Solid brake lines

[billybradshaw]

G'day folks,

I'm considering replacing all the brake lines on my '71 bus. Has anybody done this and if so where did you get your new lines from?

Cheers

Ian

 

[Clarkson46]

Yes and made our own.

 

[angus]

Just about to - got a 'kit' from VW Heritage, although I guess if you have the right tools it is easy enough to make ones own like Clarkson.
Its precautionary at the moment, but I would like to replace the rubber pipes on mine at each wheel, and I know that something is bound to break when I try and undo stuff, so I figured I may as well replace the whole lot whilst I'm at it.
Will probably be in a few weeks, but I'll let you know how I go!

 

[Clarkson46]

Get your supplies from here

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/VWP-onlinestore/brakepipe/brakes.php

You need 3/16 copper brake line and 10mm short unions or use your existing ones if they are in good condition. After that you need a flaring tool readily available from many sources.

Local auto factors may be cheaper.

 

[billybradshaw]

Cheers fellas,

I've just ordered some stuff. I can lay my hands on a flaring tool no problem but what about a pipe bender? Do I need one or aren't there sufficient bends to bother with one?

Cheers again

Ian

 

[Joval]

You can use the head of a rubber mallet or something similar to bend brake lines, just need to be careful not to kink.

 

[super-craig]

can recommend Vehicle wiring Products in Ilkeston , use them regular for wiring stuff , connectors and the ratchet crimpers 8) freindly and very helpful bunch 8)

 

[speedwell68]

You can get the lot from your local GSF agent, a coil of pipe was only £8, pipe unions are 50p each. I think they might even do a flaring tool, you'd have to check that though.

 

[Guest]

a mate got ripped off by a local mechanic who charged £60 per line then found out he could buy the lot for £22 he wasnt happy at all. definitely do it yourself its one of the easy things ive done so far.

 

[Clarkson46]

When replacing the flexibles have some retaining clips to hand as the old ones will nearly certainly fall apart.

An 11mm split ring spanner is another useful item if you don't have one.

As for bends, 3/16th copper will bend round your thumbs or a broom handle or anything of a suitable radius.

And finally, there is no reason why you cannot re-use your old unions if they are still in good condition.

 

[billybradshaw]

Ta very much for all the replies fellas much appreciated.

I've ordered a load of clobber from VWP and hopefully I'll have it for the weekend. The whole lot came to about 30 quid which got me copper/nickle brake line, a load of new brake nuts and a ring spanner, not bad eh.

Off the top of y' heads does anybody know how many T pieces I need? I forgot to look under my bus before it got dark, :roll:

I'll take some pics and let you know how I get on.

Cheers

Ian

 

[Clarkson46]

1, but why do you need it?????

 

[billybradshaw]

Er.....I just figured on new for old whilst I'm replacing the rest of the lines. Do you reckon I won't need to replace it then Clarkson46?

Cheers

Ian

 

[Clarkson46]

As it never moves, it can't wear, they don't seem to rust and as long as you don't damage it getting the pipes off then why waste money. You've probably guessed I'm a tight wad that hates spending money.

 

[easy]

Er.....I just figured on new for old whilst I'm replacing the rest of the lines. Do you reckon I won't need to replace it then Clarkson46?

Cheers

Ian

I would always go for the replace all option. You know for 100% then, that all your lines are fine as you dont know what has gone on in previous years of the buses life with removal or reworking etc, so for peace of mind I would and have done it 8)

Did all the brake pipes, flexi hoses, nos brake cylinders on me notch the other day and it only took 2 hours but took another 2 and a half as one of the bleed nipples snapped off on one wheel typical blinking vws :wink:

 

[billybradshaw]

Hhmmm, I've started to make the new brake lines today. I did a couple of trial flares on some spare pipe before I tackled them and I'm not too happy with the results.

The actually form of the flare is pretty good but where the jaws of the tool have clamped the pipe they left some pretty grim witness marks. There is no way of adjusting the clamps so I've pretty much got what I've got unless I source another tool.

Any thoughts on whether the marks should be of concern or should I just crack on? If they are of concern then is there a make of tool that you could recommend?

Cheers folks

Ian

 

[ground hugger]

put a piece of masking tape on pipe where you clamp it :wink: