Original Brake Lines?

Fred A

Fred A

Well-known member
Doing a brake job on a '40 that has been stored since 1970. The wheel cylinders were not horrible, but will be replaced. I have new hoses to replace. Wondering about original brake lines. Storage was under a covered patio in the San Fernando Valley, which prevented any body rust. Have a new master cylinder. Any thoughts or warnings? Thanks: Fred A
 
Fred
While replacing hoses and wheel cylinders be aware of the condition of the steel tubing.
Consider the 76 year age of the original lines. You can use your own good judgement.
Bruce
 
The outside of the line is not necessarily indicative of the condition of the interior. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture. The outside of the line could look pristine, but if water has been present in the lines for ~50 years the insides could be rusty junk. It would be advisable for you to inspect them carefully.
 
Get them off the car without any major damage and they make great patterns for making up a new set. I have been using nicopper and adding the spring/wire wrap on the ends near the wheel cylinders
Cuts flares and bends easy . It is also forgiving if you get a bend off alittle to be corrected.
 
Back in 1953 or 4, I blew a line on my 1941 Ford coupe on a panic stop. That car was only 12 or 13 years old at the time. Think this over and do the right thing.
 
I have come to learn that brakes are about the only thing you can't have any doubt about.
Change the lines and stay safe.
 
When I bought my 32, it was a running driving car. I have a very sttep driveway and the car had no emergency brakes. In going thru the brakes, I was able to remove all the brake lines by just pulling on them. They came off in my hands. I joked that it had complete 40 brakes down to the lines.
 
I have other business with Richard Lacy coming up a bit later. Looks like it will be wise to look into his lines too. Having another '40 chassis that is the ultimate platform for my favorite '40 coupe body caused my judgment to lean toward a quick fix to get the car on the road temporarily. This zero cost coupe may end up costing a few bucks after all. Thanks to all for the advice. Fred A
 
Do the lines just in case you push some rusty crap into your brand new wheel cylinders, then you learnt the hard way and it costs you again. I personally like making the lines, its a fun job. If you do decide to make your own the bare minimum tool you should buy is an Eastwood turret type tool. Please don't think you can do it with a cheap tool.. Again it will cost you in the long run.
 
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