert]

----I like the Fine Lines guys as well. They used to be in my home town of Medina. Good guys!......Bill S

[njsteve]

Just don't use the stainless version, just stick with the original style metal tubing. The flare fittings on stainless brake tubing never seem to seal properly due to the hardness of the stainless material, and it therefore tends to seep brake fluid. (always onto your paint and never directly onto the ground. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/mad.gif)

[Bill Pritchard]

Thanks for the feedback <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/worship.gif

10-4 on the original-type material....I used stainless fuel lines on a friend's LS6 Chevelle many years ago and could never get them to seal properly.

I used Fine Lines products on my wife's 69 Impala convertible about 17 yrs ago and they were indeed 'fine', but wasn't sure if things had changed in more recent times. Sounds like either one would be a good choice....and I bet they are not made in China <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/no.gif

Hi guys. I find this pretty interesting. Anymore views on stainless versus standard lines?

From my own perspective, when I was with the NCRS, I'd see the brake fluid drips (sometimes more frequently than I would have thought). And sometimes it was on uber-high dollar cars too. I never thought to look closely at the brake lines. I just shrugged it off as a potential side effect of silicone brake fluid.

In my own hot rod and drag race stuff, I build my own stainless lines regularly, but in those cases, the lines used aluminum AN fittings (not an uncommon practice, that's for sure). You can tighten them up pretty good and obviously, no leaks.

Now I'm working on my old Nova, and factory formed brake and fuel lines are on the horizon, hence my concern. The last thing I need is brake fluid melting paint.

So, anyone else with input on the topic? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif

Wayne <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[olredalert]

-----In todays world, for starters, our cars basicly only get driven in good weather, and fairly little even then. As well, stainless lines just arent original equipment. The few guys that made me use stainless ended up complaining about, guess what? The standard lines will far outlast just about everyone on this forum while still looking good. Thats my input!.......Bill S

[Bill Pritchard]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: olredalert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">-----In todays world, for starters, our cars basicly only get driven in good weather, and fairly little even then. As well, stainless lines just arent original equipment. The few guys that made me use stainless ended up complaining about, guess what? The standard lines will far outlast just about everyone on this forum while still looking good. Thats my input!.......Bill S </div></div>

What Bill said <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif I would not use stainless lines even if they were cheaper than the original material.

Thanks guys. Makes sense. And I certainly appreciate your input.

Wayne

[mssl72]

Has anybody tried to treat/coat the OEM type lines to keep that &quot;like new&quot; appearance?? How often do you change out the brake fluid?

Thanks

[SS427]

I spray them with Boe-Shield and they last for quite some time with no deterioration.

[Bill Pritchard]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mssl72</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How often do you change out the brake fluid?</div></div>

In my case, once in 42+ years <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/shocked.gif .....although I don't know that I would <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">recommend</span></span> that to anyone. I had a 73 Z28 that I purchased new and kept until 2000, and that still had the original fluid in it when I sold it. Never had any brake problems with that car, either.

Seriously, this seems to be a subject on which no one has any universally-agreed-upon opinion. As best as I can determine, this is a fluid for which manufacturers of most vehicles have no recommendations for change intervals. If it was as important as many repair shops and technicians would like you to believe, I find it odd that the manufacturers have nothing to say, when they are very specific about motor oil, trans fluid, coolant, and many times differential fluid change intervals.

[Charley Lillard]

The lid has never been off the master cylinder on my 1970 Z28 since the car was built.