The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk brake lines

I hope I'm in the correct forum here. I'm new around here so please bear w/me. I have a 65 flt/swb. It runs but no brakes. I was trying to bleed them yesterday and found a blowout in line going to rear right.I am learning as I go, but that appears to be the only major problem w/the brakes. I would like to just get it up and running, drive it a little, and get to know it before starting any major repairs. So my question is do I have to purchase pre-(bent) line just like what is on there or is there some sort of flexible hose/line that I can pick up at the auto parts store that will do until I get serious?

A brake line holds a lot of pressure when you apply the brakes. Any kind of rubber line would run a serious risk of popping when you apply the brakes, especially if you have to hit them hard. It would be very dangerous to replace the line with anything but a metal brake line. You don't have to buy a pre-bent line. You can buy line of given lengths & bent it yourself.

.on the prebent lines.Autopart can fix ya up.Just measure the lenghts ya need.Replace ALL lines.Steel lines and hoses and wheel cyclinders.Just redo your break system.It will pay in the long run.No breaks BOOM.You lost your investment in a flash and maybe your life.Ask for help if you have a problem.The guys on TV make it look so easy.But they know what there doing++++ 300 people helping with there restoration.

From what I can tell from your post you are learning how to repair things as you go. I would say that you will be best served by replacing all the lines with a pre-bent kit, instead of making your own. Making your own lins isn't too hard, but it will need some special tools for bending and for flaring the ends. Double flaring lines can be tricky if you've never done it, and an incorrect flare can leak. I'll also agree with dan-pa, redo the entire brake system. Most likely you have corrosion in other parts of the system and the rubber parts are probly in poor condition as well. You should be able to get most of the parts for the brake system at the local parts house. I would also stongly suggest that you get a shop manual for your truck. You may have to get 2 manuals, I beleive that the '65 is only a supplement, you may need the '64 as well. Check out American Classic, they have a good assortment and have fast service.

rsl-dixie,

Welcome to the bolt!
These guys know their stuff. A thorough brake inspection is in order with replacement of lines and hoses. (I did this to my truck...not fun bit worth it.

Going is good....stopping is better!

RSL Dixie,

Just chiming in here on what others are saying...

I tried to bend my own lines...I do not own a flair tool...after looking at cost of tools etc, I bought the pre-bent and was happy I did.

Not sure on how much you know about brake lines so I will add...the lines rust from the inside out. They may look good on the outside, but are one emergency stop from bursting through a weak spot. If you run your old bolt into the back of someone else, it will get expensive real fast! Brakes are one area not to skimp on. You will get back the return on your investment every time you step on the pedal.

Just my $.02 worth on this...

Thanks for the advice. I replaced 2 lines and the master cyl. this past weekend. She's got enough brake to drive around the pasture now, but not ready for the road.