Brake and fuel lines

[James W.]

Is stainless fuel and brake lines acceptible for judged cars

[Larry M.]

Re: Brake and fuel lines

Stainless lines will take an ORIGINALITY deduction of about 50 % per Standard Guidelines.

Besides the points hit, SS brake lines are also known to be difficult to seal from leaks.

My advice is to use original TBW (Tinned Bundy Weld) lines for all. They will probably outlast you and the grandkids.

Larry

[Jim D.]

Re: Brake and fuel lines

As Larry stated, they will not only get a deduction, they are very difficult to get to seal. Most likely, your original lines lasted 40-50 years as a driver. Imagine how long new TBW lines would last on a fair weather car. I use the original stuff for every car I restore.

[Joe L.]

Re: Brake and fuel lines

Is stainless fuel and brake lines acceptible for judged cars

James------


I agree with the other responders. I LOVE stainless steel but NOT for fuel and brake lines for the reasons stated.

[Jack J.]

Re: Brake and fuel lines

As Larry stated, they will not only get a deduction, they are very difficult to get to seal. Most likely, your original lines lasted 40-50 years as a driver. Imagine how long new TBW lines would last on a fair weather car. I use the original stuff for every car I restore.

Footnote: Both my brake and fuel lines ruptured/rusted through on my 1964 Coupe somewhere in the time frame of 10 years. Fortunately, the brake line ruptured while I was maneuvering the car in the back yard of my home. The best man at my wedding was working at Bundy Tubing at the time and he had a replacement line fabricated which I installed through the fire wall, inside the covered wiring trough and back out through a hole I drilled below the storage compartment cover. The fuel line replacement consisted of 3/8 rubber fuel hose inside the right side frame rail. AT THE TIME, both fixes worked for me. I'll admit, the brake fluid was NEVER changed before the rupture. That being said, Michigan Winter salt probably contributed greatly in both line failures. Jack J.

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[Edward J.]

Re: Brake and fuel lines

Is stainless fuel and brake lines acceptible for judged cars

Jim, You can have either line installed, as far as judging goes its states 50% deduct for stainless which adds up to be about 2 points, as the lines, fittings, clips are a worth 5 pts.. I chose the stainless route on my 63, there is a learning curve as they can leak if the fittings are not tighten tight, then loosen and then again tighten again, the reason for this is to seat the new lines to fittings. there is one note I will make about the new replacement T/B lines the wall thickness is not the same as the factory lines. I am not say all are equal but have noticed this with some venders, Ive brought for other corvettes for repairs.

[James W.]

Re: Brake and fuel lines

Thank you all for the discussion I was more concerned about the judging. Just sold a total restoration on a 1970 convertible 350/350 4speed. My next problem is correct paint to use. James Wagner (63063)