Stainless steel brake lines

adileo

adileo

Well-known member
Hi folks

I'm thinking of putting disc front brakes in my 39 coupe. Is there a place that sells stainless steel pre-bent (front & back) lines with flares?
 
Stainless lines are very hard to bend/Tweek to fit like you want. They use 37 degree flares.
You may have to have adapters to make it all work. If you do the disc brakes why not just use the regular old brake line. Not the green stuff. Look around you can find the silver like we always had before. Jus my opinion.
 
Thanks - good advise I'm not locked into stainless. Where can I get pre-fab front and back brake lines?
 
Places like Speedway and Jegs sell most of the parts required for this type of mod. But as for pre-bent stainless lines I think you are into the Street Rod world. Might try some Street Rod sites and see if they have any sources. My guess would be that they are custom bent for each application.
 
I've done several cars and only bought pre-bent the first time and never stainless as they are so difficult to bend. Last one was my 41. I use 3/16 tubes which are easier to bend and 1/4-3/16 adapters as necessary. I use standard length tubes so I don't have to flare them and seldom have to make an additional bend/jog to fit them. I think the disc front kits use 3/16. Last front disc kit I used was from Speedway and it was just fine. I've also just bought the brackets/bearings by mail and rotors/calipers locally to save postage.
 
If you have the proper (well, what I consider proper anyway :)) flair tool the job is fairly simple. I have done a lot of brake lines over the years so the purchase in a good brake flaring tool seemed worth the investment.

I like the turret style similar to what Eastwood sells (mine is similar but a different brand).
 

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If you are willing to make the investment, Stainless lines can be relatively easy-

Buy annealed Stainless line, and either buy the Eastwood Flaring Tool or the Mastercool unit: http://www.mastercool.com/product/71475/

I have the Mastercool unit, and it works very, very well-

Buy a good Bender (I like Ridgid), but there are many good ones out there-practice on some scrap pieces, and git-er-done-it's easier than you think-
 
I bough a 25 ft roll of 3/16" old style shiny brake line with 25 end fittings for $13 shipped on ebay. I can't imagine shipping prebent lines.
 
Pictures of front disc on Model A:
https://sites.google.com/site/mrtexascitrus/home/hydraulicbrakes

Front disc on 41:
http://mrtexascitrus.weebly.com/earlyv8discs.html

Proportioning valve: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/380862363150?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

Brake metering valve:
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Brake...gn=CSEGOOGLE&gclid=CPOh87u3ss4CFQIpaQodetAGTQ

Front disc kit, works with 40 wheels:
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Complete-Disc-Brake-Kit-1937-48-Ford-5-on-5-1-2-BC,1997.html

I bought 3/16 to 1/4 brake line adapters from hardware store.

Brake line bender:
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Search?query=wildwood brake valve&facet=GA_Sema_Part:Residual Valves

Brake lines can be bought locally:
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/3-16-Inch-Steel-Brake-Line,1989.html

residual valve;
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Search?query=wildwood brake valve&facet=GA_Sema_Part:Residual Valves
--

Master cylinder:
[http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...der_5149329_499&keyword=brake+master+cylinder

MC adapter:
https://www.bobdrake.com/FordItem.a...Category=46e15489-c16c-4bd9-ac76-93044fd14e8a









 
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I don't know about pre bent lines but with the proper flaring tool, 37 degree and tube bender it's a snap. Godman Hi Performance will have everything you will need. Don't let the Stainless issue scare you I plumbed both my cars and not one leak or issue. If you need more tips ask.
 
Hi Andy
Just my opinion, but if you've got someone, or a write-up on the brake adjustment for your 39, that's what I would do. The Ford brakes are really excellent when properly adjusted with all the working parts in good condition.
I have a write-up somewhere that I used and will try to find and send to you, unless you have your heart set on the disc setup.
Regards
Jim
 
mrtexas, one comment on the master cylinder recommended. The description was not clear (and I didn't spend any time researching it!) but it looks like a drum/drum MS. You need a disc/drum MS with the disc front brakes.
 
I've plumbed many 100's of chassis with Stainless lines and AN fittings. I find it easier and faster than double flaring steel. I use 3/16th bright annealed tube and bright Russell fittings that have a stainless look. You need a really good flaring tool. Speedway sells one like I use for 140.00. It gives a consistent flare every time. Deburring before and after the flare is important also. Also don't scrimp on the bender. I like to make my cuts with a small cutoff wheel as I think a tube cutter hardens the ends. I use about 20 feet of tube on the average 28/34 chassis. I buy it 1000 feet at a time from a company in Mich. I fasten it to the rails with rubber lined stainless clamps from Gardner Wescott. Only thing wrong with stainless is it doesn't look right on a period correct car.
 
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While we are on this subject I just opened the latest issue of Street Rodder and a company now makes what they call a "Line Lapper". This tool actually puts a "lapped" finish on the flared end. Like when you do a valve job. Really? As I stated in my first text I plumbed my Deuce roadster and my '46 Woodie and had zero leaks. It doesn't list a price but I bet it ain't cheap! "Line Lapper???
 
Mrtexas, That was a great post! I'll need to order most of that stuff. For the Speedway kit you installed, did you notice if it increased the track width of the front wheels?
 
Just saying....I got my pre bent gas line from in line tube.
Well...it didn't fit . I had to make modifications to both the ends. And yes nearly 50 bucks for shipping that crazy box. Should of just bent my own and so should you.
 
I took the easy way and purchased pre-bent SS lines - inexpensive and free shipping. Just installed them yesterday with no problems. Just a few slight tweaks on the differential line. I spent less money than a high quality flaring tool, finishing the install in less than an hour: in time to enjoy a mint julep and watch the Kentucy Derby.

FYI: also got mine from Inline Tube on eBay. The shipping is only $15. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1953-56-For...ash=item5648a0a037:g:pfcAAOSwn51UZPjq&vxp=mtr. The two longest runs come with a 'shipping bend' that you will have to gently straightened.
 
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