new brake lines, plenty of trouble

Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels & tires

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fordhombre
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new brake lines, plenty of trouble

Post by fordhombre »

Attempting to install new brake lines, i've run into several probrems.
1) replacing the fittings
2) flaring the lines

I think i've solved problem number 1, now it's onto problem number 2. Does anyone out there know of a tool that will flare a steel brake line? I went to purchase your average metal flaring kit, and the guy said it wouldn't work on those steel lines.

Before i go to a machine shop, i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. Thanks!
it's a 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 automobile!
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FORDification
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re: new brake lines, plenty of trouble

Post by FORDification »

This is a very inexpensive setup at Harbor Freight, but will handle what you need to do just fine:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/D ... mber=40878

Just be sure that whatever kit you get is set up for double-flaring. A single flare will NOT be sufficient for brake lines.
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-O-----O- Keith
'67 F-100 2WD SWB ~ '69 F-100 4WD SWB w/7" chop ~ 1975 F-250 Ranger XLT Supercab Camper Special
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-> Posting and you! <-a MUST watch for all!!
oldschoolrods
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re: new brake lines, plenty of trouble

Post by oldschoolrods »

I usually buy pre-flared lines from the part store in the proper size/length and then bend to fit, I really suck at double flaring so it makes the process a little easier lol
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fordhombre
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re: new brake lines, plenty of trouble

Post by fordhombre »

I have bought the pre-flared lines, the only problem is they all come in 1-sized fitting, which will either connect to the master cylinder, or the brake pressure differential housing unit, but not both. So i've decided to hack off an end and use the old fittings where I have to... Which means i'll have to cut, flare, and bend steel line to get an exact replacement.

If anyone has any other ideas, please share!
it's a 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 automobile!
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FORDification
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re: new brake lines, plenty of trouble

Post by FORDification »

Nope, that's exactly how you have to do it....that's how I did it on mine. Takes about 60 seconds to do a good double-flare, even for a beginner.

Take a look at the following link which has a short tutorial on doing a double-flare:

http://www.fordification.com/my67-p34.htm
____| \__
-O-----O- Keith
'67 F-100 2WD SWB ~ '69 F-100 4WD SWB w/7" chop ~ 1975 F-250 Ranger XLT Supercab Camper Special
ImageImageImage
My '67 restoration video
-> Posting and you! <-a MUST watch for all!!
Faithful Old Road Dog
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re: new brake lines, plenty of trouble

Post by Faithful Old Road Dog »

I've used inexpensive flaring tools and I've used better quality flaring tools. The most important steps to get that nice double flare was to cut the tube square, get a good even chamfer and a squirt of lube before flaring.
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re: new brake lines, plenty of trouble

Post by oldhalftons »

It does get easier with practice. Just make a few double flares on a scrap piece and you will get the hang of it.
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