C1 brake lines

[Garry Barnes]

I am considering replacing my brake lines on my '56 while the body is off. They are currently steel, don't look too bad but thinking of stainless steel replacements. I know I will lose a few points on the SS but probably a better decision overall.

Suggestions on who and where to get the best product and fit. Haven't done this before but it looks pretty straight forward. Should I replace the junctions blocks at the same time? Hoses are OK. All comments welcome. Thanks.
Garry

[William C.]

Re: C1 brake lines

Stay away from the stainless, it is more difficult to form accurately, and the material hardness makes it more difficult to achieve a good seal at the joints. "Steel" lines are actually coated with tin in a "hot tin dip" process and will retain the original look for many years in cars that are not heavily driven in extreme climates, a much better choice overall for a restoration.

[Garry Barnes]

Re: C1 brake lines

Bill, great information. Do you have any suggestions as to who may make a better kit as far as actual fit?
Garry

[Jim D.]

Re: C1 brake lines

I agree 100% with Bill. Stay away from stainless. It is almost impossible to get them leak free.

[William C.]

Re: C1 brake lines

I have no recommendations, perhaps it is the shipping, but I find none that are a "drop in" without adjustments, which BTW are much more easily made with "Steel" lines than SS.

[Verle R.]

Re: C1 brake lines

Gary,

All "preformed" kits I have installed were at best similar to the original lines. They all required adjustment (bending) to fit. Some were actually a little short in places.

I would as soon get long run tubing of the correct size and do the bending/fit myself and have a good fit with ample length.

Verle

[Dennis A.]

Re: C1 brake lines

I would replace the brake line blocks, if you install new brake lines. Also, install new copper washers on the master cylinder. A little investment will go a lone way in preventing leaks in the system.

[Dave Suesz]

I just got a full set from

Fine Lines for my 55, and although I have not installed them yet placing them against the originals to check looks like they are 99% accurate repros. I also got all 3 hoses from them, and they are quite accurate, too. I plan to clean and reinstall my original blocks.

I have, in my work with Mustangs, spoken to several manufacturers of steel brake lines. They all hate stainless lines, as they are hard to form, hard to seal, and do not look "correct". The originals on my car are now 50 years old, and still working, I'm replacing them on principle because I am not sure they are clean inside, and they are a litte battered. Leave the ss to the pro-street/fast&furious crowd.