Making new fuel lines. What do I need?

[In The Ten Ring]

So I got the carb back from the shop. Although it took 5 days to clean, he only charged me for an hour's work. AND he was able to reuse the old float so I can take the new one back!

The man said it was "full of fine rust" and he wishes he had taken a picture! He also thinks I should pour gasoline down the hardline and see if any rust comes out and if any does, to go ahead an put in new fuel line.

He suggested making my own from copper/zinc coated line from Advanced Auto.

What would I need to do that?

*More background: the gas tank has been removed and "renewed," all fuel lines have been blown out by compressed air, and the flexible connection hoses have all been removed and will be replaced.

[cdowns]

if there is rust in the fuel line that means there is rust inside your gas tank and at the very least you should pull it out and have it flushed and de rusted

[Eddie H.]

First, I would pull the tank, clean and seal it with a fuel tank sealer kit. if it has started rusting, it will continue if you don't seal it. KBS coatings makes a good epoxy sealer for fuel tanks. (It would also be a good time to think about removing the tank from behind the seat and adding one under the bed if you want to.) As far as the hard lines, you can buy pre bent lines, or you can buy steel line of different lengths from the auto parts store with the ends already flared, and bend it yourself. You can also buy bulk 3/8 steel line in a roll and flare it yourself, but it takes a good quality (expensive) flaring tool to make good double flares. Don't even bother trying to use the cheap Chinese flaring tools that most places sell.

[In The Ten Ring]

cdowns,

Check the updated original post. Thanks though!

Eddie H.,

Ah ha...so that's what I needed! Hmm....what's people's experience with pre-bent and flared fuel hard line from these restoration companies?

[JointTech]

ive heard that easy bend stuff that comes in a roll will work for fuel. Im an idiot and used hardlines and bent it myself. Went through 3 flaring tools before I finally kicked down the $150 for a good one. And even it sucks. I wish I had used that nice soft easy to bend and flare stuff. Unless its for brakes Ill never flare anything again. lol

[Lee H]

Inlinetube.com
Posted via Mobile Device

[Scottcoda]

Originally Posted by Lee H

Inlinetube.com
Posted via Mobile Device

When I replaced my tank I made the choice to make a fresh start with the fuel system. I replaced the sending unit, all fuel lines, fuel pump and added an external fuel filter, the fuel lines became pretty easy after wasting a few lines b/c I pinched them but after a few tries with a $10.00 napa tool I got the feel for it.
As far as the flare goes I just asked a local mechanic shop to flare it for me.. they had no issue doing this for me and even when I offered a few bucks for the couple of minutes it took to do they refused, (good business tactic as now when I need repair work they get my business)

As I was bringing the truck to the above mention shop to get inspected. I hit the brake pedal to put the truck in reverse and the brake pedal hit the floor. The fuel line burst just above the rear brake hose and after close inspection I made a quick decsion to replace all the brake lines.. For this I went with pre-bent lines from inlinetube.com via ebay.. The lines came 2 days ago and look like to be a good quality but will not have a chance to install till Thursday.

[In The Ten Ring]

So www.inlinetube.com offerings will fit my truck, exactly?

Is stainless better to go with over OEM?

[GASoline71]

I installed all new SS brake lines from Inline tube on my 1972 GMC and am a happy camper.

I bent my own 3/8" fuel lines with a bender from Mac Tools and a double flare tool from Sears/Craftsman.







Gary

[GASoline71]

The fit is pretty darn good. There is a tad bit of tweaking and bending to get the fittings to line up to get the threads started... but they went in.

SS will last a long time and not rust... however it is a lot harder than mild steel OEM lines and it gets a little tiresome on the fingers doing the tweaking for fitment.

No line kit is going to be 100% to factory and not need any tweaking...

Gary

[In The Ten Ring]

Threads started?

All I plan to do is go back with rubber hoses and clamps for connections like the original was. Can stainless steel prebent lines be done that way?

[ItsRandy]

Get some straight stainless, a couple of benders, a double flair tool, some flair nuts and make your own. I wish I would have from the start. It would have cost less in the long run and I would have been happy with the results.

[cdowns]

no need to double flair gas lines a single flair is all that is needed

[RLTW375]

Originally Posted by cdowns

no need to double flair gas lines a single flair is all that is needed

This is not what I have heard. Can anyone else second this??

[In The Ten Ring]

Can anyone suggest the right tools? (Links?) I understand "the right tools" are usually pretty expensive but if that's what it takes to give my truck the best I can, so be it.

[JonCheun]

I replaced my fuel tank and had used solid fuel line from the tank until it comes out of the cab. Then I took measurements and went down to my local hose shop and had stainless braided line made the rest of the way to the mechanical fuel pump and carb.

[68C15]

single flare is a different angle so you would need new tools, nuts, and fittings. But yes, you can use single for fuel. Double is needed for brakes due to the MUCH higher pressure

IIRC single is 37* while double is 45*