C2 rear brake line installation

[Eugene B.]

Members,
I need/want to replace the rear brake line that runs from under the hood area to the connector in front of the passenger side trailing arm pivot. According to the 1965 AIM, the line runs on top of the frame rail and is secured by three clips. These also appears to be a clip in front of where the trailing arm mounts.

Question: Is it possible to replace this line with the body on the frame? (Please let the answer be yes). I would appreciate input and any "secrets" that will make the replacement possible.

Thanks and regards,
Gene

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 rear brake line installation

yes , it can be done but its a bitch on wheels. if you intend to pull the body in the future, wait till then to route a repro line in the correct location. in meantime if current line is dangerous, install a temporary line that is located in a easier to install location. mike

[Mike S.]

Re: C2 rear brake line installation

Gene -

I assume a 65 is similar to a 66. I just replaced (on my 66) the long line that runs from the main distribution block forward of the steering box to the small block beside the driver's trailing arm pivot bolt, as well as the short line leading to the block beside the passenger side trailing arm bolt.

I was able to remove and reinstall all of the bolts securing the long line to the frame except one, where I carefully cut the metal clip on the frame side and pushed it back in place to secure the new line.

Check your line - on a 66 the long line runs on the inner vertical surface of the frame rail, not on the top.

Mike

[Larry S.]

Re: C2 rear brake line installation

I have a 1966 and just completed the same project.YES IT CAN BE DONE.I replaced mine on a lift and dont know how it could be done on jack stands.I first ran the line up over the rear end area in between the body and the frame.Then I had to bend/shape the line to snake it thru the cross member.I also cut the clamp most foward next to the driver side foot well to get it off.I then had to take out the bolt holding the clamp (this was a project) when reinstalling it I just cutoff the tip of the bolt so I could slide it in between the frame and the glass to re attach the new clip.I would not attempt this unless I had a lift.

Good luck and be safe.When it come to bleeding the brake I would suggest a power bleeder(not a mighty vac)

[Ronnie Robertson # 36786]

Re: C2 rear brake line installation

Ditto Larry & Mike. But I did my 66 on jack stands. Wrap the fittings with electrical tape to protect from damage. I have seen on the board that steel lines are easier to bend than stainless. One good tip I saw on this board is connecting the fittings- tighten snugly, loosen and retighten several times getting progressively tighter. Worked great, I only had one small leak.
Good Luck, Ronnie

[Eugene B.]

Re: Thanks, guys

Gents,
This job sounds about as bad as I initially anticipated. It's not my intention to remove the body in the future so I'll try any and all ideas to get the line replaced.

Thanks to all for your responses.

Gene