C4 Brake Line (6mm)

[Bill B.]

My frustration level is too high right now. I have spent several weeks in pursuit of 6mm brake line tubing so that I can make the main run on my 84 Corvette. Where in the world does one go to find this tubing in a roll of 15 or 25 lengths? If there is a source, problem solved.

I have tried import brake shops, Chevrolet, plumbing supply and on and on! I can find 6.3mm tubing but the original fittings are then too small. If you are a brake expert, any help--like can I use 6.3mm tubing, fittings(?), and bubble flares or does this present a dangerous situation fitting the calipers and blocks which used the 6mm stuff?

[Joe L.]

Re: C4 Brake Line (6mm)

Bill------

So, you tried a Chevrolet dealer to get the tubing and they told you "no dice", huh? Well, that's because parts countermen are all too quick to just say "we don't have that" or "that's been discontinued". If they said either of these to you, they were wrong. Have them order you up a GM #12300088. This is a 25 foot unit of 6mm OD steel tubing designed for brake applications. It currently GM lists for $53.76. Maybe they should give it to you since you had to get the information to tell THEM something that they should have been able to tell YOU? That's THEIR JOB, after all!

By the way, other brake tubing on your car may be 3/16" OD. That's one of the problems with C4s---they can be a "mixture" of standard US and metric sizes. Anyway, you can get a 20 foot unit of that from the GM dealer, too. It's GM #12547207 and GM lists for $33.20.

[Bill B.]

Re: C4 Brake Line (6mm)

Thank You Joe! Local Chevy house is useless--I asked how they would fix it if I brought it to them? They said they didn't know since they hadn't worked on an 84 in long, long time--BS ugh. Can't wait to give them info after I set them up for being lazy.

[Bill B.]

Re: C4 Brake Line (6mm) Feedback

Joe, I want you to know how much I appreciate your help on this issue. Yes, my local dealer can get the tubing just as you indicated. I had to give them the number and even give them the price and they asked me "how long is it"--then they magically told me that "sure, we can special order it". I was nice and my problem will soon be solved on my 84 restoration.

I know you hear this from everyone on the site but you really amaze me. I check all the threads that you take the personal time to research and respond to. You are extremely thorough, accurate and polite. Just know you that your efforts are very appreciated. Thanks Again.

[Joe L.]

Re: C4 Brake Line (6mm) Feedback

Bill-----

It sounds like they think that "special order" is some sort of unusual occurrence. In other words, did they think that when you came in the first time that you were only interested in the item if they had it in stock? I would doubt that there are very many items for a 1984 Corvette (or, just about any other Corvette, for that matter), including ones that they were able to come up with the part number for, which would not have to be "special ordered".

These days VERY few dealers keep very much in stock, especially for Corvettes which represent a very small percentage of the parts market. They MIGHT have some of the faster selling parts and those which are applicable to other cars besides Corvette. Like, if you need an oil filter, they MIGHT actually have it in stock. GM has greatly speeded up delivery of parts from the regional and master warehouses, so most dealers just draw on that stock and avoid large inventory expenses. So, "special order" parts are just about ALL parts.