The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Want 2 try COPPER Fuel lines @carb

I have a 6cyl dual-carb set up in my '57, and I am looking to get some ideas about using copper lines for my fuel lines. I'm looking for a diffrent look, and I thought this might look neat. The polish nicely! I've seen them before on some custom rods, and was hoping somebody out there has some pics that I might look at to assist me in making this happen. Pros and Cons to this? THANKS!!

Be sure the vehicle is a "show only" rig. Copper has a really nasty habit of developing fatigue cracks due to vibration and if the line is on a dialy driver, you're building in a serious fire hazard.
Jerry

What Hotrod says! It may be possible to have your steel lines copper plated to give the look you want.

If, on the other hand, you isolate them with sections of flexible line at each end, and sheathe them in rubber where routing clamps are used, I see no reason why they wouldn't last at least as long as the ones on an antique Harley I had.

Copper was used as original equipment for fuel lines on some US built cars as late as 1966, possibly later.

Aluminum was also used for many applications.

One caviat: if you do polish either copper or aluminum lines, do it by hand, NO power polishers. You can "work harden" the lines by power polishing that WILL lead to premature failure.

Jon.

The fatigue cracking is a concern, for that reason I would not use copper, there are better materials out there (even if copper was used for a long time...)

How about some copper nickel alloy, it polishes up to a combination of copper and stainless, looks like neither one or the other, looks about half way in-between. It is easy to work with like copper/unlike stainless, is not prone to cracking, and will not rust. It is not available everywhere, but you can get it from these folks, sold 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 the UK, possibly cheaper than stainless? http://shop.ebay.co.uk/items/_W0QQ_nkwZkuniferQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZR40QQ_mdoZ
About half price of fedhill 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

I have used "chrome" fuel lines made from water supply lines that go under an exposed bathroom sink.They bend up nicely and can be purchased in various lengths.Check out Lowes,HD or a good plumbing supply store.

Good point, Jon! My 47 Ford flathead had a 1/4" copper line from the fuel pump to the carb, with compression ferrule fittings. Since the pump mounted directly behind the carburetor, the line was only about a foot long, with one 90 degree bend in it. Trying to duplicate the bends of a stovebolt fuel line with the pump well below the carb and on the other side of the engine makes for a bunch of possible rub points, and a distinct likelihood of getting vibration fatigue cracks. Doing a rubber isolation splice between carbs is a good idea, and possibly another one at the pump, if someone is determined to run copper. I'll stick with steel!
Jerry

Gtow, those lines are probably chrome plated copper, which would need the same vibration precautions as unplated ones, but that's a very good idea for a source of inexpensive chrome line.
Jerry

I know that progress has been made but all of the old iron with vacuum feed tanks that I have seen were plumbed with copper.

Fuel lines made from, Brass were very common in the 20's. And they polished up beautiful.

My 40 Ford Opera Coupe has a 69 year old copper factory fuel line. I guess it must do aerobics at night to keep from getting "fatigued". Lord knows it traveled many a rough dirt road when it was a young pup, maybe even some with shine in the trunk.

my 35 Chevy truck uses copper line from the pump to carb. then a short line from the pump to the tank. Now keep in mind I have a short rubber line between the pump and the tank that is under the seat. I also, replaced the metal clips that hold the line with the new metal type that is rubber coated. You can get them at home depot for running cables in your home. Very cheep.

It will polish up (coper line) but, without a clear coat of some type it will continue to tarnish.

I see Grigg has found the Kunifer lines.

I've used this for many years on all my cars (when required)

It's easy to work with, fairly corrosion resistant and If properly installed and supported gives many years trouble free service.

If it's good enough for brake lines it's good enough for me!

Jock

I have to agree with Grigg on the copper nickel alloy tubing. Found it at "Royal Brass & Hose" while buying stuff for '84 Corvette frontend, which is metric by the way. A little bit pricey but line makeup with the double flares is so easy, and it shines up really nice for a street rods.

OK guys, thanks for the advice, I'm going to try the Cunifer nickel/copper line from the UK. I'll post the progess and pics as it goes along! J.R. in Va