The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Brake line question

Belated Merry Christmas all!

My question is this, I have the stock drums on all corners and I want to redo the brakelines in stainless however in the near future I also want to change the front to disc brakes but as we all know that is an pricey item so in the meantime I do want reliable braking. If I do purchase the lines for the 4 drums, is any part of the usable later for the disc brake conversion? Has anyone ever done this?

What truck?
What size are the original brake lines?
What size do you need with the new disc brakes?

Likely you can use the same lines, but some research is needed.

Grigg

Thanks Grigg!

Sorry I forgot to mention that, it's a 64 C10 long bed. As far as the original size I dont know but it looks to be 3/16 it is all the stock tubing. I think the disc brakes will need 1/4" but I havent decided on what kit I am buying.

The steel lines are secured by a bracket or mount to the frame and a flex line from the steel line to the wheel cylinder on the front. The same application would be used for disc brakes. However your original system uses a single MC and you would have to separate the rear line for the disc conversion. It would probably be better to wait until you get the disc kit and install everything at one time. It's likely that something will not match up otherwise.
Fred

replace like for like size.
why S/S lines in san diego??
the salted roads in the mid & east coast i can see
and yes to your question if you set it up right.
my copper coated lines are secured by these clipshttp://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/1951otter/?action=view&current=579990-R1-036-16A.jpg
and covered by screen door springs.

Typically disc brakes on small trucks use 3/16" lines, but not always, you need to check.

If you use a dual circuit MC now that has very similar outlet locations to the MC you will use with he disc brakes (you may even use the same one?) Then you probably can use the same hard lines for both versions of the system. The flex lines may change length and or end design to fit the calipers.
Also think about the proportioning valve if you use one.
Pretty much if you use the same stuff or same size and shape parts for both systems then the lines will be reusable, you can figure it out by looking at the components.

I have put together two trucks with stainless lines I bent and flared, it's a lot of work and can be frustrating.
A better option is a copper-nickle alloy, sold by these folks as "Cunifer" http://www.fedhillusa.com/ At first I thought it was pretty expensive, but after using it and also stainless the slightly higher price of the copper-nickle line is well worth the ease of use and reduced frustration. I don't plan to use much if any stainless line any more.
You can get it cheaper on ebay from UK http://shop.ebay.co.uk/items/_W0QQ_nkwZkuniferQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZR40QQ_mdoZ about half price after figuring exchange rate and shipping. I'll try them when I need to order more. The folks at fedhill are nice, but some competition would be good for the prices (but obviously not for them).

Grigg

Carolines Truck: The reason I want SS is because I am planning on polishing them to give a nice look, and actually I am surprised how much these lines have rusted on an original CA truck!

Grigg: Thanks for the input, I see what you are saying. I was planning on buying the prebent lines so I wont have to do it myself, I understand it is pretty difficult since SS is so hard and the flare angle is different. Maybe I will buy the kit for disc/drum and make the lines leading upto to the split so I can use it now and replace them once I add discs upfront. Has anyone ever done this?

The flare angle on stainless steel brake lines is the same, most commonly 45 degree double flare, it should be just the same as a normal steel brake line.

If you will be buying prebent lines then buy the ones you need.
Most GM proportioning valves have two separate outlets for the front brakes, so each brake gets it's own line. Then the valve has one outlet for the rear brakes that goes to the flex line at the axle, then splits after that.

I think you will be confused about what brake lines you need until you have all the hardware in hand and installed on the truck, including the MC and proportioning valve. Then you will see where the lines need to go to and from. Unless you are real careful and have a factory setup prebent lines may be a mistake, at least make sure you can return them if they won't work.

Grigg

Thanks Grigg, I think you are right and I will wait till have it all together.

I have to replace all the lines on our 1950 6400. Does anyone know: Are the lines on a 6400 the same as those on a 3800? I absolutely hate bending brake lines...they always seem to kink at the last minute... so I'm looking for a set of pre-bent replacement lines. I have not found anyone that carries lines for the 6400, but several places seem to have them for the 1 ton 3800. So - if anyone knows where I can get a set of lines for a 6400, I'd sure appreciate the help.

Thanks,

JIM

I have both a 3800 and a 6400, and I think the original brake lines are the same with the exception of the line going to the rear axle, it will need to be about 2' longer.

If you have problems kinking brake lines get a good bender. I too get frustrated making lines, but only because I bend them in the wrong place, not because they kink.. If you just admit before hand it will take a few tries the whole process goes smoother.

Grigg