Your two thumbs make excellent pipe bending tools. Rule of thumb: Nice and
easy and try not to bend in the same place twice (cold works the steel). I
got both my steel brake and clutch lines from Advance Auto Parts but I would
imagine that most of the other chain-type auto parts stores carry them. You
can usually get them in 60" lengths too. I did have to use two pieces and a
union on the clutch line though. As far as the fittings go, reuse your
existing ones if they aren't in too bad shape. As far as the flares go, I
used my mechanic's bubble flare tool that he's had since '06 but I found
that I had one at home too (I didn't realize that it would do double
flares). I would check the yellow pages for a hydraulic shop near you.
Mine does carry the tool, but I didn't price them.
I found this work to be so enjoyable that I went ahead and redid my fuel
line in stainless steel!
Have fun,
Jeff Church
'59 Bugeye
-----Original Message-----
From: Kurt Guerdrum <toadhall@vonl.com>
To: spridgets@autox.team.net <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Date: Monday, June 01, 1998 7:16 PM
Subject: front brake lines
>hope someone out there can help me. I've managed to break both of
>my front brake lines on my bugeye (long embarrassing story about
>my ham-handed mechanical ability that I'd rather not go into in depth)
>Anyway, I ordered new brake lines from vicky brit and discovered that
>the fittings already on them weren't correct (male at both ends)
>plus, i can't seem to find a pipe-bending tool small enough to make
>all the proper size loops in the line. Wanted to cut off one end
>put on the correct female fitting, and flare it. but I can't locate
>anybody who knows what a flaring tool is (myself included). I am
>at the point where i just want to pay somebody to do the job for me,
>but when they see me coming, mechanics and auto parts clerks run the
>other way. no one seems to know anything about this arcane art of
>making up brake lines with bubble flares.
>i live near Houston Intercontinental Airport, and can't believe there
>is nobody around here who can do the job or give me what i need to do
>it. Anybody out there that can give me some guidance?? I am willing to
>go "out of state" if necessary. Thanks in advance for any help.
>Kurt
>60 Bugeye - "Mr. Toad"
>
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