Brake Lines

[Peter S.]

I will be replacing the brake lines on my '75 shortly, who is the best source for replacement brake lines that will receive minimal/no deductions? I did receive a nice Christmas present of SS brake line kit from ZIP, but I do not want the deduct for stainless, nor do I know of their quality.

Opinions?

[Edward J.]

Re: Brake Lines

Peter, I would think most of the venders line are close to the originals as long as you stay away from the stainless steel lines. I believe that the armor that wraps around the lines may differ slightly in length.If you have the judging manuel take a look at it. the fitting colors are sometimes sepicfied also up at the master cylinder area.And then take a look on line at Zips web site for there fittings colors.

I think most of the corvette venders buy there pre-bent lines from the same manufacturer.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Brake Lines

The other issue with ss lines (brake or fuel) is that they are very hard to get a good seal at the fittings- the material is too hard to get the flare fitting to seal. If I had it to do over again I woud never have used stainless.
Jeff

[Edward J.]

Re: Brake Lines

Hi Jeff, The stainless lines can be a pain, but theres a trick to get them to seal. its been posted here before. If you tighten the fitting first(crank it hard) then back it off and re-tighten a couple of times they will seal. I do have the stainless lines on my 63, only because the single resevoir and if one line goes it the whole system thats gone. and it sealed the first time.

[Peter S.]

Re: Brake Lines

Looking closer at the lines I received, they are not the stainless steel. Any opinions about ZIPs brake lines? Comparing them too my old brake lines, it seems that the armor is short on a few of the pieces, especially on the straight piece from front to back.

[Edward J.]

Re: Brake Lines

I am not sure what the judges would say, they would have to have the measurements and doubt they would have enough time to do this as it takes a long enough time to judge the chassis. I think the fitting colors maybe more of a judged item than the armor coatings.

[Peter S.]

Re: Brake Lines

I am not sure what the judges would say, they would have to have the measurements and doubt they would have enough time to do this as it takes a long enough time to judge the chassis. I think the fitting colors maybe more of a judged item than the armor coatings.

I will have to take a look at pictures of my old brake lines installed, but the armor on my existing straight piece runs directly to the proportioning valve, whereas the new piece is a good foot short.

I did not know of the fitting colors. Is there an available chart? TIM&JG?

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Brake Lines

Ed,
You are right that there have been threads about stainless lines and how to get them to seal. For some it works. Others have had difficulty. I could never get the line at the carb to seal and I was afraid of stripping the female side of the fitting by overtightening so I resorted to a trick which may not be seen by some as proper but I put o-rings in the recess of the female side of the fitting and tightened the fitting reasonably. Has been dry for many years (only used o-rings that are resistant to gasoline). After many tries I did get the brake lines to seal all around.
Jeff