Aussieveedubbers · Tech Talk

New brake lines

https://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/threads/40709/new-brake-lines

jaksc ·

I've spoke to the brake specialist near here and he told me i can have either steel or copper brake lines as i'm replacing the ones on the splitty. Who recommends what and is one easier to fit than the other. I've taken the old one's out and will get new one's made when i decide which is the best way to go.

oval TOFU ·

steel steel steel - copper 'hardens' through the vibrations in the car and get brittle - thats bad. Brakes are good. Brakes that leak from copper lines are bad.

57kombi ·

I replace all mine with steel, lasts longer and will not crack as easy.
Also when you get them made, take yours in so they can copy them but beware, some companies charge extra to put each bend in, you can do it yourself as the steel is very easy to bend.
A company here in Adelaide charges $4 per bend and they do it by hand,there are quite a few bends in the long one.

Cheers
Dave

jaksc ·

Thanks guys,
It looks like steel is the way to go.

😀Aaron

oval TOFU ·

holy cr@p! $4 a bend?!!!

some advice: use your thumbs to make the bend. ie: the tubing will be parallel to the length or your thumbs. And make the bends progressively - ie: don't try to do the bend in just ' one bend' kinda, multi radius bends is the way to go..

hope that's not too confusing

blutopless2 ·

oval TOFU wrote:holy cr@p! $4 a bend?!!!
just what i was thinking!!! $4 a bend???

you could also try a tube bender.... will give you perfect bends and no kinks.

[Edited on 21/6/2005 by blutopless2]

vw54 ·

I think you will find copper is a no no for the RTA.

If your having trouble getting them done call Vintage in sydney they have most in stock.

oval TOFU ·

blutopless2 wrote:just what i was thinking!!! $4 a bend???

you could also try a tube bender.... will give you perfect bends and no kinks.
What ^ said - neater! Unless you got my skillz!:P (and as a result, sore thumbs...)

jaksc ·

I ordered straight steel and will bend it myself. Got the wheel cylinders stainless lined ,shoes rebonded,drums machined and with the new lines it should be sweet.😀

57kombi ·

Thats the way to go,
Replace everthing with the best you can , it might hurt the back pocket but its better than having things break down on you.and usually if you try and short cut it, it ends up costing more.
I know, I fitted NOS brake cylinders, but the seals had gone as they were over 40 years old and leaked like sieves.I ended up getting exchange ones that had been resleeved with stainless inserts and they were cheaper and guaranteed.

Cheers
Dave