The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Steel Fuel Lines

Seems since I last rebuilt anything 30 years has passed. Steel fuel lines are no longer as common as they once were.

Chevs of 40s is looking for 120+ hard earned dollars for these simple steel lines.

My local parts store carries only steel brake lines. Can I just use that?

What diametere was used originally? 1/4?

thanks

Hy BSCowboy, yes you can use the steel "brake line", I believe the original fuel line was 5/16" diameter. The lines used to come in plain and armoured (coil spring around the entire length), now they are also selling a line with some kind of coating on the outside of it. When I enquired about the coating the partsman told me that they were told the coating would stop the line from rusting, and also make it easier to bend. Personally I like to use plain line, the armoured line just gives a place for dirt to get stuck in. I have never used the coated line, hope that helps.

"and also make it easier to bend."

???

I, too, used the "brake line" stuff to make fuel lines for my panel (3/8") for a 455 Buick motor. Also , replaced the entire fuel line in my 58 Roadmaster with 5/16".
(BTW, the rubber line in the 58 had been in there for 20 years and was starting to
turn into bubble gum from ethanol on the inside; the outside looked like new!))

I used the steel line that is powder coated green in color. Seems to resist rust and corrosion better.

Used all straight material and bent it as needed. Both came out fine.

Also found 20ft (Transmission and Fuel) on Jegs for 50 buck with the nuts.

I used the coil steel line. I bought it off ebay in 25ft lengths. Gives me plenty for mistakes.

you can see it in the background of this pic. top right
...pic...

I used it for all my brake lines and recently for a fuel line.

I bought a 25ft coil of steel line. I think it was $33. Had enough to make my fuel and tranny lines.

I used some short pieces of steel line I had on hand and bought some of the "coated stuff" to finish up my brake lines. Personally I don't like the coated stuff, and to me, it just don't bend the same! Just saying........

i bough all the steel brake lines for my 52 3100 from inlinetube.com for about 125.00 and they even brought it to the show near me (no shipping fee)i know they fuel lines as well

The coated stuff is more bendable, its a different material. You can really bend it hard with out kinking. It also bends back much easier if you make a mistake. It is ugly though.

joe

I think the "coated" brake line might be the Nickel-Copper alloy brake line that Grigg and others highly recommend. It is available from NAPA, AutoZone, and Advance Auto (and probably many other places). I got some for wiper vacuum lines and it is nice to work with.