65 Brake Line

[Donald T.]

Hi Guys!

I am currently replacing the brake lines on my 65. The left front brake line, (which I assumed was the original) has a loop from the brake block to the hose. The replacement I just received (pictured just to the right of the old one) is shorter and has an "L" shape. Is the new replacement the correct configuration?

Thanks!

[Philip C.]

Re: 65 Brake Line

Hi Yes the short line is correct Don pretty interesting the loop is not normal production. I dont know the back ground of your car. Do you know if the brake hose is orig. The small line were not made until the repo after market stuff came out. The shortest lines from the parts stores were about the lenght of that loop. I had a very very orig 63 when I sold it I did a complete brake job on it.I changed all the brakes and wheel cylinders.I went to put on the rear wheel cylinders and found that it had two rears from the same side, they bend the brake line around on top of the trailing arm to fit it in to the cylinder. I changed the line because it was wrong and I didnt have two right side cylinders. Iam sure it was made that way from the factory. Sh#$ happens Phil 8063

[Donald T.]

Re: 65 Brake Line

Thanks Phil. The brake hose is not original. Looks like the line was replaced with a longer one at some point. I'll go ahead and replace it with the correct replacement.

Thanks!

[Joe L.]

Re: 65 Brake Line

Don------

I expect that the configuration of the line was the product of the "field fabrication" of the brake line on the car now. It is difficult to "field fabricate" a brake line without "kinking" it. So, the use of the "loop" avoids the need for a sharp bend and the resultant likely "kink".

As Phil mentioned, the steel, factory-formed brake lines were unavailable for many years until the reproduction market and aftermarket "stepped up to the plate". In fact, VERY FEW of the steel, pre-formed brake and fuel lines used in PRODUCTION were ever available in SERVICE from GM. GM customarily instructed that, when necessary, replacement lines be fabricated from bulk tubing and fittings.

[Donald T.]

Thanks Joe! *NM*